Land for Sale North Shore Chicago: Searching for and Building in Your Ideal Location
Chicago’s North Shore has long been deemed an extremely desirable place to live. The neighborhoods are beautiful and well-maintained, with a strong sense of community. The area offers a unique blend of top-tier schools, access to both nature and urban amenities, and a safe and family-friendly environment. Some other highlights that North Shore residents enjoy are a close proximity to Lake Michigan, excellent shopping, access to live music, incredible golf courses, and a vibrant restaurant scene, both in the suburbs and the nearby downtown Chicago.
Investing in land to build on allows owners to create a home that perfectly suits their needs and lifestyle, while securing a valuable asset in a highly sought-after location. With a variety of lot sizes and settings, ranging from tree-lined residential streets to expansive properties with lake views, buyers have the opportunity to design and build their dream home in an established, prestigious community. Beyond customization, investing in land on the North Shore offers long-term financial benefits. Property values in this area have historically remained strong due to high demand, excellent schools, and proximity to Chicago.
Of course, buying land for sale in the North Shore isn’t always easy because of high demand and limited availability. As a North Shore design-build team, we’ve helped many clients source, secure and build here, and are passionate about the process and doing it the right way.
Finding Land for Sale | North Shore Design-Build
Working with Local Real Estate Agents
There is a common misconception that real estate agents are primarily for buying and selling homes rather than land. However, real estate agents are crucial in the process of finding and negotiating lot sales, especially in well-established areas like Chicago’s North Shore. Real estate agents can also point you in the direction of tear-downs or lots not advertised to the public. If you’re looking for an experienced real estate agent to start your journey with, let us know – we’d be more than happy to send you some recommendations that our clients have worked with and loved.
Understanding the Land
Our team loves partnering with real estate agents to help you gain the knowledge of the implications a lot would have on a home build. When evaluating a lot, we carefully consider:
- Zoning Regulations: It’s important to check if the land is zoned for residential use and if there are any specific requirements for the type of home you can build (e.g., single-family, multi-family, etc.).
- Building Codes: Verify if there are restrictions on the size, height, or design of the home.
- Setback Requirements: Understand how far the house must be set back from property lines, roads, or other structures.
- Future Development Plans: Investigate any zoning changes or planned developments in the area that could affect your lot’s value or livability.
- Land Slope: Check the topography of the lot and determine how it might limit certain building options.
- Soil Test: A soil test is essential to determine the type of foundation you’ll need and if the soil is suitable for construction. Poor soil can lead to expensive foundation work or other issues. Watch our video on this process here.
- Drainage: Ensure the lot has proper drainage. Check for signs of standing water or flooding risk, especially if the lot is in a low-lying area.
- Availability of Utilities: Verify the availability of essential utilities like water, electricity, gas, and sewage. If utilities are not already on-site, check the cost and feasibility of bringing them in.
- Water Supply: Consider the source of water (public water, well, etc.), as well as its quality and availability.
- Flood Zone: Check if the lot is in a flood zone. If it is, you may need special insurance or modifications to your home design.
Each lot has a unique profile of considerations and aspects to investigate. While it can be overwhelming, having an expert to guide you through is highly recommended. By working closely with real estate agents, our team ensures you have a complete understanding of how your chosen lot will influence your vision for your new home, and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Building on Land for Sale | North Shore Design-Build
Before you begin construction on your North Shore property, obtaining the proper permits is essential. You’ll need to work with both local municipal offices and county authorities to secure the necessary permits for zoning, building, utilities, and more.
In the North Shore, each village or suburb has its own set of regulations regarding construction, so make sure to check the specific requirements for your property. This may include permits for:
- Site preparation
- Water and septic systems
- Architectural plans
- Environmental compliance
After you’ve obtained the right permitting, building your ideal property in the North Shore requires finding the right professionals to bring your vision to life. Our team is proud to have been designing and building in the North Shore for more than 30 years, giving us the unique ability to navigate the complexities of local regulations, zoning requirements, and to connect you with the trusted local contractors and suppliers we’ve relied on for years. No matter your preferred style of home, our team has the connections, experience, passion, and expertise to bring it to life. If you’re curious about our process, we invite you to explore more about how it works. If you’re interested in talking through finding land for sale North Shore and your custom home needs, reach out! Our team is always happy to help.