Top Picks for British Buyers Wanting Land in Texas

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Looking for the best places to buy land in Texas? You’ll find Texas Hill Country, West Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, and top metropolitan spots among the best places for British buyers. These areas give you great value, lifestyle perks, and real investment potential. Texas ranks high in the US for international buyers, with buyers from the UK joining others in buying property in the US. Recent numbers show a jump in US property sales to international buyers, so now could be a smart time for buying. If you want the best places to buy land in Texas, you have solid options.

Key Takeaways

• Texas offers diverse land options for British buyers, including scenic Hill Country, affordable West Texas, warm Rio Grande Valley, and vibrant metropolitan areas.
• Buying land in Texas is straightforward for British citizens, with no special restrictions, but legal advice and due diligence are essential to avoid issues.
• Owner financing and foreign exchange specialists can simplify payment and currency transfer, helping you save money and avoid bank fees.
• Property prices vary widely by region and type, so choose land that fits your budget, lifestyle, and investment goals while considering utilities, zoning, and local rules.
• Working with experienced local agents helps you navigate the market, find the right property, and complete the buying process smoothly, even from the UK.

Best Places to Buy Land in Texas

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Texas Hill Country

You might love Texas Hill Country if you want rolling hills, rivers, and a strong sense of community. This region includes Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Marble Falls. Many buyers from the US and the UK choose this area for its beauty and lifestyle. You can find a home with a view or a ranch for outdoor living. The best places here balance price and demand, making it easy to find a property that fits your needs.

Property prices in Texas Hill Country fall between suburban and urban rates. You see higher prices than in rural areas, but you also get faster sales and strong appreciation. Check out this table to compare average property price per acre in 2025:

Comal and Kendall counties in Hill Country sit between suburban and urban pricing. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of value and investment potential. You can find a home in a friendly community, enjoy local wineries, and explore outdoor activities. Housing options range from cozy cottages to large ranches. The area’s strong real estate market makes it one of the best places to buy land in Texas.

West Texas

West Texas gives you wide-open spaces and some of the lowest property prices in the US. If you want to buy land in Texas for ranching, hunting, or off-grid living, this region stands out. Terlingua, Alpine, and Fort Davis are popular spots. You can find a property for as low as $616 per acre in Far West Texas. The Panhandle and South Plains average about $1,890 per acre. In the Hill Country part of West Texas, prices rise to around $10,033 per acre, with large lots and median listing prices near $630,000.

You see many types of properties here: farms, ranches, undeveloped land, and even hunting or recreational land. The cost of land stays low, but you need to think about water and utilities. West Texas offers unique investment opportunities:

• Vast open land and desert landscapes
• Energy resources like oil, wind, and solar
• Large-scale ranching and hunting
• Outdoor recreation and astronomy

But you also face challenges. Water scarcity, extreme weather, and infrastructure costs can affect your plans. You should research zoning, land quality, and property history before you buy. The real estate market here attracts buyers who want space and adventure, but you must plan for the region’s special needs.

Rio Grande Valley

The Rio Grande Valley sits at the southern tip of Texas. You find cities like McAllen, Harlingen, and Edinburg here. This region attracts buyers looking for affordable housing, warm weather, and a mix of cultures. The area’s property prices have risen over the past five years, but you still get good value compared to other US regions.

Here’s a look at recent housing prices in McAllen:

The market shows steady growth, but it’s cooling a bit. You might find a property that fits your budget and lifestyle. Many neighborhoods offer a strong sense of community, and you can enjoy local food, festivals, and outdoor fun. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the best places for buyers who want to buy land in Texas for a home or investment.

Metropolitan Areas

If you want city life, Texas has some of the best neighborhoods in Texas for buyers. Popular metro areas include The Woodlands, Tanglewood, West Lake Hills, and Highland Park. These neighborhoods offer top schools, modern amenities, and easy access to jobs. You see strong demand for housing in these areas, and property prices reflect that.

Here’s a table showing average property price per acre in major metro areas:

Texas ranks high for international real estate investment. Many buyers from the UK and other countries choose these metro areas for both lifestyle and investment. You find a property with good schools, hospitals, and job opportunities. The US economy supports strong housing demand, and you can pick from luxury homes, starter homes, or new construction. The best places in these metros give you a mix of comfort, value, and future growth.

Rural and Ranch Land

You might want rural or ranch land if you dream of wide-open spaces or sustainable living. Areas like Garwood, Rock Island, and Bastrop County offer affordable land and a slower pace of life. You can buy land in Texas for farming, ranching, or building an off-grid home. Many buyers choose these neighborhoods for privacy and self-sufficiency.

