Article

Buying Raw Land for Airbnb? Read This First

December 22, 2025

Aerial view of modern A-frame cabins nestled in a wooded, rocky landscape

Remote, nature-focused stays are one of the most in-demand categories on Airbnb right now.

And for a lot of Airbnb hosts, that’s the nudge they’ve been waiting for to stop competing for existing homes and start thinking bigger:

What if I didn’t buy a house… and turned raw land into something unforgettable?

That path can work incredibly well.

But raw land is also where many first-time investors get burned.

Before you buy a “cheap” piece of dirt in the middle of nowhere for your dream remote short-term rental, here’s what you need to know.

Why Raw Land + Nature Stays Are Taking Off

Guests are craving space, privacy, and experiences that feel like a real escape — places they can drive to, unplug, and create memories.

That’s why cabins, glamping units, and thoughtfully designed remote stays often outperform traditional homes when they’re done right.

The problem?

Most Airbnb hosts underestimate how complex raw land actually is.

Raw Land for Airbnb: What STR Hosts Must Know Before You Buy

Raw land isn’t forgiving. Miss one key detail, and your “cheap” deal can turn into an expensive lesson fast.

Here are a few things you need to pay attention to so you don’t fall for common Airbnb land mistakes.

#1 Understand Your Land’s Build Potential Before You Buy

The land might look perfect from the surface, but what’s underneath matters more.

Before buying raw land, you need clear answers to questions like:

Can this land support a septic system?
Will it pass a perc test?
What type of foundation will it require?
How much will this all cost? Is it still profitable after I factor that in?

Soil conditions can make or break a project. If the land can’t support a standard septic system, you may be forced into alternative systems that cost two to four times more.

This is where many deals fall apart after purchase, and costs suddenly triple.

💡Host Camp tip:

Talk to neighbors. Ask what septic systems they use and what they paid. It’s often the cheapest due diligence you’ll ever do.

#2 Will the Utilities Setup Work for STR Guests

Off-grid sounds cool. It's always trending.

But off-grid doesn’t automatically mean guest-friendly.

You need to think through:

Water access (well, hauling, or cistern)
Power (solar systems, batteries and storage, backups)
Waste (septic vs alternatives)
Ongoing reliability and maintenance

For STRs, consistency matters. Guests expect hot showers, reliable power, and zero surprises.

Off-grid becomes a problem when investors treat it like a shortcut instead of a tradeoff. Guests won’t be understanding if something fails mid-stay. Your water, septic, and power systems need to handle real monthly guest volume.

#3 Proximity is a BIG Deal: Labor, Materials & STR Logistics

This one’s sneaky.

Remote land has many benefits and perks—but it also means:

Fewer contractors willing to travel
Higher labor costs
Longer build timelines
Limited backup options if someone flakes
Fewer chances to check on the property in person

This is why Kai looks for what he calls “The Lucky Seven” before buying land.

Using Google Maps, he searches for local contractors for:

Foundation/site prep
Framing
Roofing
Plumbing
Electrical
Drywall
HVAC

Then he checks for what he calls “The Big Four” suppliers:

Lumber yard
Building supply store
Concrete plant
Metal yard

As he searches, he looks for:

How many contractors exist in the area
Where they’re located
Their reviews
How far are they from the property

Try to start building your STR team before you buy the land.

#4: Land Rules That Kill Airbnb Plans

Just because land looks empty doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with it.

Local restrictions can limit:

Short-term rentals
Number of structures
Size, materials, or design
Whether you can rent the property at all

Some investors don’t discover these rules until they’re under contract or after closing.

Always confirm zoning, deed restrictions, and local rules with the county first.

Never rely on “it should be fine.” Do your own research!

#5: Treat Raw Land Like a Business — Not a Passion Project

It’s easy to get inspired by geodomes, desert cabins, and off-grid escapes.

But raw land is still a business investment first.

Here are a few key factors many investors overlook:

Financing can be harder on raw land projects
Refinancing options may be limited
You still need an exit strategy, even if you plan to hold
The fact that “rustic” should never mean uncomfortable or low quality

In some markets, off-grid and ultra-remote stays can serve a smaller guest pool. That means you need to be realistic about occupancy, pricing, and exit strategy.

An exit strategy isn’t optional. Before you buy, think about:

Who would buy this if I had to exit?
Could this appeal to a future investor or owner-operator?
Is the layout functional beyond just being Instagram-worthy?

Don't sacrifice functionality and comfort for a rustic, unique feel. Guests still want:

Comfortable beds
Reliable heat and cooling
Hot water
Thoughtful layouts
High-value amenities like hot tubs.

Signs You're Ready to Buy Raw Land for Your STR

Raw land can be a powerful STR strategy when:

You’ve confirmed market demand with tools like AirDNA
You understand infrastructure costs upfront and how much it will cost to run your Airbnb
Utilities exist, or you have a realistic plan
Labor and materials are accessible
Comfort and practicality take priority, not just aesthetics and trends
If you're a new host, you've taken the time to learn more about running a short-term rental glamping business.
You’ve spoken directly with the county
You understand environmental or ecosystem rules (like dark-sky or noise restrictions)

Student Spotlight: Nature-Focused Projects Inside Host Camp

Enough of warnings and precautions. Time to get inspired! Host Camp members are turning raw land into scroll-stopping stays and unforgettable guest experiences. Check it out.