Deed Restrictions on Texas Hill Country Real Estate

Many buyers for land near Fredericksburg, TX, especially those moving from urban areas, are surprised to find out that many tracts of land for sale around the Texas Hill Country, come with deed restrictions.
Little did I know when I created this video for my YouTube channel a couple of years ago, that Deed Restrictions would be the most popular topic! Really? Wow, that was a surprise!

So I thought I would add an article to my website with a little more information about what to expect when searching for land to buy in the Texas Hill Country.

Deed Restrictions Can Vary Greatly

Before you panic, and start thinking of neighborhood HOA’s with lots of rules and nosy neighbors, be sure and ask to see about the CC&Rs explaining limitations on the use of the property. In some cases, they may be very reasonable, and would make you more likely to buy. There are no “standard” restrictions, at least not in the Gillespie County area.

Use of the Property

Make sure that your real estate agent knows your plans for the property. Opening a business, adding cabins for vacation rentals, or even the type or number of animals you plan to have, can all be limiting factors on the listings you will want to see.

Dividing Acreage into Smaller Tracts

If your plans include someday splitting a property into smaller acreage tracts, be sure to check the deed restrictions. It’s not uncommon for the land to have limitations on how and when it can be divided. Some will only be for a certain period of time. I see this the most when a seller is keeping part of the property and lives nearby. They may choose to limit development for 20 years or so, then the restriction will expire. In other cases, you may never be able to subdivide the property.

Where To Find the Information?

Unfortunately, most MLS listings aren’t always geared toward the information land buyers need. You have to be working with a real estate agent or broker to find out about restrictions, available utilities, leases in place, and ag exemptions, etc. Even then, some agents, especially those who usually only sell residential homes, don’t have a clue what information land buyers will need.

Save Time, Get a Buyer’s Agent Who Knows The Area

One of the biggest hurdles I see as a real estate agent selling land in the Texas Hill Country is finding buyers a the property that fits their needs. It’s always discouraging when they fall in love with a place, only to find out it’s not going to allow the use they anticipated. You need to let your agent know up front if you plan something like bringing in a modular home, a small cabin or a tiny house, so you find a property where these are allowed.
If your use for the property goes beyond a buying or building a home and having livestock, you will need to know county and state regulations as well. Your agent needs to know who to put you in touch with, so you can move forward with your business plan.
With help from an agent or a broker, you can pare down you list to only properties that are worth your time to see. Also, your agent can keep their eyes open for properties that area “coming soon” or not listed in the MLS.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact me, Melanie Lehmberg, Agent at CC Herber Co., Real Estate, to find a your place in the Hill Country! I serve Fredericksburg, TX, Gillespie County, and the surrounding areas.