When you look for sustainable or off-grid land, keep these tips in mind:

• Check local rules to make sure off-grid living is allowed.
• Pick unrestricted land to avoid deed limits.
• Secure water sources like wells or rainwater collection.
• Plan for solar or wind power.
• Use eco-friendly building materials.
• Manage waste with composting or recycling.
• Grow your own food or keep livestock.
• Make sure you have reliable communication and emergency plans.

Rural property prices stay lower than in cities, but you need to plan for setup costs and ongoing expenses. You can find a property that fits your budget and lifestyle. Many US buyers and international buyers see rural Texas as a place for adventure and freedom. The real estate market here offers many choices, from small lots to large ranches.

If you want to find a property that matches your dreams, Texas neighborhoods have something for everyone. Whether you want city life, country quiet, or a mix of both, you can find a home that fits your needs and budget.

Texas Property Market Overview

Investment Potential

You might wonder if buying land in Texas is a smart move. The texas property market has shown strong growth over the past decade. Many regions have seen property prices rise every year, with some areas jumping more than 20% in peak years. For example, the Panhandle and South Plains region saw prices go from about $1,500 per acre in 2012 to $5,925 per acre in early 2023. Even when the us faced challenges, the property market in Texas stayed strong. If you buy land for farming, you can also earn extra income by leasing it out. Texas offers property tax breaks for agricultural land, which helps you keep more of your money. Real estate opportunities in Texas often bring steady returns, especially if you hold your land for several years.

Price Trends

The texas property market is changing. In early 2025, you see more homes for sale and a slight drop in property prices. The housing market is cooling, but this gives you more choices and better deals. Sellers now need to be flexible, and buyers like you have more power to negotiate. Take a look at these recent numbers from the Austin area:

Experts expect a small drop in rural property prices through 2025, with a slow recovery starting in 2026. Over five years, you could see property prices rise by about 10%. The us housing market in Texas remains one of the most active, with steady demand for both city and rural land.

Economic Factors

Texas keeps growing fast. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio attract new people every year. This growth pushes up demand for housing and land. The us economy in Texas is strong, with big industries like energy, technology, and manufacturing. These industries create many job opportunities, which bring even more people to the state. As more people move in, the property market stays busy. You also see more interest in suburban and rural housing because remote work is now common. Mortgage rates in the us are around 7.2%, which affects what buyers can afford. Still, the texas property market offers many choices for buyers who want to invest or find a new place to live.

Buying Land in Texas as a British Citizen

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Legal Requirements

You can buy land in Texas as a British citizen without facing special restrictions. Texas law, including Senate Bill 17, only limits buyers from countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. You do not fall under these rules. You follow the same steps as other foreigner buyers when buying property in the US. No new laws target British buyers, so you do not need to worry about sudden changes. Still, you should always get legal advice before you start the buying process. This helps you avoid pitfalls and makes sure you follow all US property laws.

Tip: Always do your due diligence. Check the property’s title, zoning, and any liens before you buy land in Texas.

Financing and Currency

When buying property in the US, you may find that traditional US banks make the process hard for foreigner buyers. Many British buyers use owner financing. This option lets you work directly with the seller. You can skip credit checks and bank loans. Owner financing usually comes with interest rates between 4% and 10%, with an average near 8%. You pay a down payment, make monthly payments, and sometimes a final balloon payment.
If you need to transfer money from the UK, avoid using regular banks. They often charge high fees and limit how much you can send. Instead, use a regulated foreign exchange specialist. These services offer better rates, no transfer limits, and help you lock in exchange rates. They also guide you through the process, making it easier to avoid currency pitfalls.

Taxes and Fees

Property taxes in Texas are higher than in many other US states. The average rate is about 1.36%, but it can range from 0.8% to 2.5%. After you buy, your property may get reassessed, which can raise your tax cost. This can affect your long-term investment plans.
During the buying process, you will pay extra fees. These include credit report fees, loan application fees, inspections, appraisals, escrow, recording, notary, title search, title insurance, and prorated property tax. Closing costs usually range from 2% to 6% of the sale price. After you find a property, you also need to budget for ongoing costs like insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

Note: High property taxes and extra fees can be pitfalls for foreigner buyers. Always include these in your budget.

Working with Agents

A local Texas real estate agent can make the buying process much easier for you. Agents know the local market and understand the needs of foreigner buyers. They help you avoid common pitfalls and guide you through each step. Agents can connect you with trusted lawyers, inspectors, and currency specialists. They use technology to show you properties online and help you find a property that fits your needs.
Agents also help with paperwork and explain US real estate terms. They can convert measurements and offer translation if needed. With their help, you can handle the buying process from the UK or the US.

