Building Lot Sales in Savannah, GA: Buy the Right Lot for Your Home
A good building lot is more than an empty piece of ground at a good price. It has sewer service or soil that passes a septic test, enough high ground to build on and a buildable area that fits the house you have in mind. Bare Real Estate helps buyers find lots and land for sale in Savannah, GA and the surrounding counties, and checks those details before you're committed.
This page walks through how to buy land in Savannah, GA when you plan to build a home on it: how to tell whether a lot is buildable, how to pay for it, what it costs beyond the price of the lot and what to expect from contract to construction.
The Savannah Lot Market Right Now
In October 2026, Redfin showed about 101 land listings within Savannah city limits, with a median list price of about $356,000. (Redfin) Across the wider Savannah area, LandSearch counted about 490 land listings with a median list price near $399,500. Those listings had been on the market an average of 147 days. (LandSearch)
Land usually takes longer to sell than houses, which gives lot buyers room to negotiate and time to do their homework. Prices still vary widely. Small infill lots in Midtown or on the east side can list under $100,000, while marsh-front and golf course lots on Skidaway Island list in the high six figures.
Where to Find Building Lots Near Savannah
| Lot type |
Where to look |
What to check first |
| City infill lots |
Thomas Square, Victory Heights, Gordonston, Historic District |
Zoning setbacks, historic design review, protected trees, alley access |
| Subdivision lots |
Savannah Quarters, Southbridge, Georgetown |
Required builders, architectural review, minimum home size, HOA dues |
| Island and marsh lots |
The Landings, Dutch Island, Talahi Island, Tybee Island |
Flood zone and required build height, marsh buffers, permit for a future dock |
| Larger suburban and rural lots |
Rincon, Guyton, Springfield, Richmond Hill |
Septic test results, well or county water, wetlands, road frontage |
For land investment, acreage and commercial sites, see our land buying and sales, land leasing and sales and commercial land pages. For an overview of every kind of land on the market, start with land for sale in Savannah, GA.
How to Buy Land in Savannah, GA to Build a Home
1. Start with your budget and your house plan
Have a rough house plan and a builder in mind before you shop for lots. A wide ranch house won't fit on a narrow 40-foot city lot, and many subdivisions set a minimum home size.
2. Arrange financing
Lot loans usually require a bigger down payment than home loans, often 20% or more. Many buyers use a construction-to-permanent loan that covers the lot, the build and the final mortgage. Talk to a local lender early.
3. Make an offer with time to check the lot
We write offers that give you time to check the survey, utilities, soil and permits before your earnest money is at risk. In this market, sellers usually agree to that.
4. Confirm the lot is buildable
Order a survey and, if needed, a septic test, wetland check and flood elevation review. Confirm sewer and water connection fees with the utility provider.
5. Close and get permits
Closing goes through a Georgia closing attorney. Then your builder applies for site and building permits with the city or county.
The Buildable-Lot Checklist
These are the lot issues we see cause trouble most often around Savannah:
- Sewer or septic. Find out whether city or county sewer reaches the lot. If not, the soil has to pass a septic test with the county health department. A failed test can make an inexpensive lot useless.
- Flood zone and required build height. In many coastal flood zones, the floor of the home has to sit above a set flood elevation. That can mean bringing in fill dirt or raising the foundation, both of which cost money and affect how the house looks.
- Wetlands and marsh buffers. A two-acre lot might have only half an acre you can actually build on. Ask for a wetland check on any lot with low spots or marsh edges.
- Protected trees. Savannah and several nearby towns protect large live oaks. You may need a permit or replacement trees to remove one, and the trees can limit where the house can go.
- Neighborhood rules. HOA covenants can require approval of your plans, specific building materials or a builder from the developer's list.
- Access and utilities. Check road frontage, any easements, the distance to the power line and water service. A long gravel driveway or a power line extension adds up.
Costs Beyond the Price of the Lot
New lot buyers often underestimate these expenses. Build them into your budget from the start:
- Survey and site work: boundary and topographic surveys, clearing and grading, fill dirt and stormwater work.
