Land For Sale in San Diego County

How to Buy Lots and Land for Sale in California

Browse lots for sale in San Diego, Riverside and rural California. When planning to build on a vacant lot for sale, there are a few essential things to look out for no matter what size lot or how you plan to use it. Buy land in San Diego with the help of an experienced backcountry real estate brokerage.

  • land for sale in San DiegoFrom the beginning of your search, the most important thing to remember when buying a vacant lot is location. Location impacts the desirability and usability of the land so make sure you’ve settled on a place to build first
  • Make sure the lot for sale includes water and sewage connections. If not, take this in to consideration and think about adding self-sufficient utilities like solar, septic system and a well.
  • Understand your water rights – this can make or break your ability to build a well
  • Make sure electricity and phone/cable service is available if this is a priority
  • Confirm that there is a deeded right-of-way in place for land not accessible by a public road. The deed should give you and future owners the legal right to access the land, known as an easement
  • Check for any property deed restrictions or open space easements that may prevent you from building your desired home or infrastructure, such as an equestrian property with all necessary facilities or a home-based agricultural property.
  • If the lot is in a development, ask for the restrictive covenants, if any. This will tell you the restrictions for house size and other limitations
  • Check with the local city or county municipality for any zoning changes in the area
  • Make sure there are not environmental hazards on the land for sale
  • Confirm the area boundary with the agent and submit for a new boundary survey if desired
  • If you plan to build a home or an agricultural property, talk to lenders about construction loans and agricultural loans.

What Determines a Legal Lot For Sale?

In the County of San Diego, a parcel must be a legal lot to render it buildable. Having an APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number) does not necessarily mean it is a legal parcel (lot). For instance, some lots that are offered for sale are discovered not to be a legal parcel during the due diligence phase. In this case, the owner must to go through the process with the County of San Diego to create a legal lot which may include: obtaining a Certificate of Compliance, or locating a Grant Deed or other document of conveyance recorded prior to February 1, 1972 that describes the perimeter of the parcel without describing any other adjacent parcel.

To learn more on this subject, here is a helpful resource to open to provide you with additional information on the Planning and Development Services Policy for determining a legal parcel prior to issuing a building permit. Remember when investigating the possibly of building on a vacant land parcel, the first step is verifying the status of the land for sale in San Diego County, then moving on to investigating items such as slope, vegetation, access, and other pertinent development issues.

5 Tips for Buying Vacant Land

Looking for help with your search for vacant property? Watch Donn Bree give 5 tips for buying land in California:

Buying Land For Sale in San Diego or Riverside County? We Can Help!

Some real estate agents may not possess any knowledge about buying lots and land for sale in California. There is a significant different between agents who know residential homes for sale, and those who know land and vacant lots for sale. Specialty clauses, negotiations, construction planning require specialized experience from a brokerage specializing in large lots of land for sale. Red Hawk Realty is the preeminent land specialist when it comes to the California backcountry.

Our Lots and Land for Sale in California

  • Active Listing For Sale
    117+/- Acre Pine Valley Blank Canvas

    Pine Valley, CA 91962

    $395,000

    Located in the beautiful backcountry area of Pine Valley and nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, sits...

      Lot Size117.53 Acres
  • Active Listing For Sale
    Bonsall Grove & Homesite

    Bonsall, CA 92003

    $949,000

    Introducing a remarkable opportunity for nature enthusiasts and investors alike! Presenting a sprawling 27+/- acre property nestled in the...

      Lot Size26.93 Acres
  • Active Listing For Sale
    Lot 11 of Ranchita Multiple Home Site Offering

    Ranchita, CA 92066

    $119,000

    Parcel 11 comprised of 8.32+/- Serene & Usable Acres – Perfect for the Ranching Lifestyle & Custom Dream Home!...

    • Active Listing For Sale
      Lot 10 of Ranchita Multiple Home Site Offering

      Ranchita, CA 92066

      $119,000

      Parcel 10 comprised of 8.20+/- Serene & Usable Acres – Perfect for the Ranching Lifestyle & Custom Dream Home!  Located...

        Lot Size8.20 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Lot 09 of Ranchita Multiple Home Site Offering

      Ranchita, CA 92066

      $119,000

      Parcel 09 comprised of 8.31+/- Serene & Usable Acres – Perfect for the Ranching Lifestyle & Custom Dream Home! ...

