Building a House on Developed vs. Undeveloped Land

Building a House on Developed vs. Undeveloped Land

If you’ve decided you’re going to build a house instead of buy, you will first need some land. You have two options to choose from: land that is developed or undeveloped. 

A developed plot of land is often found in a subdivision or real estate community, in which the land is mostly prepared for building to take place. Undeveloped land is essentially buying land as-is, like a 20-acre plot out in the desert.

Before you start looking at Tucson land for sale, you should narrow down which of these two land types best suits your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to get a clearer answer.

How much work do you want to take on?

Undeveloped, raw land is often less expensive upfront (but not necessarily in the long haul) than a developed plot of land. But one of the biggest things to consider when building a house is that undeveloped land will nearly always take more work.

Here are a few things you might have to deal with when trying to build on undeveloped land:

Land Prep

To build on undeveloped land, you’ll likely have to clear and level the ground. This is time-consuming (and expensive) on its own, but it can take even longer in places like Tucson. In Arizona, there are a number of rules regarding the destruction or removal of certain native plants (saguaro cacti are a prime example). 

Water & Electric

When buying raw land, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hook up to the city grid for water and electric. It will be your responsibility to make this happen, though in some rural areas, connecting to the city’s water line isn’t even an option.

Connecting to the city water is typically less complicated for developed land purchases, particularly if you’re purchasing in a subdivision or real estate community. The lines are often in place and the connection happens during the building process.

Building Permits

No matter what, you’ll need a building permit to build a house. It’s generally easier to acquire one when building on developed land, mainly because that land is already zoned for (residential) construction. You could run into zoning issues when trying to build on raw or undeveloped land to complicate the process. Worst-case scenario, you could even end up buying land that can’t be built upon.

Building a house is an involved process no matter what, but building on undeveloped land involves a lot more hoops to jump through. If taking on a lot of work isn’t in your interests then buying developed land is your best bet.

What’s your timeline?

It takes an average of 9 months to build a new house, not counting the prep work and planning beforehand. When thinking about all the work that goes into building on undeveloped land, it’s safe to say that your home build could take longer than if you build on a developed lot.

This might not mean much if you’re in no rush to move in, but it could make all the difference if you want to move in sooner rather than later. If time is of the essence, look for developed options in your search for Tucson land for sale.

What’s your price range?

Costs for undeveloped land are generally lower per acre upfront, but this does not mean that building on undeveloped land is cheaper. Thinking back to the amount of work and steps that must be taken to prepare raw land for building, you could very well end up spending more than if you bought a lot in a real estate development.

To prepare raw land for building, here are just some of the expenses you could encounter:

• Land grading: $5-$10 per square foot

• Land clearing: $200-$6,000 per square foot

• Laying a new sewer line: $50-$250 per square foot

Build with Saguaro Ranch

In weighing all the options, it’s pretty clear that building on developed land is less time-consuming, less of a hassle, and could even be less expensive. 

When you’re looking for land for sale in Tucson, AZ to build a house on, our estate lots are the perfect solution. Homebuilders at Saguaro Ranch need to pay for driveway grading, a utilities trench and build pad at their expense, as well as install an alternative septic system but our lots are connected to Tucson city water with a 100-year assured water supply. Dealing with water access on a rural plot of Tucson land for sale in the desert is much riskier.

Not to mention, our estate lots come with unbeatable amenities — building here gives you access to the Owners Clubhouse, a beautiful pool, workout facility, hiking trails, and so much more. Contact us to set up a driving tour!

Saguaro Ranch Partners With Miramonte Homes

Saguaro Ranch is excited to announce our partnership with Miramonte Homes in Tucson! In addition to our estate lots for sale for AZ homeowners to build on, our real estate development is working with Miramonte Homes to offer new houses for sale. These houses will be available to purchase as part of our Moonlight Canyon real estate development.

About Miramonte Homes

Miramonte is an award-winning home construction company serving Flagstaff, Tucson and Sedona. Since their start in 1992, Miramonte has expanded across Arizona and continues to create homes that reflect the diverse landscape of the state. Recognized for their custom-built craftsmanship and expertise, we at Saguaro Ranch are honored to bring Miramonte artistry to our real estate development.

Moonlight Canyon

When trying to decide between home building vs. buying, it’s great when you find a real estate community in an incredible location that offers both. Saguaro Ranch is excited to expand options for homebuyers in the Tucson and Marana area.

Moonlight Canyon is our most recent real estate development. Most of our luxury homesite for sale range from 1 to 2 acres and promise stunning views of the mountains. Miramonte will construct a few homes to start on some of these lots.

What’s Currently Available

Saguaro Ranch still has a limited number of estate lots for sale. Since we’re committed to preserving the surrounding environment, our estate developments (Moonlight Canyon included) are all pre-designated spaces — we’re keeping 80% of the land untouched. See what’s available and schedule a tour to visit a site in person!

We would like to thank Miramonte for partnering with us and we’re excited to move forward. Check out their site to see their incredible work!

Benefits of Moving From California to Arizona

Long before it even became a state, there’s always been a rush to move to California. From the Gold Rush to the Summer of Free Love in the ‘60s, from aspiring actors and musicians hoping to “make it” to snowbirds looking for sun, millions have chosen California as their dream relocation.

