Congratulations! You’ve just purchased the perfect piece of land. But what now? While most advice focuses on what to do before buying land, it’s just as important to know what to do after the purchase. When it comes to raw land, there are a few key steps to truly make it your own. Luckily, we’re experts in the raw land game, so we’ve put together a simple guide for you. Here are 4 essential steps to make your land truly yours:

Step 1: Mark Your Property Lines

It might seem obvious because you probably reviewed the property lines on the registered survey before purchasing. But when you’re standing on the land, those lines aren’t physically marked. You’ll need to mark them yourself to avoid confusion later. Physically marking your property lines will not only guide you during the building process but will also be critical for future steps.

For detailed instructions on how to mark the property lines of your land, check out our step-by-step guide.

Step 2: Clear Your Land

Not all land needs clearing, but if your property is densely wooded, this is an essential step. Whether you plan to build a home or simply clear space for future development, clearing the land is key. You can hire a professional service or choose to do it yourself—either way, having a clear area for your plans is necessary.

For a detailed guide on how to clear land for construction without breaking the bank, check out our article on land clearing basics.

Step 3: Build a Road

Before you can fully enjoy your land, you’ll need access to it. If you’re planning to build, this step is often done in tandem with land clearing. Even if you’re looking to flip the property for a profit, adding a road is a smart investment. Your access road can be dirt, gravel, or paved—whatever works for your goals as long as it provides proper access.

For tips on how to build a road on your property, check out our detailed guide on creating an access road.

Step 4: Apply for a Street Address

This step is often overlooked but is essential once you own raw land. Many assume that undeveloped land automatically has an address, but that’s not the case. Whether you plan to live on the land or sell it, you’ll need to apply for an official street address for a variety of reasons—emergency services, receiving mail, or even for future construction projects.

For a simple guide on how to apply for a street address, check out our step-by-step process.

By following these 4 easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to truly making your land your own. Of course, there are plenty more things you can do once you’ve completed these steps. To learn more, explore our other articles on land ownership tips and raw land development.