Tip: Choose an agent with experience helping foreigner buyers. This will help you avoid mistakes and make the process smoother.

Key Considerations When Buying

Land Size and Location

When you start buying land in Texas, you want to choose the right property for your needs. Think about how much land you want and where it sits. Texas land often costs less than in other us states, so you can get more space for your money. Property taxes on vacant land stay lower, which helps you save on holding costs. You might want land near cities like Houston or San Antonio for easy access to airports and jobs. Some neighborhoods, such as Jourdanton or Poteet, give you city perks and wildlife nearby. If you love fishing or boating, places like Sour Lake offer both water fun and a close-knit community. Rural spots like Garwood or Rock Island work well for farming or ranching. You can even lease your land for agriculture or events to earn extra income. Always look at the local community, natural resources, and outdoor activities before you decide.

Tip: Make a list of your top priorities—like access, price, and lifestyle—before you choose the right property.

Utilities and Water

Utilities and water access can change your buying experience. Some land comes ready with electricity, water, or gas, but many rural properties do not. You may need to pay for new connections. For example, electric lines cost $4 to $12 per foot, and water wells can run about $200 per unit. Septic systems range from $60 to $120 per foot. Permits for wells, plumbing, and electricity add more costs, from $5 up to $2,300. You might use propane tanks for gas or set up solar panels if you want to live off the grid. Always check how close your land is to existing lines. Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises and keeps your housing project on track.

Zoning and Use

Zoning rules shape what you can do with your land. Texas cities and counties set these rules, so always check local maps and talk to officials. You find zones for housing, business, farming, or industry. Some rural areas have few rules, which gives you more freedom. Still, you need permits for building, plumbing, or electricity. Water rights can get tricky, too. The us government controls surface water, and you may need special permits for big projects. Environmental rules protect wetlands and wildlife, so you might need extra approvals. Always review private rules like covenants or easements in your title paperwork. Doing your homework helps you choose the right property and avoid problems later.

Neighborhood and Access

You want to know what your neighborhoods offer before buying. Some areas have paved roads, driveways, fencing, or wells already in place. These features make it easier to build a home or start a housing project. Always check the terrain—flat land works better for building, while hilly land may need more work. Look for water sources and see if the land sits in a floodplain. Wildlife can be a plus for hunting or outdoor fun, but it may also bring challenges. Make sure you get a recent survey to check boundaries and access rights. Watch out for liens, unpaid taxes, or easements that could limit your use. Review zoning and environmental risks, like flood or contamination, to protect your investment. Good neighborhoods near Austin, Dripping Springs, or Round Rock offer both access and value. When you choose the right property, you set yourself up for a smooth buying process and a happy future in the us real estate market.

You have great options when you look for land in Texas. The us market offers you places like Texas Hill Country, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Each area gives you a chance to build a home, invest, or enjoy a new lifestyle. Here are some key points to remember:

1. The us market in Leander, TX, is changing, so you can find a home even with more competition.
2. Homes sell fast and close to asking price, showing strong us demand.
3. More homes are available, but you need to act quickly in the us market.
4. You get the best results when you work with us experts who know the process.
5. A trusted agent helps you find the right home and guides you through every step in the us.

Take time to learn about the us property market and talk to professionals. Your new home in Texas could be closer than you think.

FAQ

Can you buy land in Texas if you live in the UK?

Yes, you can buy land in Texas even if you live in the UK. Texas does not have special restrictions for British buyers. You just need to follow the same steps as anyone else.

What costs should you expect when buying land in Texas?

You will pay for the land, closing costs (2%–6% of the price), property taxes, and sometimes extra fees for inspections or legal help. Always budget for ongoing costs like insurance and utilities.

Do you need to visit Texas to buy land?

You do not need to visit Texas in person. Many buyers complete the process online. A local real estate agent can help you with virtual tours, paperwork, and closing.

How do you transfer money from the UK to pay for land in Texas?

You can use a foreign exchange specialist to send USD to the US. These services offer better rates and lower fees than regular banks. Always check the current exchange rate before you transfer money.

For British buyers, securing land in Texas is not just about location and price—it’s also about moving funds across borders safely and cost-effectively. Traditional banks often charge high fees and apply hidden FX markups, making your purchase more expensive than expected. With BiyaPay, you gain control: check real-time exchange rates instantly, enjoy remittance fees as low as 0.5%, and benefit from multiple fiat and digital currency conversion support, coverage across most countries and regions worldwide, plus same-day transfers to the U.S.

Start your Texas land purchase with confidence—register with BiyaPay today and experience transparent, low-cost global transfers.