When investing in a piece of property in Texas, you’ll want to do a heavy amount of research. This should include having the land surveyed and checking for any usage restrictions. Usage restrictions will usually be featured as part of the property’s deed, and will include things owners are unable to do on a certain piece of property. Keeping livestock, hunting and parking a mobile home on a piece of property could all be forbidden as part of these usage restrictions.
Are you wondering, “Does my Texas property have any usage restrictions?” It’s usually easy to check for any restrictions on the land. Just read the property deed carefully and consider having a lawyer look over it as well.
Land division restrictions
Some people plan on dividing up the land they’ve purchased to resell as separate properties. This could provide income from several different channels, making it a great way to make money. If you’re interested in doing this, it’s important to make sure there are no land division restrictions on the property before purchasing it.
Storage restrictions
It’s good to look for storage restrictions before purchasing your property. Even if you don’t have any large vehicles or other equipment now, you may end up purchasing one sometime in the future. Usage restrictions on storage could prevent you from keeping things like recreational vehicles, trailers and more on your property.
Hunting and livestock restrictions
Plan on using your land to start a farm? Be sure the property doesn’t have any livestock restrictions before purchasing. If you plan on hunting on your property, it’s also important to watch out for any hunting restrictions.
Other common restrictions
Some land usage restrictions aren’t much of a bother. There are usage restrictions that make keeping exotic animals on your property illegal, for example. Unless you’re planning on starting a zoo, something like this restriction shouldn’t generally be an issue. However, there are also restrictions that can keep property owners from running a business on their land or building an easement.
Can restrictions be removed?
Owners will usually put usage restrictions in place to help maintain their land’s value over time. If you own a piece of land with usage restrictions and want them removed, there are ways to do so. Removing land usage restrictions is usually difficult, but is made more possible by learning all you can about the restrictions.
Before purchasing a piece of property, do some heavy research on the area. County deed records can be found by visiting your local county courthouse. These deed records should provide any information on usage restrictions. Check and see if the restriction has expired or was set up by an association that doesn’t exist anymore. You might simply even ask a Texas county courthouse employee, “Does my property have any usage restrictions on it?”
Consider contacting an expert on property law in your area. While property lawyers and attorneys usually help with zoning problems and similar issues, some can also offer advice on your property’s usage restrictions.
If you’re considering a new piece of land and need to have it surveyed, contact the experts at D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc.