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
    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
  • Active Listing For Sale
    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
    Wine Country Mixed Use Investment Opportunity

    Plymouth, 95669

    $225,000

    3.34+/- acres of land in the heart of Amador County’s City of Plymouth within the Gold Country region of...

      Lot Size3.34 Acres
  • Active Listing For Sale
    Wine Country Home Site

    Plymouth, 95669

    $269,000

    7.83+/- acre Wine Country Ranchette Home-site, an ideal canvas to create a personalized estate. Situated in the heart of...

      Lot Size7.83 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
    Wynola Estates View Homesite

    Santa Ysabel, 92070

    $149,000

    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
  • Sold
    Ramona Commercial Property

    ,

    $99,000

    Located in desirable Ramona and on the Northern corner of bustling Highway 67/Main Street and Hunter Street sits 1.27+/-...

      Lot Size1.27 Acres
  • Active Listing For Sale
    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
    Margarita Glen View Sites

    Fallbrook, 92028

    $410,000

    Situated on a southwest facing slope above Margarita Glen and comprised of 3 parcels this property offers beautiful views...

      Lot Size12.44 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

    $250,000

    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
    Cuyamaca Lake View Mountain Home Site

    Julian, 92036

    $199,000

    Enchanting home site overlooking Lake Cuyamaca and the surrounding mountains – This thoughtfully groomed and functional property totaling nearly...

      Lot Size.47 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
    6 acres in Temecula Wine Country

    Temecula, 92591

    $425,000

    Along the northern reaches of the Temecula Wine Country sits a beautiful +/-6.6 acre parcel ready to be the...

      Lot Size6.6 Acres
  • Active Listing For Sale
    Lake Henshaw Valley View Property

    Santa Ysabel, 92070

    $110,000

    Charming 10+/- acre view property!! Offering a stunning panoramic perspective of the Lake Henshaw Valley, this lot for sale...

      Lot Size10 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
  • Sold
    Top of the Hill Estate

    Ramona, 92065

    $250,000

    Top of the Hill Estate In the lush and lovely Fernbrook area south of Ramona and east of Poway,...

      Lot Size33 +/- Acres
  • Sold
    Secluded 2.5-acre Mountain Home-Site

    Santa Ysabel, 92070

    $189,900

    Tucked away in the desirable neighborhood of the Wynola Estates, lies this beautiful, secluded 2.5-acre parcel ready to be...

      Lot Size2.51 Acres
  • Sold
    OCEAN-VIEW HOMESITES & RARE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

    Escondido, 92082

    $275,000

    In the exclusive gated and guarded neighborhood of Rimrock Estates in Hidden Meadows, which boasts million+ dollar homes and...

      Lot Size12.84 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
    Affordable & Usable 107+/- Acres in San Diego County

    Boulevard, 91905

    $249,000

    Affordable & Usable 107+/- Acres in San Diego County GREAT VALUE! 107 +/- acres of pristine naturescape with usable...

      Lot Size107 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
  • Active Listing For Sale
    Wine Country Versatile Investment Opportunity

    Plymouth, 95669

    $1,995,000

    Wine Country Versatile Investment Opportunity 89+/- acres in the heart of Amador County’s City of Plymouth within the Gold...

      Lot Size89 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
    Multi-Home Building Site With Incredible Views

    Escondido, 92026

    $295,000

    Multi-Home Building Site With Incredible Views VIEWS with an INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY!!! Priced significantly below market value! 12.84 acre exclusive...

      Lot Size12.84 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
    40 Acres in Beautiful Ranchita Valley

    Ranchita, 92066

    $75,000

    40 Acres in Beautiful Ranchita Valley Hike or ride up through this beautiful valley to stand at-top massive boulders...

      Lot Size40 Acres
  • Sold
    Home Site With Gorgeous Views

    Julian, 92036

    $139,000

    A beautiful Julian home site overlooking Lake Cuyamaca and the surrounding mountains can be yours. Contiguous property is also...

      Lot Size.43 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

    $249,000

    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
    Ranching Investment Opportunity

    Sutter Creek, 95685

    $1,400,000

    Amador County Ranching & Agricultural Investment Opportunity Ideal investment opportunity awaits at this rare 146.97 acre former vineyard &...

    • BathsN/A
    • Sq FtN/A
    • Lot Size146.97 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: