Buying Land in West Texas: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy

Buying land in the Permian Basin is different from buying a house, and different from buying land almost anywhere else in the country. Whether you're looking at a homesite outside the loop, acreage near Greenwood, or an investment parcel, here are seven things every West Texas land buyer should understand before signing anything.

Mineral rights are a separate conversation

In this part of Texas, the minerals under a property are often severed from the surface and owned by someone else entirely. That can affect everything from future drilling activity near your land to its long-term value. Always find out what is actually being conveyed, surface only, or surface plus some or all minerals, before you commit.

Water matters more than anything

Ask about water wells, water rights, and access to community water systems early. A beautiful parcel without reliable water is a much harder homesite than it looks, and well depth and quality vary widely across the Basin.

Check access and easements

Is the property on a maintained county road, or does access cross a neighbor's land? Are there pipeline or utility easements running through the parcel? Easements are common in oil country and aren't necessarily a problem, but you need to know where they are and what they allow.

Understand what you can build

Outside city limits, zoning is minimal, but that cuts both ways: you have freedom, and so do your neighbors. Inside Midland or Odessa city limits, check zoning and any deed restrictions before assuming you can build a shop, park equipment, or run animals.

Get a survey

Fence lines in West Texas have a way of disagreeing with legal descriptions. A current survey protects you from boundary surprises and is usually required by lenders and title companies anyway.

Financing land works differently

Raw land typically requires a larger down payment and shorter terms than a home mortgage, and not every lender offers land loans. Local and ag-focused lenders are often the best fit, and we're glad to point you toward the ones our clients have had good experiences with.

Use an agent who actually works land deals

Land transactions involve title questions, mineral language, surveys, and negotiations that a residential-only agent may see once a year. At Brix & Co. Realty, land and acreage sales are a core part of our business across Midland, Odessa, and the surrounding counties.

Thinking about a piece of land?

Whether it's two acres for a homesite or a larger investment parcel, we'll help you ask the right questions before you buy. Call Brix & Co. Realty at (432) 201-1040 or reach out through our contact page to talk it through.