As neighbors of the state, us Arizonans understand the appeal but find it kind of baffling. We know there’s so much more to Arizona than cactus and desert tumbleweeds. Anyone can benefit from moving to AZ, but for those already living in CA, the benefits of moving here are priceless.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Arizona?

1. It’s much, much less expensive.

What’s the point of living in your “dream state” if you can’t afford to enjoy all that it has to offer? California is notoriously expensive. Compared to Arizona, you could save money in almost every aspect of life by moving here.

From house prices to grocery bills to everything in between, California has a significantly higher cost of living. By living in Arizona, you can still get many of the benefits of the Sunshine State, without having to break the bank.

2. It’s much less crowded.

With all that’s gone on in 2020, it makes sense why people crave open spaces. Countless people have quickly seen the pros of city living turn into cons when having to shelter in place.

California has a population density of 251.3 people per square mile. Arizona, by contrast, has 63. Buying a house here means a yard, privacy, access to nature but without all the crowds. Especially at Saguaro Ranch, we’re leaving 80 percent of the land undisturbed — a true nature preserve and desert sanctuary. Trading in the feeling of being packed like sardines has never felt so good.

3. You still have amazing city life.

Tucson has a flourishing arts scene, is home to some of the best Mexican food in the country (as well as countless other cuisines), has all the benefits of a college town, and is only a short drive away from Saguaro Ranch. Whenever you crave the city life, it’s not far away — but far enough to still have the peace and quiet of our desert and mountain sanctuary.

4. The access to nature is incomparable.

Both California and Arizona are home to some unbelievable national parks. But what a lot of people don’t know is that the Grand Canyon State is home to some gorgeous sandy beaches as well. Here in Tucson, we’re just over an hour away from Patagonia Lake State Park, a great place for wildlife viewing and — you guessed it — sandy beaches. 

The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there. Arizona has miles upon miles of stunning hiking trails. At our luxury desert real estate development, we have designated hiking, running, and mountain biking trails in one of the most breathtaking parts of the country. The only difference from California is that they’re reserved for our guests — you won’t spend your hike trying to pass people or get out of their way.

5. It’s still close to California!

From Tucson, you’re about 4 hours away from the CA border. It’s easy to take a weekend trip to San Diego or Disneyland, without having to deal with all the headaches that come from living in California. But we’re pretty sure once you’re here, you won’t be in any rush to leave.

Saguaro Ranch has estate lots for sale designed for homeowners who crave a desert oasis, who want the sunshine without the soaring housing prices. You can build the house of your dreams here, but if you prefer to buy at our Moonlight Canyon real estate development, that’s an option too.

Look through our photo gallery, plan your visit, or even take a self-guided driving tour if you’re in the area! Call us to get things going — we guarantee you’ll find that the benefits of moving from California to Arizona are practically endless.

Building Guidelines at Saguaro Ranch

One drive through the 600-ft tunnel and subsequent Sonoran desert oasis and it’s clear to see why Saguaro Ranch is a picture-perfect location to build a house. Take a look at five important Saguaro Ranch building guidelines and start planning your dream home.

1. We’re all about nature.

Saguaro Ranch is located in one of the most beautiful, naturally preserved locations in the country. We plan on keeping it that way. We talk with builders about cleanup, working hours (which vary by season) and other best practices to help SR stay as undisturbed as possible. In fact, if a protected plant (such as saguaro) is threatened in building your house and is of a certain size, it will be transplanted instead of cut down.

2. We want homes to reflect the area…

Our design guidelines outline materials that are permitted for building. We want homes to use natural colors that occur in the landscape while still maintaining a contemporary Arizona feel. The same for materials — no wood siding, but adobe and stone and other materials are permitted (and encouraged).

3. ...but there are still a lot of custom measures you can implement.

We encourage uniqueness! For our estate lots, there’s infinite potential for how you can build in this space. Solar panels, large panoramic windows, fireplaces — the world (desert?) is your oyster.

Homes must have at least 2,700 square feet and we maintain certain height restrictions (we don’t want to block anyone’s view), and if you’ve got ideas that comply with the surrounding environment, we’re all ears.

4. You can choose your own builders.

When you’re getting ready to purchase one of our residential lots for sale, we’ll drive to the site you have in mind with you and your architect. You’ll share your vision with us and submit your building concepts. Once your plans are reviewed and approved by our Design Review Committee, you’re good to go. But don’t worry — we’ll share our design guidelines with the builders and architect so they know what to expect.

5. We have a limited number of residential lots for sale.

In such a pristine setting, it’s no wonder we currently have a limited number of Estate Lots available. We invite you to come visit and check out our self-guided driving tour to check these Estate Lots out. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help.

Take the Saguaro Ranch Driving Tour

Social distancing is important and necessary, but let’s face it — being cooped up can get boring. You can only binge Netflix or scroll through social media, or even take the same walking route for so long. 

Saguaro Ranch is here to break the monotony. Our real estate community in Tucson is now offering a self-guided driving tour! Located in the stunning Tortolita Mountains, Saguaro Ranch has build lots for sale with sensational views. See what this tour entails, and stop by today.

