How land transactions are getting done—and why expert guidance makes all the difference
In the Las Vegas commercial real estate market, land transactions continue to be a vital—yet complex—component of regional growth. As we approach mid-2025, the demand for strategically located land remains strong, particularly among business owners and developers. But closing a land deal in this environment is no simple feat.
Inventory is tight, zoning is nuanced, and the development process requires long-term vision, deep due diligence, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. That said, deals are still getting done—and the opportunities are real for those who are well-prepared.
The Current Landscape: Land Is Moving, but Strategically
Las Vegas continues to experience growth across multiple commercial sectors, from industrial to medical to mixed-use. This has driven renewed interest in land parcels, especially those with flexible zoning, good visibility, and proximity to infrastructure.
But this is not a market of easy wins. As Fox5 Vegas reported, “The shortage of industrial and commercially zoned land is now impacting businesses and job growth throughout the Valley.” With fewer shovel-ready parcels available, buyers are increasingly turning to infill sites and redevelopment opportunities, even when they come with complications.
How Land Deals Are Getting Done in 2025
Unlike turnkey property sales, land deals require patience, strategic planning, and often a creative approach to structuring. Here’s how land transactions are progressing in today’s market:
1. Owner-Users Are Driving Demand
A significant share of land buyers today are business owners seeking to develop their own space. These include:
- Medical and dental providers
- Construction and trade companies
- Automotive and fleet-based businesses
- Equipment suppliers and specialty service providers
With higher lease rates and limited availability of ready-to-use space, many operators see long-term value in controlling their own real estate through ground-up development.
2. Extended Timelines and Flexible Terms
Land deals in this market often involve:
- Longer due diligence periods
- Contingencies for zoning verification or entitlement approval
- Coordination with city planners, engineers, and utility providers
- Seller collaboration for off-market or assemblage deals
Rather than a standard 30–60 day escrow, land transactions may take 90 days or longer to close, depending on complexity.
The Land Development Process: What Buyers Should Expect
Understanding the development timeline is critical before entering a land deal. Here’s a simplified look at how the process typically unfolds:
1. Site Selection and Feasibility
- Confirm zoning compatibility and allowable uses
- Assess visibility, access, and surrounding commercial activity
- Conduct market feasibility studies to validate development plans
2. Due Diligence
- Research title status, environmental conditions, and land surveys
- Evaluate utility access (water, sewer, power, gas) and drainage
- Identify any easements, encroachments, or access limitations
Infrastructure access can be a major swing factor. Even well-located parcels can present significant challenges if utilities aren’t easily available or require major off-site improvements.
3. Entitlement and Permitting
- Prepare site plans and submit for planning department review
- Navigate zoning variances, if needed
- Obtain conditional use permits, building permits, and design approvals
Learn more about the City of Las Vegas’s process for zoning and permitting here.
4. Design and Pre-Construction
- Finalize architectural and civil engineering plans
- Coordinate with general contractors and consultants
- Align construction budget with financing and schedule
5. Financing and Groundbreaking
- Secure funding (SBA, conventional, or private)
- Begin grading, site prep, and vertical construction
- Schedule inspections and milestones through to certificate of occupancy
Why Expert Representation Matters
With so many moving pieces, successful land transactions require more than just a buyer and a seller. You need someone who understands how to:
- Interpret zoning maps and overlay districts
- Coordinate with engineers and city planners
- Structure offers with strategic contingencies
- Anticipate roadblocks and keep deals moving forward
At The Barashy Group, we specialize in commercial land deals throughout Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. We’ve worked with municipalities across the Valley, helped assemble off-market parcels, and guided dozens of buyers and sellers through the unique challenges of land acquisition and development.
Key Takeaways
- Land deals in Las Vegas are complex but achievable, especially for those who come prepared with realistic timelines and clear goals.
- Owner-users are a major force, using land as a vehicle for expansion, branding, and long-term cost control.
- Zoning and infrastructure access are critical—they can make or break the viability of a site.
- Deals take time—expect a longer process, but with the right strategy, the payoff can be significant.
- Experienced guidance matters—and that’s where we come in.
📬 Interested in buying or selling land in Southern Nevada?
Reach out to The Barashy Group to explore on-market and off-market land opportunities, and let us help you navigate every step of the process.