        Lot Size8.31 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Lot 08 of Ranchita Multiple Home Site Offering

      Ranchita, CA 92066

      $127,000

      9.12+/- Serene & Usable Acres featuring a Water Well – Perfect for the Ranching Lifestyle & Custom Dream Home!...

        Lot Size9.12 Acres
    • Sold
      Borrego Valley Road Frontage

      Borrego Springs, CA 92004

      $47,900

      This 19.02+/- acres of Flat and Usable land along Borrego Valley Road has tons of potential! Power and communication...

        Lot Size19.02 Acres
    • Sold
      Desert Land Retreat

      Borrego Springs, CA 92004

      $50,000

      Conveniently situated minutes from Christmas Circle in the International Dark Sky Community of Borrego Springs, this beautiful 19.24+/- acre...

        Lot Size19.24 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Charming 10+/- Acre Lake View Property

      Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

      $165,000

      10+/- acre Panoramic View Home-Site, an ideal canvas to create your primary off-grid mountain dream home or weekend getaway!...

        Lot Size10.14 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Magee Road Getaway

      Fallbrook, CA 92028

      $89,000

      Nice Getaway property, 1.83 acres located within a lovely gated community located off Pala Temecula Rd. The property had...

        Lot Size1.83 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      2+/- Acre High Desert Paradise

      Julian, 92036

      $75,000

      Nestled at the base of Granite Mountain in Shelter Valley, approximately 20 minutes from Julian CA, this easily accessible...

        Lot Size2 Acres Acres
    • Sold
      Pala/Temecula Sportsman’s Retreat

      Pala, 92059

      $349,000

      Tucked away in the hills above Pala Temecula Parkway, this serene and versatile +/-20.82 acre provides the ideal canvas...

        Lot Size20.82 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      42 Acre Magee Road Ranchette Site

      Pala, CA 92059

      $425,000

      One of the last large, undeveloped properties in the higher elevations of the Rancho Heights neighborhood, this 42.4+/- acre property features panoramic...

        Lot Size42.4 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Breathtaking 71 Acre Hilltop Panorama Site

      Pala, CA 92059

      $849,000

      One of the last large, undeveloped properties in the higher elevations of the Rancho Heights neighborhood, this 71.49+/- acre property features panoramic...

        Lot Size71.49 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Desert Mountain Retreat

      ,

      $455,400

      Situated along a beautiful stretch of the Palms to Pines Highway lies this topographically varied +/-145 acre desert mountain...

        Lot Size144.45 Acres
    • Sold
      High Meadow Ranch Escape

      Julian, 92036

      $299,000

      Stunning 15+/- acre view property located in the private, gated High Meadow Ranch community of Julian, CA. Situated above...

        Lot Size15.16 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      High Desert Pristine Land with Spectacular Views

      Julian, 92036

      $100,000

      Privacy. Serenity. Spectacular Mountain Views. Bordering Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  Beautiful 6+/- acres of unimproved, pristine high desert...

        Lot Size6 Acres
    • Pending
      Ranchita Versatile Acreage

      Ranchita, 92066

      $280,000

      40 +/- Serene & Usable Acres – Perfect for the Ranching Lifestyle!  Located in the heart of the San Diego...

        Lot Size40 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      3 - Black - WE VL
      Wynola Estates View Homesite

      Santa Ysabel, 92070

      $140,000

      Located in the heart of San Diego County’s apple, wine, and gold country, lies this sprawling future home-site encompassing...

        Lot Size9.5 Acres
    • Pending
      Private Mesa Grande Homesite

      Santa Ysabel, 92070

      $225,000

      Beautiful and Private 5.5+/- Acre Mesa Grande Homesite – This hidden gem is situated along the edge of a...

        Lot Size5.5 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      10 +/- Acre Private Valley Escape

      ,

      $197,000

      Seeking solitude, privacy, and scenic land to enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle? This beautiful 10-acre parcel for sale located...

        Lot Size10.54 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Sensational Mountain Home Site

      Garner Valley, 92561

      $1,200,000

      Majestic Home Site situated above 20+/- acres of gorgeous, varied terrain, this exquisite property offers unmatched beauty and is...

