Ranches for Sale in California

Looking for an investment-grade ranch property for sale in California? We specialize in ranches for sale in northern and southern California and have up-to-date inventory at the bottom of this page.  If you don’t see a listing for your ideal California ranch featured here, contact us and we can help you find your ideal ranch property and location. San Diego ranches offer a unique combination of high meadow ranch properties to ranch style homes for sale.

$24m California Ranch for Sale

Ranch Property Land Values

In the US, Rural land values have increased steadily since 2010. Since the ‘delinking of agricultural income,’ recreational users have entered the ranch property market. This increased competition has lead to higher pricing and quicker inventory turnover. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future as the trend toward ruralization rises. In California, Christie’s International Real Estate is selling a 50-acre Del Dios ranch  designed by Arthur Elrod for $24m.

A Guide to Buying a California Ranch

Things like mineral and water rights, wildlife, hunting, fire risk and cattle ranching can all catch prospective ranch buyers by surprise. There are other considerations when buying a California ranch, like whether the property is deeded or privately owned and what percentage of the land is leased by the state or federal government. Access to the ranch land for sale may be problematic, with some ranch properties only accessible via an easement through other private property. Here is a quick list of things to look out for when buying a ranch for sale in California.

Consider the purpose of your ranch

• Is your ranch strictly for recreation or will you be working the land, raising cattle or entertaining?

How much land will you need?

• For cattle ranchers, the rule of thumb is 30 acres of land per head since they can eat one half of a ton of hay per month. Land quantity and quality may impact your budget, so speak with your broker to find the optimal deal

How much labor will you need?

• Depending on the intended use of your ranch and the ranch for sale, you may need to hire ranch hands, maintenance people, hospitality employees and general caretakers

Soil and Climate

• Does the soil support hay and other fodder consumed by your livestock? Soil depth, topography, and water availability can all impact the success of a ranch. Get your soil and groundwater tested

Finances/Taxes

• There are many things you can do to reduce property taxes and qualify for agricultural-use tax rates, thereby decreasing the risk to buying a ranch property for sale. You may also be eligible for an agricultural loan depending on the land use – Read more on that below!

Zoning

• Check local laws and discuss with your broker whether ranching and farming are permitted in the ranch for sale

Find a broker you can trust

• Use a real estate agent or broker with extensive ranch knowledge, a proven track record and a network of local connections you can trust

Whether you are looking for a San Diego ranch for sale or various ranches for sale in northern California, consider the tax implications and how you may be able to work legislation to your benefit. The Williamson Act was passed in 1965 to help conserve agricultural or open space property – ideal for those interested in ranches for sale in California.

Source: The California Land Conservation Act 2014 Status Report

Williamson Act California

Reduced Property Taxes for Large Acreages Ranches

The California Land Conservation act of 1965, commonly referred to as the Williamson Act, named after assemblyman John Williamson of Yolo County, was developed to restrict the use of land to agricultural or open space use. In return, landowners with approved Williamson Act contracts receive a reduction in assessed property taxes for their agricultural preserves. Today, nearly 17 million of the state’s 45 million acres are protected under the Williamson Act.

Williamson Act Contract Criteria

Owners of large acreage ranches can initiate a Williamson Act 10 year minimum contract if the property in question meets the minimum parcel size and meets the threshold for devoted to commercial agricultural use. These thresholds vary depending on the classification of the land (prime or non-prime). Here are the general guidelines for Williamson Act Criteria.

Benefits to Williamson Act Contract Holders

According to the department of conservation, the Williamson Act is estimated to save agricultural and ranch landowners from 20 percent to 75 percent in property tax liability each year. A 2009 survey performed by the University of Davis, California, found that 71% of Williamson Act-enrolled ranchers reported a net annual profit equal to or less than their Williamson Act property tax savings.

If you are looking for an eligible Williamson Act large acreage ranch for sale, contact us!

Our Ranches for Sale in California