Sell Your Land in Costilla County, CO
EasyLotBuyer makes cash offers for vacant land in Costilla County, Colorado. With 607 land listings for sale and a median sale price of $11K, we use local market data to make a fair offer. Costilla County ranks #2 of 61 Colorado counties by land sales in the past year. We buy land near all 6 communities, including Blanca, Chama, Fort Garland and more.
Why Sell Your Costilla County Land to Us?
- We know the Costilla County land market and provide fair, data-driven offers
- Three offer types: fast cash, higher cash, or owner financing for maximum value
- We handle all Colorado closing requirements and title work
Selling Land in Costilla County: What to Know
Costilla County sits at the south end of the San Luis Valley, with San Luis as the county seat and Fort Garland, Blanca, Chama and Jaroso spread across the valley floor and the foothills. Thousands of owners hold a small lot here that they bought years ago and never built on. If you own one of those lots and want to sell, you are not alone.
EasyLotBuyer buys vacant land in Costilla County for cash. We have closed on 28 parcels in the county, in San Luis Valley Ranches, Rio Grande Ranches, Sangre de Cristo Ranches, Wild Horse Mesa and Forbes Park. We make a cash offer within 24 hours, charge no fees or commissions, pay the closing costs, and can close in as few as 7 days. We also buy lots with back taxes, liens, title problems or no road access.
Behind on property taxes in Costilla County? See what happens next and how a sale pays them off.
Subdivision Guides
- Sell a lot in Sangre de Cristo Ranches
- Sell a lot in Forbes Park
- Sell a lot in Rio Grande Ranches
- Sell a lot in San Luis Valley Ranches
- Sell a lot in Mount Blanca Estates
- Sell a lot in Mount Blanca Valley Ranches
- Sell a lot in San Luis North Estates
- Sell a lot in Trinchera Creek Estates
- Sell a lot in Wild Horse Mesa
Why land prices are low in Costilla County
Several large subdivisions here were cut into thousands of small lots decades ago. Sangre de Cristo Ranches alone has about 7,740 lots. That left a large supply of similar lots and few local buyers. Recent market data shows a median land sale of $11,000 across the county. Lots of 2 to 5 acres and lots of 5 to 10 acres both had a median of $9,000, and the 5 to 10 acre group alone had 219 sales. Lots of 10 to 20 acres had a median of $22,000.
The same data shows why many lots sit on the market. The median asking price was $13,500, but the median sale was lower. Land took about 152 days to sell on average, and there was about 23 months of supply. In plain terms, there are more lots for sale than buyers to take them in the next year.
Cost to build also holds prices down. Most lots have no power, no water line and no septic system. A buyer has to pay for a well or a cistern, a septic system and a driveway permit before the county will allow a home. Many buyers price those costs into their offer.
- 81152 San Luis: median sale $12,500 (107 sales)
- 81133 Fort Garland: median sale $15,000 (191 sales)
- 81123 Blanca: median sale $6,750 (80 sales)
- 81126 Chama and 81138 Jaroso: fewer sales, so prices vary more
Water and wells
Water is the first question most buyers ask. In Colorado, the Division of Water Resources (DWR) issues well permits, not the county. State law lets DWR issue small exempt well permits. On a lot in a subdivision approved before June 1, 1972, the usual permit is for household use only, inside one single-family home, with no lawn or livestock watering. A parcel of 35 acres or more can qualify for a broader exempt well. Lots in subdivisions approved after that date get extra review.
The San Luis Valley has its own groundwater rules for Water Division 3. Those rules require larger wells to replace their depletions, but they do not apply to small wells that meet the exempt well statute. Some subdivisions also have court water decrees that set what their wells may do.
Many owners do not drill. They install a buried cistern and haul water. The county requires a cistern of at least 500 gallons, buried deep enough so it does not freeze. Before you list or sell, you can look up whether your lot already has a well permit with DWR's Well Permit Search. If a permit exists, the new owner updates the name on it with DWR's change-of-owner form.
Camping, RVs and building rules
Costilla County limits camping on private land. Under the county Land Use Code, using an RV or other camping shelter on the same parcel for more than 14 days total in any three months requires a Long-term Camping Permit from Planning and Zoning. An RV may not be used as storage, as an accessory building, or as a full-time home.
If you plan to live in an RV while you build, the county's residential procedures require a construction permit, a permitted well or an installed cistern, and an approved septic system that the RV connects to. The county also checks that the parcel has no open code violations.
To build a home, the county requires a septic (OWTS) permit first, and the home must be at least 600 square feet with a kitchen and a bathroom. Only one dwelling is allowed per parcel unless the commissioners approve more. Manufactured homes must be 1976 or newer. Shipping containers are allowed only during construction. The county does not enforce subdivision covenants, so an owners' association may have stricter rules. Fees and rules change, so call Planning and Zoning at 719-937-7668 before you rely on any of them.
