If you’ve ever dreamed of trading city life for wide-open spaces, starry skies, and a slower pace, acreage living might be calling your name. 🌾🐎
But before you fall in love with the view or the barn, it’s crucial to understand that buying an acreage near Calgary is very different from buying a city home. There are unique systems, bylaws, and maintenance factors that can make or break your investment.
Here’s your Ultimate Acreage Buyer’s Checklist — everything you need to know before you buy.
1. Water Source 💧
Unlike city homes connected to municipal water, acreages often rely on:
Wells — test for quality, quantity (gallons per minute), and contaminants.
Cisterns — check size, material, and delivery frequency.
Co-op or Shared Water Systems — confirm service agreements and reliability.
✅ Ask for: water test results (bacteria, nitrates, hardness) and well log reports.
2. Septic System 🚽
Your septic system handles all household waste, so knowing how it works—and its condition—is essential.
Identify the type (tank + field, mound, or holding tank).
Ask for maintenance records and the last time it was pumped.
Check if it meets Alberta Health Services and county requirements.
🚨 Red flags: soggy ground, odours, or slow drains—these can indicate failure and costly repairs.
3. Zoning + Bylaws 📜
Not every acreage is created equal. Each county (like Foothills, Rocky View, or Mountain View) has its own zoning regulations that determine what you can do with your land.
Can you have livestock or horses?
Are secondary dwellings or home-based businesses allowed?
What are the minimum parcel sizes or building restrictions?
✅ Always confirm your intended use with the municipal planning department before buying.
4. Access + Road Maintenance 🚜
Your driveway and surrounding roads may not be maintained by the municipality.
Who plows snow in winter?
Is the road public or private?
How is access managed for shared driveways?
✨ Pro tip: Visit the property in different seasons—especially after rain or snow—to see road conditions firsthand.
5. Utilities + Internet ⚡
Rural properties can have limited utility access compared to city homes. Check for:
Power: is it overhead or underground?
Heating: natural gas, propane, or electric?
Internet: high-speed availability or satellite options?
Cell coverage: not all carriers work equally well outside city limits.
💡 Consider the long-term costs of upgrades like propane refills, solar systems, or Starlink installation.
6. Boundaries + Fencing 🚧
It’s easy to assume that the existing fence marks your property line—but that’s not always the case.
✅ Before closing, verify:
Legal property lines via a Real Property Report (RPR) or land survey.
Access rights and easements on title.
Shared fences and neighbour agreements.
7. Outbuildings + Land Use 🏠
Many acreages come with extra structures—shops, barns, sheds, or arenas.
Confirm that these buildings are permitted and compliant.
Check electrical and structural safety.
Assess the condition of roofs, doors, and insulation.
🐎 If you plan to board horses, confirm Animal Unit allowances and proper manure management setup.
8. Environmental + Insurance Factors 🌾
Acreages often have environmental factors city buyers don’t face.
Is the property in a flood-prone or wetland area?
Are there old fuel tanks or abandoned wells?
Does it require acreage-specific insurance (like farm coverage)?
FAQs: Buying an Acreage Near Calgary
Q: Can I finance an acreage like a regular home?
Yes—but if it’s on more than 10 acres, or has outbuildings, your lender may have additional conditions.
Q: How big of a lot should I buy?
That depends on your lifestyle. For horses, aim for 3–5 acres per horse (based on local bylaws).
Q: How much maintenance does an acreage require?
Plan for more than you think—gravel drives, snow removal, fencing, and systems upkeep all add time and cost.
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Conclusion
Acreage living near Calgary can be incredibly rewarding—offering peace, privacy, and a connection to nature that city life can’t match. But it also comes with more complexity and responsibility.
By following this Ultimate Acreage Buyer’s Checklist, you’ll avoid surprises, protect your investment, and find a property that truly fits your rural lifestyle.
✨ Ready to start your acreage search? DM me “ACREAGE” and I’ll send you my free Acreage Buyer’s Checklist to help you make a confident, informed purchase.
About Kristen Edmunds
Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
