Important issues to consider when buying rural land are:

1. The economic climate of the area. Is the land to be used for agriculture, commercial purposes or private use?
2. Check that the property has appropriate council approvals and council zoning for any external buildings, and any future development.
3. What about your health and age? (Do you expect to have need for services that are found in cities and regional centres?)
4. What are the property taxes?
5. Does the contract include any licences such as water usage etc.?
6. What about accessibility of service utilities such as power and telecommunication?
7. Check for flood plains, areas with access problems, water problems.
8. Particularly check for any easements or rights of way that may be through the property. Even though they may have not been used for some time, their use by others can affect your rights as well.
9. Check that effective controls are in place and work has been maintained to control noxious pests on the land, such as rabbits and noxious weeds. Eradication of these can be expensive.

If looking for undeveloped land check the following:

1. Water tables, depth, quality and reliability.
2. Proximity of utilities and costs to bring them to the land / property and for installation and maintenance.
3. Country road maintenance and accessibility in adverse climate conditions.