According to statistics for 2021, approx 50% move out of town recorded from March to August. More and more people are investing in mountain real estate with the single aim of living in these highlands. However, there are things to consider when buying mountain propertysuch as property type, slope angle of the surrounding land, etc. Below is a detailed discussion of these considerations.
- Soil stability
A Research Gate study has shown that mountainous soils are often poorly developed and shallow. The findings also suggest that the type of soil contributes greatly to how steep the mountainous area will be. These are important elements that property developers need to pay attention to in terms of real estate. This is because the strength of any building often comes from the foundation or, in construction terms, the foundation.
The foundation of a mountain property is meant to be deeper than that of a house on flat land. The main reason is that the surface soil is not enough to support the weight of the building when it’s completed. Indeed, this is solely a technical field. Aesthetics may only attract property buyers without enough and relevant background. This is why, as a buyer, it is a good idea to have a soil engineer examine the earth first. This helps to determine if the property is livable and safe.
- Consideration for livestock (if required)
Indeed, not all mountain dwellers like to raise cattle. However, you may need to make some adjustments to these farm animals if you do. For example, if you have enough nearby land to raise horses, it would be a good idea to build a horse stable. Horses need space to roam, and other than stables, they need ample space to run around.
Real estate reports show that mountainous properties in Utah, Montana, and North Carolina are often this consideration. In other words, if you are a horse lover buying a property in the mountains, maybe you should consider a home with this in mind.
- Shared well
Did you know that people living in mountainous areas generally share a well? If you do not want to share, drilling a private well is pricey. Also, if the property you’re looking to buy is located higher up on a mountain, you may must dig deeper into the ground, which can be a pain. For example, if you are ready to move, digging a well can delay your relocation because the first one has to be completed first. Fortunately, some plantation developers signed agreements to share wells in mountainous areas.
Furthermore, this makes it easier for residents to access water without having to incur individual costs to build it. If you still want someone well, you must do it searching for permission. Your role as the purchaser is to make sure that the joint well is a legal agreement recognized by the courthouse. Additionally, it’s your responsibility as a prospective occupant of a mountain property to find out about the fees involved in sharing the well. It’s important to understand how many homes share the well to help determine if you need a backup.
If you are buying a mountain property, it’s advisable to carry out all necessary inspections before giving money away.