Selling Vacant Land in New Jersey: What to Know
Realty Transfer Fee (RTF): New Jersey's RTF is paid by the seller on a progressive scale. For most vacant land transactions: $2.00 per $500 on the first $150,000 of consideration, $3.35 per $500 between $150,001 and $200,000, and higher rates above that. Senior, blind, and disabled sellers qualify for reduced rates. We account for the RTF when covering closing costs — confirm specifics in your offer.
Attorney-closing state: New Jersey requires a licensed attorney to review contracts and conduct real estate closings. Both buyer and seller typically have legal representation in NJ. We work with experienced NJ closing attorneys and coordinate the process for you.
Tax-lien state: New Jersey is an aggressive tax-lien state. Delinquent property taxes result in a lien certificate sold at annual municipal tax sales. After two years, the lienholder can foreclose on the lien. If your land has outstanding tax liens, acting quickly is critical.
Where we buy in New Jersey:
- Burlington County (Pinelands) — large, flat Pine Barrens parcels; often subject to Pinelands Commission land-use restrictions but still fully transactable as raw land.
- Ocean and Atlantic counties — South Jersey coastal-adjacent rural lots and inland Pinelands acreage.
- Sussex and Warren counties — northwestern NJ; farmland, wooded acreage, and rural residential lots in the Skylands region.
- Salem and Cumberland counties — Delaware Bay agricultural corridor; flat farmland and marsh-adjacent parcels.
- Gloucester and Morris counties — outer suburban fringe; rural lots and undeveloped parcels.
New Jersey deeds are typically bargain and sale deeds with covenants, or warranty deeds for cleaner transactions. Deeds are recorded with the county clerk.
