Property taxes surged nationwide in 2024, rising by an average of 16% according to state and county assessment data, with many jurisdictions implementing additional increases in 2025 as local governments adjust to inflation and budget shortfalls.
Property tax delinquencies are also ticking upward: in 2025, about 5.1% of U.S. parcels were delinquent, up from 4.5% the year before, as owners struggle to keep up with higher annual bills.
Why Distance Makes Selling Harder
The impact is especially sharp for owners of remote land—parcels inherited, purchased as speculative investments, or acquired years ago and never visited. These owners are paying higher annual taxes on property they don’t use, can’t easily inspect, and often struggle to manage from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. According to private land acquisition firm Land Avion, a growing number of remote land owners are now actively exploring exit options, driven less by market timing and more by rising holding costs and logistical fatigue.
"Vacant land already has a tougher time selling compared to houses," says Land Avion. "Vacant lots typically take six to seven months to sell, while existing homes often move in under two months. The buyer pool is smaller, financing is harder to get, and people need more time to decide what they want to do with raw land."
When distance is added to the equation, owners can face even more headaches. They need to hire local photographers, arrange for signage, possibly pay for property maintenance, and coordinate with real estate agents who may not prioritize a vacant lot listing over higher-commission home sales.
Practical Options For Remote Selling
Landowners have three paths forward. First, they could list with a local real estate agent who specializes in land sales. This works if they're patient and the property is in decent shape; they'll likely have to pay commissions and wait months for the right buyer to come along.
Second is to sell it themselves online through platforms like Zillow or Craigslist. This saves on commissions, but owners then take on all the work of marketing, fielding calls, and managing paperwork from afar. For people already stretched thin, this option often creates more stress than it solves.
The Fast-Track Alternative
The third option is working with a direct land buyer. These companies purchase properties as-is, often for cash, and handle everything from valuation to closing. They might not offer top dollar, but owners also won't wait months or spend money on cleanup and marketing.
The appeal here is simplicity. Owners submit property details online, receive an offer within a day or two, and if they accept, the company manages the rest. Some remote property owners find that the convenience and speed more than make up for accepting a slightly lower price, especially when dealing with land they've never even visited.
Making The Decision That Works
Remote land ownership can feel like a burden when trying to sell, but understanding the options makes the process less overwhelming. The choice between a traditional listing, direct sale, or something in between depends on the preferred timeline, the property's condition, and how much energy owners want to invest in the process.