How to Sell Land in Virginia: Closing, Taxes and Timeline

Updated September 2026 by Cooper and Jennifer Best, Best Land Holdings.

We buy wooded acreage, farmland, hunting tracts and lake-area lots in Southside Virginia, focused on Mecklenburg County around Kerr Lake (Buggs Island). If you own land in Virginia you no longer want, this guide explains how a sale works here: who handles closing, what taxes and fees apply, how long it takes, and what drives value.

Where we buy in Virginia

We currently buy in 1 Virginia county: Mecklenburg County. Each county page has local details. Not on the list? Call anyway; we still look at parcels statewide.

How closing works in Virginia

Virginia sales close through a licensed settlement agent, which may be a title company or an attorney. The settlement agent handles title, payoffs and recording with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

When you sell to us, we close through a licensed Virginia settlement agent (title company or attorney). You can sign with a mobile notary wherever you live; you do not need to travel to Virginia.

Transfer taxes and closing costs in Virginia

Virginia charges a grantor's tax of $0.50 per $500 of sale price, paid by the seller. We pay it for you. We also pay title work, recording and notary fees, so the offer you accept is what you receive, minus any back taxes or liens, which are paid from proceeds.

Virginia property tax programs to know about

Many Virginia counties offer land use assessment for agricultural, forestal and open-space land. When the use changes, roll-back taxes for the preceding years (generally five) plus interest can become due. The county Commissioner of the Revenue calculates the amount; let us know if your land is enrolled.

Back taxes on Virginia land

If your property taxes are behind, you can still sell. The closing agent gets a payoff from the county and pays it from the sale proceeds. Penalties and interest grow over time, and unpaid taxes can eventually lead to a tax sale, so it is better to act sooner. See selling land with back taxes.

How long it takes to sell land in Virginia

A listed land parcel can take many months to sell. Selling direct, most of our sellers have a written offer within 48 hours and close in 2 to 4 weeks. Estates, missing heirs or title problems can add time; we flag them early.

What drives land value in Virginia

• Kerr Lake frontage or access adds a strong premium around Clarksville and Boydton.
• Timber value is significant on many Southside tracts.
• Road frontage on state-maintained routes is key for homesite buyers.

Beyond these, value comes down to recent comparable sales, road access, size, utilities, terrain and flood zones. Read how vacant land is priced, then ask us for a number with the comps behind it.

Common Virginia situations we help with

• Inherited land and land held by an estate
• Land with back taxes or liens
• Landlocked parcels
• Owners who want monthly payments instead of cash
• Out-of-state owners who want to close by mail

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a real estate agent to sell land in Virginia?
No. You can sell directly to a buyer. The closing is still handled by a licensed Virginia settlement agent, which protects both sides.

Who pays closing costs when I sell land in Virginia?
It varies by contract. When you sell to us, we pay the normal closing costs, including the transfer tax or recording fees described above.

Can I sell my Virginia land if I live in another state?
Yes. Most of our sellers do. Documents are signed with a mobile notary near you.

How fast can I sell land in Virginia?
Most sellers have a written offer within 48 hours and close in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on title.

See our Virginia land page for more.

Get a real number for your land

Call or text 720-807-7989 with your county and parcel number, or request a written cash offer. You will get a written offer, usually within 48 hours, with the comparable sales and details behind it. There is no cost and no obligation.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state and county; confirm your situation with a local attorney, title company or tax professional.