Roads, access and power
Many lots sit on dirt roads that were cut when the subdivisions were platted. Some roads are rough or hard to find, and snow and drifting can close them in winter. The county requires a Road Access permit for an undeveloped parcel before you build a driveway, unless one was issued in the past. The current form lists a $200 fee and asks for a site plan.
Electric service in the county comes from the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. Most vacant lots have no line nearby, so owners either pay for a line extension or use solar. A county minor development permit covers small work such as a driveway, a culvert and up to three power poles.
If your lot has no legal or practical access, you can still sell it. We buy land with no road access.
Back taxes and the Costilla County Treasurer
The Costilla County Treasurer collects property tax. Its official page is costillacounty.gov. From there you can pull a copy of your tax statement and pay online. The office is in San Luis (P.O. Box 348, San Luis, CO 81152) and the phone is (719) 937-7672.
In Colorado you can pay property tax in two halves, half by the last day of February and half by June 15, or in full by April 30. Late taxes add 1 percent interest per month.
If taxes stay unpaid, the county sells a tax lien on the property at an annual sale. The 2026 sale is online, with bidding set to start November 3, 2026. You can still redeem the property by paying the taxes, interest and costs at any time before a treasurer's deed is issued. Costilla County takes redemption payments only in certified funds or cash. State law on treasurer's deeds changed in 2026, and the county paused new deed applications while it updates its process. If your lot has back taxes, we can pay them from the sale at closing.
The subdivisions we buy in
We buy lots across Costilla County. Most of our purchases have been in five large subdivisions. If your lot is somewhere else in the county, contact us anyway.
- San Luis Valley Ranches
- Rio Grande Ranches
- Sangre de Cristo Ranches (Fort Garland area)
- Wild Horse Mesa
- Forbes Park (gated, with an owners' association)
Sources
- 1. scrocommunity.org
- 2. costillacounty.gov
- 3. costillacountyco-treasurer.tylerhost.net
- 4. payments.municipay.com
- 5. colorado.public.law
- 6. colorado.public.law
- 7. costillacounty.gov
- 8. costillacounty.gov
- 9. costillacounty.gov
- 10. drive.google.com
- 11. drive.google.com
- 12. costillacounty.gov
- 13. costillacounty.gov
- 14. costillacounty.gov
- 15. costillacounty.gov
- 16. colorado.public.law
- 17. colorado.public.law
- 18. dwr.colorado.gov
- 19. dnrweblink.state.co.us
- 20. slvrec.com
Rules and fees change; check with the county before you act on them.
Land Market in Costilla County, Colorado — Current Data
Land market statistics for Costilla County based on recent sales and active listings.
Higher inventory gives buyers more choices and negotiating power.
| Metric | Costilla County | CO Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $11,000 | $115,000 |
| Median Price per Acre | $2K | $43K |
| Active Listings | 607 | 9,279 |
| Sold (Last 12 Mo) | 378 | 7,136 |
| Avg Days on Market | 152 days | 156 days |
| Price Change (YoY) | -22.2% | -21.0% |
| Months of Supply | 22.8 | 18.9 |
| Sell-Through Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% |
The Costilla County land market is currently a buyer's market with 22.8 months of supply. Over the past 12 months, 378 land parcels have sold in the county, totaling $8.3M in transaction volume. Land prices have decreased 22.2% year-over-year. The median price per acre in Costilla County ($2K) is below the Colorado statewide average of $43K.
Land Prices by Acreage in Costilla County
How land values in Costilla County vary by parcel size, based on recent sales data.
| Acreage | Median Price | $/Acre | Sold (12mo) | For Sale | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Acres | $10K | $7K | 34 | 88 | 135d |
| 2-5 Acres | $9K | $3K | 35 | 112 | 130d |
| 5-10 Acres | $9K | $2K | 219 | 297 | 165d |
| 10-20 Acres | $22K | $2K | 26 | 28 | 155d |
| 20-50 Acres | $43K | $1K | 37 | 39 | 108d |
| 50-100 Acres | $62K | $875 | 7 | 9 | 111d |
| 100+ Acres | $90K | $524 | 4 | 9 | 159d |
Small parcels (1-2 Acres) in Costilla County sell for a median of $7K/acre, while larger parcels (100+ Acres) average $524/acre — a 92% 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.
Land Prices by ZIP Code in Costilla County
Land values can change a lot from one part of Costilla County to another. These are the ZIP codes with the most land activity.
| ZIP | Median Sale | $/Acre | Sold (12mo) | For Sale | Avg Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81133 · Fort Garland | $15K | $3K | 191 | 307 | 163 |
| 81152 · San Luis | $13K | $1K | 107 | 170 | 152 |
| 81123 · Blanca | $7K | $1K | 80 | 129 | 129 |
How to Sell Land in Costilla County — 3 Simple Steps
Submit Your Property
Tell us about your Costilla County land — location, acreage, and your contact info. Takes less than 2 minutes.
Get Your Cash Offer
We research your parcel using Costilla County county records, comparable sales, and market data to provide a fair offer within 24 hours.