- Utilities: sewer and water connection fees, or a septic system and well. Plus power service and a driveway.
- Plans and permits: engineering, architectural or design review fees and building permits.
- Holding costs: property taxes, HOA dues and loan interest while you plan and build.
Get estimates from your builder before you close. If you're weighing a lot against an existing home or a builder's new home, look at our new construction page and current Savannah homes for sale.
Selling a Building Lot in the Savannah Area
Lots sell faster when buyers can see they're buildable. Before we list, we put together the survey, utility details, any septic test results, flood zone information and HOA rules. Most of those 147 days that lots sit on the market go to buyers' questions that could have been answered at the start. Find out what your land might sell for with a free valuation, or Effingham and Pooler valuations. Then see our selling agent services.
Why Work With Bare Real Estate on a Lot Purchase
Broker Danny Worsley has more than 13 years in the Savannah market and a background in design, which helps when picturing a house on an empty lot. We represent lot buyers as part of our buyer's agent services and work with investors through Savannah real estate investing. Planning to build a rental? Savannah property management can lease and manage it once it's finished. Area guides: Rincon, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, The Landings and Effingham County. More reading: our blog and real estate glossary.
"The cheapest lot is rarely the best deal. Figure out what it costs to make the lot ready to build on before you look at the price." — Danny Worsley, Bare Real Estate
Building Lot FAQ: Land for Sale in Savannah, GA
How much does a building lot cost in Savannah, GA?
In October 2026, land listings in Savannah had a median list price of about $356,000, according to Redfin. Small infill lots can list under $100,000, while marsh-front and golf course lots on Skidaway Island can approach $1 million.
How do I buy land in Savannah, GA to build a house?
Plan your budget and house size, get pre-approved for a lot or construction loan, make an offer with time built in to check the lot, confirm it's buildable with a survey, utility check and septic test if needed, close with a Georgia attorney and have your builder apply for permits.
Can I get a loan to buy a lot in Savannah?
Yes. Lot loans and construction-to-permanent loans are available from many local banks and credit unions. Expect a bigger down payment than on a home loan, often 20% or more, and somewhat higher interest rates.
How do I know if a lot is buildable?
Check zoning and setbacks, whether sewer is available or the soil passes a septic test, flood zone and required build height, wetlands, protected trees, road access and HOA rules. We help you get these answers during the time you have to check the lot under contract.
What extra costs come with building on a lot?
Plan for surveys, clearing and grading, fill dirt, sewer and water connection fees or a septic system and well, power and driveway work, engineering and permit fees, plus property taxes and interest while you build.
Do I need to choose a builder before buying a lot?
It helps. A builder can confirm your house will fit and estimate site work costs. Some subdivisions also require you to use a builder from an approved list.
Where are the most affordable lots near Savannah?
Effingham County, including Guyton, Springfield and parts of Rincon, and infill lots in older Savannah neighborhoods usually offer the lowest prices. Rural lots there may need a septic system and a well.
How long does it take to sell a lot in Savannah?
Land listings near Savannah had been on the market an average of about 147 days in October 2026, according to LandSearch. Lots with a survey, utility information and septic test results ready usually sell faster.
Does Bare Real Estate help sell building lots?
Yes. We price lots using recent land sales, gather the information buyers need to see that a lot is buildable, and market it to buyers, builders and investors around Savannah.
How do I get started?
Call broker Danny Worsley at (912) 777-2511 or contact us online to talk about land for sale in Savannah, GA and the surrounding counties.
Meet Your Savannah Land and Building Lot Agent
Our office at 523 Jackson Blvd in Midtown Savannah is a short drive from lots in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan Counties. Stop in to go over surveys, plats and land for sale in Savannah, GA, Pooler, Richmond Hill and Rincon.
Bare Real Estate & Property Management · Building Lot Sales & Land for Sale in Savannah, GA · 523 Jackson Blvd, Savannah, GA 31405 · (912) 777-2511