How it Works

Getting to Saguaro Ranch is easy. We’re just over 20 min north of downtown Tucson and a little over an hour away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

First, while there’s no need to make an appointment or schedule a time, please call Mike Conlin at (520) 429-4773 or email him at MConlin@saguaroranchaz.com so your name will be on the guest list. He’ll have a packet waiting for you when you arrive.

1. Once you get here, let the front gate know you’re here for your self-guided driving tour.

2. You’ll receive a package that tells you exactly where to go (driving is all on paved roads).

3. Drive on out, and feel free to get out and explore the lots!

4. Follow the tour directions and they’ll lead you back out to the exit.

What to See

Incredible vistas. Look through our gallery for a sneak peek! Our limited number of estate lots for sale all have amazing views of the desert and mountains. And since we’re committed to keeping 80% of the land undisturbed, the views you see now are the same that your future home will have.

Desert flora and fauna. At the very least, you’ll find views that are definitely worthy of a photo and a Facebook or Instagram share (make sure to link to our site so others can come visit!). But out here in the Tortolita Mountains, you might spot a desert tortoise or even a gila monster. Depending on when you come, you might also catch some saguaros in bloom.

Estate lots for sale. We have a limited number of homesites for sale, and these residential building lots are going fast. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t miss out on this building opportunity — pop by today to pick out your lot!

Who Should Come

Brokers

Brokers, thank you very much for your support, so far more than 50 brokers have come through Saguaro Ranch. Keeping social distancing in mind, however, you might want to plan on taking two cars and having potential buyers or builders follow you. Or just visit us on your own and send your clients to enjoy the self-guided tour of Saguaro Ranch on their own.

Interested Buyers

Are you currently looking at houses for sale? There are plenty to choose from in the Tucson area, but nothing as custom and unique as what Saguaro Ranch has to offer. Call your favorite broker and have them schedule a self-guided tour to see what we mean. Even if you don’t end up purchasing one of our homesites, it’s always good to weigh out your home buying options!

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Saguaro Ranch is like nothing else you’ll find in the Tucson area. But, hey, you don’t have to take our word for it. Come on by for a self-guided driving tour, take things at your own pace, and see the magic of this desert oasis firsthand.

Why Choose Saguaro Ranch?

Building a house is a huge investment. You want to research all your options and find the best possible location before diving in. So out of all the homesites for sale in Tucson, why is Saguaro Ranch the best? What does our real estate community offer that makes us stand out above the rest?

We’re glad you want to find out. Take a look at what makes Saguaro Ranch so unique (and why you should build with our real estate community).

Privacy & Peace in the Great Outdoors

We’re close to the city and simultaneously, far from it. This 1,100 acre reserve is desert living at its finest — and 80 percent of this land will remain undisturbed. Hike, bike, or run on one of our many trails, sit outside and take in the stunning sunsets, or marvel at the wondrous flora and fauna. You can do it all here.

Saguaro Ranch is a luxury real estate development and gated community that, while close to downtown Tucson, offers space and privacy. This is a sanctuary for people looking for serenity, away from the hustle and the bustle of the city.

Location, Location, Location

Saguaro Ranch is in the heart of the Tortolita Mountains, a location that makes you feel more like you’re living in a national park than a real estate community. At the same time, we’re just a short drive (about 20-25 minutes) from Dove Mountain and Oro Valley and less than 40 minutes from downtown Tucson. 

When you build at one of our esteemed homesites for sale, you’re close to the action and can dine out or explore all that Tucson has to offer with ease. But if you feel like staying in and enjoying the tranquility of Saguaro Ranch, you don’t need to leave your doorstep. Our premiere location truly gives homeowners the best of both worlds.

Breathtaking Vistas

Desert tortoises, gila monsters, blooming cacti, and the stunning Tortolita Mountains, all in one spot. Know this: the breathtaking vistas that surround you aren’t likely to change. 

Saguaro Ranch isn’t like another super developed area where your views of the mountains are suddenly blocked by a new house or building. Since we’re keeping 80 percent of the land untouched, what you see is what you’ll get — and what you see is guaranteed to impress.

Countless Amenities

Once finished, our owner’s club will include the following:

• 25-yard lap pool

• Hot tub

• Firepits

• Patios

• Gorgeous workout facility

• Tennis court

• Bocce ball court

• Pickleball courts

• Venue space for events

And that’s not even counting our proximity to highly esteemed golf courses, downtown Tucson, and the surrounding wildlife and nature. Once you purchase and build on one of our homesites for sale, you won’t want to leave.

real estate development options

Whether you’re interested in building or buying your next house, both options are available for you at our Marana, AZ real estate development. In addition to our estate lots, you can also buy a high-end, Miramonte-designed home at Moonlight Canyon. You don’t even have to have your mind made up right now — take a self-guided driving tour of the property to see what piques your interest.

It goes without saying that Saguaro Ranch is an unparalleled, outstanding real estate community. You belong here, and you deserve to build your dream home at one of our incredible estate lots. Fill out our contact form to set up a visit or request more information!