IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VACANT LAND

There have been a lot of people contact my office about the availability of 10 acre parcels in our area, and I though it best to take a moment and describe for you the processes of splitting land now and in the past that have created this shortage of 10 acre parcels.

Prior to March 31, 1997, the rules for splitting land were as follows;

Four (4) splits of less than ten acres every ten years
(the small splits have to be made according to the individual townships ordinances)

This drawing shows how an individual would have possibly split 50 acres with a township minimum of 2 acres, 
in an attempt to make the most money with those splits.

Since March 31, 1997, the rules for splitting land are as follows;

Four (4) splits for the first 10 or any part thereof, and one split for each full ten (10) afterwards
(the same small splits have to be made according to the individual townships ordinances)

This drawing shows how the same individual would possibly split those same 50 acres with 
a township minimum of 2 acres, under the new law.

Now with 4 splits for the first 10 acres and 1 split for each remaining full 10 acres that equals 8 splits, plus the owner gets 2 bonus splits because the remaining large parcel is 60% or more of the original parent parcel. Each of the 2 acre parcels count as one split (9) and the 30 acre parcel also counts as a split as it is less than 40 acres. 40 acres or more is not considered a split. You can get more information about splits at my page featuring Public Act 591

Because of this you will see fewer and fewer  5 - 15 acre parcels coming on the market. The 10 acre parcels that are already out there under the old split law, are considered parent parcels under the new law and most are being split prior to being put on the market. So if you're adamant about buying a 10 acre parcel, you had best either take advantage of 10 acre parcels already on the market or, buy a larger piece of land with some partners and take the size parcel you want for yourself.