Close & Get Paid
We handle all closing through a title company, cover all Colorado closing costs, and pay via wire transfer or cashier's check.
Sell Land in Colorado Without a Realtor
Compare your options for selling land in Costilla County. Traditional listings can take months — we close in days.
Real Estate Agent | Sell By Owner (FSBO) | EasyLotBuyer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Sell | 152+ days avg | 198+ days avg | 7-14 days |
| Commission/Fees | 6-10% of sale price | Listing fees + closing costs | $0 — we pay all costs |
| Closing Costs | Transfer tax: $0.01 per $100 | Transfer tax: $0.01 per $100 | We cover everything |
| Repairs/Prep | Survey, clearing may be needed | Survey, clearing, signage | We buy as-is |
| Showings | Multiple site visits | You manage all showings | No showings needed |
| Certainty | Buyer financing may fall through | High risk of no sale | Cash close through a title company |
Land in Costilla County takes an average of 152 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 Colorado
Capital Gains Tax
When you sell land in Colorado 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: Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax rate.
Closing Costs in Colorado
Transfer Tax
$0.01 per $100
Typically paid by: set by contract
Recording Fees
$43 flat (since July 1, 2025)
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
Colorado does not require an attorney for real estate closings. Transactions are typically handled by a title company.
Colorado 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 Colorado
Mineral rights are frequently severed in Colorado. Surface owners have limited say over mineral extraction. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Land in Costilla County
Common questions from Costilla County, Colorado landowners considering selling their property.
There are far more lots than buyers. Recent market data shows about 23 months of supply and an average of 152 days on the market. Most lots also lack power, water and septic, so buyers must pay for a well or cistern, a septic system and permits before they can build.
Short stays are allowed. Under the county Land Use Code, using an RV or tent on the same parcel for more than 14 days total in any three months needs a Long-term Camping Permit from Planning and Zoning. Some subdivisions, such as Forbes Park, have stricter covenant rules. Call the county at 719-937-7668 to confirm current rules.
Yes. Every new well in Colorado needs a permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources, and the county also requires a minor development permit for well drilling. On most small lots in older subdivisions, the permit allows household use only inside one home.
Under C.R.S. 30-28-101(10)(b), a division of land into parcels that are each 35 acres or more, with none meant for use by multiple owners, is not a subdivision under state law. Those parcels skip county subdivision review. A tract of 35 acres or more can also qualify for a broader exempt well. Most Costilla County lots are much smaller than 35 acres.
Go to the Treasurer's page at https://www.costillacounty.gov/treasurerpublic-trustee. Use the tax statement link to see what you owe and the Tax Payment link to pay online, or call (719) 937-7672. Redemptions after a tax lien sale must be paid in certified funds or cash.
Yes. We buy land with back taxes, liens and title issues. The taxes are paid from the sale at closing, and we pay the closing costs.
We make a cash offer within 24 hours and can close in as few as 7 days. There are no fees or commissions.
The median price per acre for land in Costilla County is $2K, with a median sale price of $11,000. Recent sales range from $4,835 to $42,500. Actual value depends on location, size, road access, utilities, zoning, and other parcel-specific factors. Submit your property details for a free personalized valuation.
Through traditional channels, land in Costilla County takes an average of 152 days to sell. With EasyLotBuyer, you can receive a cash offer within 24 hours and close in as few as 7 days. We handle all closing requirements, title work, and paperwork so you can sell fast without the hassle of listing.
Costilla County currently has 23 months of supply, making it a buyer's market. Land prices have decreased 22.2% year-over-year. There are currently 607 active land listings in the county. Whether the market favors buyers or sellers, EasyLotBuyer provides fair cash offers based on current market data.
No, you do not need a realtor to sell land in Colorado. While agents typically charge 6-10% commission on land sales, you can sell directly to a buyer like EasyLotBuyer with zero commissions and zero fees. Colorado does not require an attorney for closings, so the process is straightforward.
Typical closing costs in Colorado: transfer tax, $0.01 per $100; recording fees, $43 flat (since July 1, 2025); plus a title search and title insurance. When you sell to EasyLotBuyer, we pay all closing costs — the cash offer you accept is the full amount you receive.
EasyLotBuyer purchases all types of vacant land in Costilla County including residential lots, rural acreage, agricultural land, recreational property, and commercial parcels. We buy land in any condition — whether it has road access or not, utilities or not, and even properties with back taxes or title issues. Size doesn't matter, from small lots to large tracts.
If you sell land for more than you paid, the profit is subject to federal capital gains tax. Long-term rates (for property held over one year) are 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income. Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax rate. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Cities & Towns in Costilla County
We buy vacant land near all cities and towns in Costilla County, Colorado. Whether your property is inside city limits or in an unincorporated area, we'll make you a fair cash offer.
Sell Land in Nearby Counties
We also buy land in these neighboring counties. Click to see local market data and get a cash offer.