        Lot Size20 Acres
    • Sold
      Secluded Mesa Grande Home-Site

      Santa Ysabel, 92070

      199,000 to $229,000

      Secluded, mountain home-site on 8.68 acres on the desirable North side of Mesa Grande at the base of Angel...

        Lot Size8.68 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Canyon Country Lane Homesite

      Escondido, 92026

      $225,000

      Situated along a lush, verdant year-round creek, this 2.8+/- acre view homesite is surrounded by the wildlife of beautiful,...

        Lot Size2.8 Acres
    • Sold
      Poway View Home Site

      Poway, 92064

      $349,000

      32+/- acre elite estate home site located in the City of Poway at the base of Iron Mountain. This...

      • RRC#322-041-07-00
      • Lot Size32 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Rancho Heights View Sites

      Pala, 92059

      $1,400,000

      One of the last large, undeveloped properties in the higher elevations of the Rancho Heights neighborhood, this 113+/- acre...

        Lot Size113 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Getaway property in Fallbrook

      Fallbrook, 92028

      $89,000

      Getaway property, 1.83 acres located within a lovely gated community located off Pala/Pechanga Pkwy. The property has a septic...

        Lot Size1.89 Acres
    • Sold
      Oak Ridge Stock Farm

      Julian, 92036

      $6,999,000

      Located in the heart of Southern California’s pristine San Diego County Mountains, sits the 621+ acre Oak Ridge Stock...

      • Bed3
      • Baths2
      • Sq Ft1800
      • Lot Size621 Acres
    • Sold
      13+/- Acres of Pristine Natural Beauty, Opportunity, and Stunning Views

      Valley Center, 92082

      $219,500

      13+/- Acres of Pristine Natural Beauty, Opportunity, and Stunning Views In the beautiful and flourishing agricultural setting of Pauma...

      • RRC#NDP2109874
      • Lot Size12.96 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      18+ acres in Beautiful Volcano

      Volcano, 95689

      $249,000

      18+ acres in Beautiful Volcano 18+ acres in beautiful Volcano, this property is two separate parcels (APN# 021-270-002 9.64ac,...

        Lot Size18.14 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Custom Mountain Dream Homesite

      Julian, 92036

      $235,000

      Custom Mountain Dream Homesite Located in the prestigious Julian Estates, this stunning 4.2+/- acre parcel is ready for your...

        Lot Size4.27 Acres
    • Sold
      San Diego County Recreational Paradise

      Mount Laguna, 91948

      $299,000

      San Diego County Recreational Paradise Rare opportunity to own pristine, expansive mountainous land in the San Diego backcountry community...

        Lot Size166 Acres
    • Sold
      25 +/- Acre Exceptional Agricultural Opportunity

      Julian, 92036

      $359,000

      25 +/- Acre Exceptional Agricultural Opportunity In the beautiful agricultural center of Julian, CA lies a rare offering of...

        Lot Size25 Acres
    • Sold
      177 +/- Acre Pristine Ranch Paradise

      Ramona, 92065

      $1,649,000

      177 +/- Acre Pristine Ranch Paradise ~ Seller Accepting Backup Offers ~ In the lush agricultural heart of the...

        Lot Size177 Acres
    • Sold
      Pine Hills Homesite

      Julian, 92036

      $229,000

      Pine Hills Homesite This easily accessible, partially developed 4.2 +/- acre Pine Hills parcel offers exceptional views of the...

      • RRC#NDP2102136
      • Lot Size4.2 Acres Acres
    • Sold
      10 +/- Acres In Ramona With Views

      Ramona, 92065

      $199,000

      10 +/- Acres In Ramona With Views This 10+/- acre Ramona property in the 4Corners region just outside the...

        Lot Size10 Acres
    • Sold
      Beautiful Ramona Property Home Site

      Ramona, 92065

      $210,000

      Beautiful Ramona Property Home Site This ~3.06 acre property consisting of 2 APNs on the western edge of Ramona...

        Lot Size3.06 Acres
    • Sold
      Pristine Undeveloped Land - 160 Usable Acres

      Ranchita, 92066

      $399,000

      Pristine Undeveloped Land – 160 Usable Acres Pristine Undeveloped land for sale – 160 Usable Acres. Ideal for Development,...

        Lot Size160 Acres
    • Sold
      Eagle Crest Property 21 Acres

      Ramona, 92065

      $199,900

      Welcome to the Highland Valley Wine Country. 21 acres of unlimited vista with an additional 8.31 acres for purchase....

