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Sell Your Land in California

Get a no-obligation cash offer for your California land in 24 hours. No fees, commissions, or closing costs.

Selling on your own? How to Sell Land in California, step by step and California land prices per acre.

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California Acreage Beyond the Coastal Cities

California has 58 counties and the widest spread of land values in the country, from Bay Area lots to desert acreage in Imperial and eastern San Bernardino counties and timber ground in the far north. Supply is high. Recent market data shows about 26,000 parcels for sale against roughly 12,700 sold in a year, near 28 months of supply. Parcels of 5 to 10 acres sold for a median near $80,000, 20 to 50 acres for about $168,500, and listings averaged around 136 days on market.

Paperwork is heavier here than in most states. Sellers provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure report that shows fire, flood, earthquake and other hazard zones, and parcels in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone can face building limits and higher insurance for the buyer. Groundwater is increasingly regulated under SGMA. The state documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000, and some cities and counties add their own. Gains are taxed as ordinary income, with state rates from 1% to 13.3%.

EasyLotBuyer makes cash offers on California land in every county within 24 hours. We charge no commissions or fees and pay the closing costs, and we can close in as few as 7 days. Parcels with back taxes, liens, title problems or no road access still qualify.

Our California guide covers disclosures, transfer taxes and each step of a traditional sale.

  • California's documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000; some cities and counties add more.
  • Sellers provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure covering fire, flood and earthquake zones.
  • Recent market data: about 28 months of land supply; 20 to 50 acres sold near $168,500.

Want every step, tax and closing rule in detail? Read our guide: How to Sell Land in California

California Land Market Overview

$80K

Median Land Price

12,689

Sold (12 Months)

26,014

Active Listings

136

Avg Days on Market

$5.0B

Total Volume (12mo)

2.9%

Sell-Through Rate

$105K

Median Asking Price

+1.2%

Price Change (YoY)

The median price per acre for land in California is $67K. Land for sale is listed at a median of $58K/acre, while land that sold went for a median of $67K/acre, because the parcels that sell are a different mix of sizes and places than those still for sale. Land prices have increased 1.2% year-over-year.

With 28.2 months of supply, California's land market is currently a buyer's market. The 12-month absorption rate is 4.1%, indicating how quickly available inventory is being purchased. The state unemployment rate is 5.6% with a GDP of $4048.1 billion, which influences local demand for land and development. The current 30-year mortgage rate of 6.18% affects financing for land purchases nationwide.

Land Prices by Acreage in California

How land values in California vary by parcel size, based on recent sales data.

AcreageMedian Price$/AcreSold (12mo)For SaleAvg DOM
Under 1 Acre$68K$304K6,21510,067118d
1-2 Acres$80K$66K1,1202,312137d
2-5 Acres$47K$17K2,1225,160152d
5-10 Acres$80K$12K1,1412,798153d
10-20 Acres$118K$9K6882,019164d
20-50 Acres$169K$6K7542,038153d
50-100 Acres$299K$4K185656197d
100+ Acres$520K$2K285793206d

Small parcels (Under 1 Acre) in California sell for a median of $304K/acre, while larger parcels (100+ Acres) average $2K/acre — a 99% difference per acre. This per-acre discount for larger parcels is typical across most land markets.

Want to know what your specific parcel is worth?

These are county-wide averages. Your land's value depends on location, road access, utilities, zoning, and other factors. Submit your property above for a personalized cash offer based on your parcel's specific characteristics.

How to Sell Land in California — 3 Simple Steps

Sell your California land fast without the hassle of traditional listings. No commissions, no fees, no waiting.

1

Submit Your Property

Tell us about your California land — location, size, and any details you have. No paperwork, no obligation. Takes about 2 minutes.

2

Get a Cash Offer

We research your property using California market data and deliver a fair, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. No haggling, no surprises.

3

Close and Get Paid

Accept the offer and we handle everything — title work, closing coordination, and all closing costs. Close in as few as 7 days and receive your cash.

What Affects Land Value in California

Understanding these key factors helps you evaluate what your California vacant land is worth.

