Buying vs. Leasing Land: Which is the Right Choice for You?

Written by HLRBO - Alexandra Carter| 4/6/2023

To buy or to lease? That’s the question that many outdoor enthusiasts find themselves asking when they’re ready to make their love of hunting official by signing on the dotted line on a contract for a piece of land. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding between buying and leasing land.

Buying Land for Hunting

Pros:

• Ownership: When you own the land, you have full control over how it’s used and managed. This is particularly helpful for people looking to customize their land to meet niche hunting needs.
• Investment: Land ownership can be a smart investment, as the value of the property may increase over time. In addition, you can generate passive income by leasing out the land to other hunters.
• Freedom: As a landowner, you have the freedom to hunt whenever you want without worrying about leasing restrictions or the possibility of losing access to the land.

Cons:

• Cost: The upfront cost of buying land can be a major financial burden for many hunters. What’s more, there are ongoing expenses to worry about, like property taxes, maintenance costs, and insurance.
• Responsibility: Owning land also comes with a lot of responsibility. From maintenance to upkeep and legal and environmental compliance, there’s a lot to tackle.

Leasing Land for Hunting

Pros:

• Affordability: Leasing land is often a more affordable option than buying, as you’ll typically only be paying for the use of the land for a certain period of time.
• Convenience: Leasing land can be a convenient option for those who don’t have the time or resources to manage a property themselves. Many hunting leases include amenities for hunters like stands, feeders, and blinds, making it easy to set up and get started quickly.
• Access to different locations: Leasing land can give you access to hunting locations that may not be available for purchase, or that may be outside of your budget. Leasing also provides the opportunity to explore new areas for hunting — whether you want to hunt a species that’s not native to your normal hunting location or you want to try out cold weather hunting, leasing gives you on-demand flexibility.

Cons:

• Limited control: When you lease land, you’ll be subject to the rules and restrictions set by the landowner. This may include restrictions on hunting methods, hours of access, and even the number of hunters allowed on the property.
• Uncertainty: Leasing land can be an uncertain option, as the lease may not be renewed from year to year. This can leave you scrambling to find a new hunting spot if the lease is not renewed.
• Limited investment potential: Leasing land doesn’t offer the same investment potential as buying. You won’t be able to generate passive income from leasing out the land, and you won’t benefit from any potential increase in property value over time.

Making an Informed Decision

Before deciding whether you’ll lease or buy hunting land, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here are some tips to help you make the most informed decision possible:

• Determine your budget: Consider your financial situation and determine how much you can afford to spend on land ownership or leasing.
• Evaluate your hunting needs: Think about what kind of hunting experience you want and how you’ll use the land. This will help you determine whether buying or leasing is a better fit for your needs.
• Research potential properties: Do your due diligence when researching potential properties leases. This includes researching the property’s history, environmental factors, and any potential legal or regulatory issues.

HLRBO Can Help

Looking for a hunting lease or want to lease out a property you own? You’re in the right place. HLRBO provides listing options for private land owners, hunting businesses, hunting guides, and public land. Try our state-of-the-art Hunting Lease Finder today.