Choosing Land in Brunswick or New Hanover County: What Buyers Should Know

Building your dream home starts with more than a great floor plan, it starts with the land beneath it. In coastal North Carolina, the lot you choose can determine everything from how your home is positioned to what it costs to build and maintain long-term. 

At Richmond Homes, we work closely with buyers across Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover counties to make sure the land they choose supports their goals, design needs, and budget.

Here’s what you should know before committing to a lot in this region.

Before You Buy, Make Sure You Can Build

Not every lot is build-ready, even if it looks perfect at first glance.

Beyond location and price, it’s important to evaluate:

• Setbacks and easements that define where you can build on the property
• Flood zones and FEMA regulations that may increase foundation height or insurance costs
• Wetlands or protected areas that require permits or limit grading
• HOA restrictions on landscaping, fencing, paint colors, or exterior finishes

These details can drastically impact your layout, materials, and even the feasibility of your preferred floor plan. Understanding flood zones is especially crucial. Brunswick County’s flood hazard resource helps buyers assess their FEMA designation and build requirements based on local elevations.

Want to know if your favorite neighborhood is buildable? See where Richmond Homes is currently building across coastal North Carolina.

How Land Conditions Impact Cost (and Design)

Land in Brunswick and New Hanover counties can vary dramatically in condition, even within the same zip code. Coastal properties often require:

• Elevated foundations or structural piers
• Soil compaction or grading
• Engineered drainage systems or retaining walls

These costs aren’t always visible in listing photos, but they can add tens of thousands of dollars to your total budget. That’s why we walk each lot with our clients, helping them spot concerns early. Not sure what site prep might include? Building Advisor breaks down typical land development costs, from soil testing to utility trenching and drainage.

We believe it’s better to know up front than be surprised after the sale.

Orientation, Sunlight, and Site Fit Matter More Than You Think

The right lot should do more than fit your house, it should enhance the way you live in it. Sunlight, shade, wind direction, and topography all shape how your home will perform and feel.

Smart lot selection allows you to:

• Maximize natural light and reduce energy use
• Enjoy a private backyard, not a neighbor’s window
• Take advantage of natural breezes during humid months
• Avoid harsh afternoon sun through your living room windows

At Richmond Homes, we help clients visualize their home's placement, so their future living experience aligns with the design, not just the dimensions. Explore flexible home designs that adapt to a variety of site conditions and preferences.

What to Ask Before You Buy a Lot

Before you commit, get answers to these critical questions:

• Will my home design fit within local setback rules?
• Is the lot in a floodplain, and what’s the required base elevation?
• Does it need a septic system, and has soil testing been completed?
• Are water, sewer, and electricity already connected?
• How long will permitting take in this municipality?

It’s also a good time to think about orientation and how your home will sit on the land. This guide from The Plan Collection explains how proper positioning improves efficiency, light, and comfort over time.

How Richmond Homes Makes Land Selection Easier

Buying land doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Richmond Homes offers a step-by-step approach to help you make confident, informed choices.

Our team helps you:

• Evaluate multiple lots that meet your style and budget
• Understand hidden sitework costs before they derail your plan
• Confirm which designs will work with a specific lot
• Navigate permitting and inspections with fewer surprises

We call it our Lot to Lifestyle process because the right land leads to a better build, better budget, and a home that works with your life, not against it. See our home plans and start site selection with confidence.

Good Land Is the Foundation of a Great Home

In Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover counties, the land you choose can shape every part of your custom home journey, from how much sun you’ll get in the kitchen to how much you’ll pay for drainage and elevation.

Richmond Homes is here to help at every step. From early walk-throughs to final walkthroughs, we guide you with insight, experience, and the clarity that only comes from years of building locally.

Ready to find the land that supports your future? Contact our team for expert guidance on lot selection and homebuilding in coastal North Carolina.