Location & Proximity

Land near cities, highways, and amenities commands higher prices. Remote parcels in California may sell for less per acre but attract buyers seeking privacy or recreational use.

Road Access & Utilities

Paved road frontage and available utilities (water, electric, sewer) significantly increase land value. Landlocked parcels or those requiring well/septic typically sell at a discount.

Zoning & Permitted Use

Residential, commercial, or agricultural zoning directly impacts what a parcel is worth. Land zoned for development in growing California markets often carries a premium.

Parcel Size

Smaller lots typically command higher per-acre prices, while larger tracts offer lower per-acre rates but higher total value. California's most active market segment varies by county.

Farmland Values in California

According to USDA data (2023), California cropland averages $16,820/acre and pastureland averages $3,860/acre. The overall average farm real estate value in California is $13,100/acre. These agricultural benchmarks provide context for rural land pricing, though individual parcel values depend on soil quality, water access, and improvements.

Sell Land in California Without a Realtor

Compare your options for selling land in California. Traditional listings can take months — we close in days.

Real Estate Agent
Sell By Owner (FSBO)
EasyLotBuyer
Time to Sell136+ days avg177+ days avg7-14 days
Commission/Fees6-10% of sale priceListing fees + closing costs$0 — we pay all costs
Closing CostsTransfer tax: $1.10 per $1,000 (county may add)Transfer tax: $1.10 per $1,000 (county may add)We cover everything
Repairs/PrepSurvey, clearing may be neededSurvey, clearing, signageWe buy as-is
ShowingsMultiple site visitsYou manage all showingsNo showings needed
CertaintyBuyer financing may fall throughHigh risk of no saleCash close through a title company

Land in California takes an average of 136 days to sell through traditional channels. By selling directly to EasyLotBuyer, you can skip the listing process entirely and close in as few as 7 days, with a cash offer within 24 hours.

Taxes and Closing Costs for Selling Land in California

Capital Gains Tax

When you sell land in California for more than you paid, the profit is subject to capital gains tax. If you've held the property for more than one year, you'll pay long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20% federally, depending on your income).

State tax: California has the highest state income tax in the US, with rates from 1% to 13.3%.

Closing Costs in California

Transfer Tax

$1.10 per $1,000 (county may add)

Typically paid by: negotiable

Recording Fees

$15-$75

When you sell to EasyLotBuyer, we cover all closing costs including transfer taxes, recording fees, title search, and title insurance. The cash offer you receive is the amount you take home.

Attorney & Closing Requirements

California does not require an attorney for real estate closings. Transactions are typically handled by either a title company or an attorney.

California requires seller disclosures for real property transfers. When you sell to EasyLotBuyer, we guide you through any required disclosures and handle all paperwork.

Mineral Rights in California

Mineral rights can be severed. California requires disclosure of known mineral rights reservations. If you're unsure about the mineral rights status of your property, include this information when you submit your property details and our team will research it during due diligence.

California Land Prices by County

The 12 California counties with the most land sales in recent market data. Per acre, land is most expensive in Marin County ($999K/acre) and least expensive in Modoc County ($4K/acre) among counties with enough sales.

CountyMedian Sale$/AcreSold (12mo)For Sale
Los Angeles County$150K$231K2,3294,724
San Bernardino County$28K$30K1,7754,571
Riverside County$90K$159K1,4363,140
Butte County$38K$63K671871
Kern County$33K$26K6122,409
San Diego County$250K$67K460690
Fresno County$100K$158K349382
San Luis Obispo County$219K$117K329421
Lake County$15K$34K316678
Shasta County$60K$15K292515
Placer County$233K$112K266210
El Dorado County$155K$70K264418

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Land in California

Common questions from California landowners considering selling their property.

You have three main options: list with a real estate agent (6-10% commission), sell by owner (FSBO), or sell directly to a land buyer like EasyLotBuyer. Traditional listings in California take an average of 136 days to sell. With EasyLotBuyer, you submit your property details, receive a cash offer within 24 hours, and can close in as few as 7-14 days. We handle all paperwork, title work, and closing costs — you pay nothing out of pocket. California does not require an attorney for closings, making the process straightforward.