Land development is a process that turns undeveloped land into an asset by preparing it for future development. It’s an industry that is constantly evolving, with new challenges every day. This can make it feel impossible to succeed in the industry — after all, with competition on every side, how can you set yourself up for success?
The benefits of land development are many. It can help to create new jobs, increase tax revenue, and spur economic growth. In addition, land development can help to revive declining areas and support the needs of growing populations.
Starting a business in today’s competitive landscape is not easy. Many businesses fail within the first five years. Land development is no exception to this rule. Although land development is an extremely rewarding industry, it’s not one that you can succeed in without preparation.
Challenges of the Land Development Industry
Land development is an extremely challenging industry to be successful in, but it’s not a total impossibility. If you know what the common pitfalls are, it will be easier to find solutions for them. Here are some common challenges that come along with this industry:
Challenge #1 Expensive costs
There are many costs associated with land development that must be considered. Many businesses fail because they fall short of capital. Whether you are buying or leasing land, you must anticipate the eventual cost before starting. The costs you will incur include: property taxes, development fees, legal fees, surveying fees, and much more.
To address this: Make sure you have the capital to successfully deal with all of these costs. There is no cost too high in this industry, so make sure you have a cushion.
Challenge #2 Emphasis on profit margin
Today’s consumer has a low tolerance for price volatility. It is vital to remain profitable throughout the development process. This starts with setting an appropriate price for the lot you are developing, which will allow you to turn a healthy profit by selling it at this price.
To address this: You should set a price that gives you a healthy profit margin but also doesn’t scare off potential buyers. You could offer installment plans with competitive rates, as well as other features that make the lot more attractive to buyers.
Challenge #3 Threats from outside your industry
The population is constantly growing, which means that more and more people will need housing. Your competition is not just other land development businesses; it’s also builders, home builders, and developers.
To address this: You will need to differentiate your services from those of other land development businesses. Consider offering packages that combine land development and construction, in addition to your standard land development services.
Challenge #4 Constant changes in customer demand
Every single day, people are exposed to new ideas, technologies, and innovations. This means that your customer base is always changing, which can make it difficult to keep up with their changing needs.
To address this: You should always be striving to provide the latest and greatest value to your customers. This could include new technologies or changing your services to better meet client needs.
Tips for Success in the Land Development Industry
Now that you are aware of some common challenges that come along with land development, you will be better prepared to deal with them. Here are some tips that can help you to set yourself up for success:
Tip #1 Keeping your promises
In this industry, you must keep your promises to customers. Most land development projects have a time frame in which they are expected to be completed. If you aren’t able to deliver the finished product within that time frame, then you will end up facing some consequences.
Tip #2 Upfront and transparent communication
It is important to keep customers well-informed when conducting land development. You should inform them of the status, plans, and changes as they happen. This will reduce your customer’s frustration and increase the likelihood of them completing their transaction with you.
Tip #3 Be honest about mistakes
There are going to be mistakes that you make during your land development project. The important thing is how you handle them. You should always take ownership of your mistakes and apologize for them.
Tip #4 Investing in the right equipment
In this business, you will need to buy heavy construction equipment to make your projects possible. Your equipment will help you do things like clear land, level land, prepare the footings for foundations, and much more. Find the right equipment for your business by reaching out to local dealers.
Tip #5 Proper planning saves time and money
One of the most common mistakes that land developers make is failing to properly plan their projects. You should always set a budget and work out all the details before beginning the project. This will save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
To be successful in the land development industry, it is important to be aware of the common challenges that come with it. Keep in mind that this is a constantly changing landscape, so you will need to continually adapt to meet the needs of your customers.
