While commercial and subdividable property is occasionally available, most lot shoppers are looking for a building lot here at the lake. Lot ownership is a less expensive way to buy access Lake Anna, and currently there are no restrictions as to how long you can hold a lot before you build a home. Many waterfront lot owners build their boat house immediately, then build their house later, as their budget allows. Access lot owners may be able to keep their boat in an assigned slip and use it when they wish.
Here is some general information to help you when shopping for building lots and some general guidelines as to what you may expect at various price ranges:
Lake Anna lots are usually referred to as "Waterfront" or "Water Access." A waterfront lot will have deeded access to some amount of lake shoreline. Water access lots are lots that have no deeded waterfront, but are located in lake communities that provide access to the lake through a boat ramp in the community common area.
Many, but not all, lake communities provide boat slips for the water access lots. Some communities have other amenities in their common areas, such as covered boat slips, beaches, play grounds, or picnic shelters. Several have tennis courts, and two have swimming pools (one built and one promised by the developer).
Most lots are located in communities that have formed Property Owner's Associations. Most of these developments have Covenants and Restrictions and architectural guidelines, but some do not. If a lot is in a development, you will see the name of the development on the listing. If a lot is not in a development, it is governed only by the appropriate County zoning regulations, and you will usually see "Non" or "None" in the Subdivision field of the listing.
All three surrounding counties have zoning regulations for a minimum lot size of 0.92 acres, if a private well and septic are needed.
There are many other variables to consider when lot shopping, such as perk sites, set backs, and multiple laws and guidelines governing waterfront development. These notes are just a guideline, so please allow my expertise to help you find just the right lot at the right price for you and your family!
Lots over $350,000
Waterfront lots:
Expect lots with 100' or more of good waterfront. Water should be deep enough to dock an average boat without dredging. Expect the proposed home site to have a good view over the lot's own waterfront. The topography should have a mild to moderate slope to the water.
Higher priced lots will have a sandy bottom or beach, 200' of waterfront or more, or waterfront improvements such as a boat house or bulkheading. These premium lots sell for $450,000 or more.
Point lots with multiple views and hundreds of feet of good waterfront generally command prices over $500,000.
Remember to consider the orientation of the lot if you prefer sunset or sunrise views. Don't forget to consider the proposed house sites of neighboring lots as well.
Water access lots:
A lot which is not on the water (generally called a "water access lot") and priced over $350,000 will most likely be 10 acres or more, potentially subdividable, or have commercial value.
Lots under $350,000
Waterfront lots...Some nice waterfront lots are currently on the market in the $200,000 - $350,000 price range. Expect 30' - 100' of shoreline. Lots with more shoreline and better views command higher prices as do lots in upscale communities. Soil studies should show that the lot will support at least a 2 bedroom drain field. Pipe stem lots, shared waterfront lots, or lots with waterfront outparcels are considered waterfront and could be a bargain at $125,000 - $200,000. If a price sounds too good to be true, be sure to read the remarks carefully. The lot may not have deeded, exclusive, waterfront rights.
Water access lots...average $50,000 - $100,000. Lots with water views are generally priced higher than those without a view and are much less common. Nice lots in good communities with paved roads and an assigned boat slip in a well-maintained common area may run from $75,000 - $100,000. Remember to ask for a copy of the community's Covenants and Restrictions and a soils study, if available, before you purchase any lot..
Ask me for names of local contractors if you are considering building on your lot.