        Lot Size21.15 Acres
    • Sold
      Eagle Crest Property 8.31 Acres

      Ramona, 92065

      $149,000

      Welcome to the Highland Valley Wine Country. 21 acres of unlimited vista with an additional 8.31 acres for purchase. Each...

        Lot Size8.31 Acres
    • Sold
      Stunning Views and Opportunity on 123 +/- Acres

      Lakeside, 92040

      $549,000

      Stunning Views and Opportunity on 123+/- Acres Stunning, panoramic views throughout with an ocean view on a clear day!...

        Lot Size123 Acres
    • Sold
      Southern California Ranch Land Retreat

      Santa Ysabel, 92070

      $550,000

      Southern California Ranch Land Retreat 80+/- ACRE of scenic range land located in the historic San Diego County ranching...

      • Sq Ft965
      • Lot Size80 Acres
    • Sold
      Paradise In Poway

      Poway, 92064

      $1,150,000

      PARADISE IN POWAY 80+/- acre elite estate home site located in the City of Poway near Iron Mountain. This...

        Lot Size80 Acres
    • Sold
      Granite Mountain 187 Acre Ranch

      Julian, 92036

      $359,000

      Stunningly beautiful ranch property with numerous roads, locked gate, very few neighbors. This off-grid property boasts a pond, water-spring,...

        Lot Size187 Acres
    • Sold
      Ramona Agricultural Acreage

      Ramona, 92065

      $699,000

      A cultivators dream property awaits at this 9+ acres farm land property located in the heart of Ramona. Flat,...

      • RRC#190056573
      • Lot Size9 Acres
    • Sold
      4.2 Acres Japatul Valley

      Alpine, 91901

      $330,000

      Exciting opportunity awaits at this 4.2-acre land/lot for sale is located in the exclusive Rancho Japatul Estates. Situated within...

      • RRC#190058652
      • Lot Size4.2 Acres
    • Sold
      10.81 Acres Japatul Valley

      Alpine, 91901

      $250,000

      Exciting opportunity awaits at this 10.81-acre property located in the exclusive Rancho Japatul Estates. Situated within the Japatul Valley...

      • RRC#190058652
      • Lot Size10.81 Acres
    • Sold
      Japatul Valley Acreage

      Alpine, 91901

      $500,000

      A rare and exciting opportunity awaits at this 15-acre property located in the exclusive Rancho Japatul Estates. Situated within...

      • RRC#190058646
      • Lot Size15 Acres
    • Sold
      Julian Wine Tasting
      Sutter Creek Agricultural Opportunity

      Sutter Creek, 95685

      $2,500,000

        Sutter Creek Agricultural Opportunity 347+/- acre Unique Ranching & Agricultural Investment Opportunity in the heart of Amador County’s...

      • Bed1
      • Sq FtN/A
      • Lot Size347 Acres
    • Sold
      Mesa Grande Lake View Home Site

      Santa Ysabel, 92070

      $265,000

      Incredible views make this 11+ acre home site the perfect canvas to create your full-time residence or private weekend...

      • RRC#200001733
      • Lot Size11 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      Incredible Fallbrook Homesite

      Fallbrook, 92028

      $239,000

      Incredible Fallbrook Homesite 17+ Acre Elevated Estate Fallbrook Home-site rich with opportunity and features incredible panoramic VIEWS! Enjoy vast...

      • RRC#NDP2108471
      • Lot Size17.4 Acres
    • Sold
      9.47 Acres Beautiful Ramona View

      Ramona, 92065

      $150,000

      Parcel #23: 9.47 Acres Beautiful Ramona View MOTIVATED SELLER!!! Price Reduced! Sitting on 9.46 acres in sunny Ramona, this...

      • BedN/A
      • BathsN/A
      • Sq FtN/A
      • Lot Size9.47 Acres
    • Active Listing For Sale
      34 Acres on Ramona Highlands

      Ramona, 92065

      $125,000

      This interesting, undeveloped 34 acres is located on the corner of Hwy 78 and Ramona Highlands Rd offers easy...

      • BedN/A
      • BathsN/A
      • RRC#170002431
      • Sq FtN/A
      • Lot Size34 Acres

    Red Hawk Realty works in all of these communities and more: