By Dwain Ammons, Large Land Broker | Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®
For land buyers, investors, and developers seeking flexibility, freedom, and long-term value, unrestricted land in Rutherford County, North Carolina, presents a truly exceptional opportunity. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with convenient access to Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Lake Lure, Rutherford County has quickly become one of the most desirable locations for rural land acquisition and development in the region.
Whether you’re dreaming of a family homestead, starting a small farm, building rental cabins, developing a subdivision, or simply investing in acreage for future use, unrestricted land—also referred to as “Open Use” or “non-restricted land”—provides the freedom to pursue your goals without the burden of strict zoning, covenants, or homeowners’ association rules.
As a Rutherford County resident and professionally trained Large Land Broker with Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, I work with clients across western North Carolina to buy, sell, and develop unrestricted land. My unique position as both a local and a land broker means I’m deeply familiar with the nuances of the area and committed to helping you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
Unrestricted land is property that does not have zoning regulations or use restrictions imposed by local government or private associations. This means the land can typically be used for residential, agricultural, commercial, or recreational purposes without needing special permissions—so long as state and county building and environmental regulations are still followed.
However, not all “unrestricted” land is the same. Here are key characteristics and clarifications:
Zoning Status: In Rutherford County, much of the land outside town or city limits is not zoned or is zoned “Open Use,” meaning it does not restrict the type of structures or activities permitted.
Lack of Deed Restrictions: Truly unrestricted land also lacks restrictive covenants such as minimum square footage requirements, home-type exclusions (e.g., no manufactured homes), or prohibited uses (e.g., no livestock or business operations).
No HOA or POA: Most unrestricted parcels are not governed by a homeowners or property owners association, allowing full control over property management and lifestyle choices.
Examples of potential uses include:
Site-built, modular, or manufactured homes
Tiny homes, RVs, yurts, or barndominiums
Homesteading, small-scale farming, or livestock
Hunting cabins, short-term rentals, or glamping developments
Private workshops or home-based businesses
Subdividing for resale or creating a family compound
Rutherford County offers a rare blend of natural beauty, rural charm, affordability, and accessibility. The county features lush forests, rolling pasturelands, mountain views, and pristine creeks. Its centralized location places it within easy driving distance of major cities like Asheville and Charlotte while preserving the peace, privacy, and simplicity rural landowners crave.
Key advantages include:
Low property taxes and cost per acre compared to nearby counties
No county-wide zoning outside municipal limits, allowing greater freedom of use
Proximity to attractions like Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, the Tryon Equestrian Center, and South Mountains Game Lands
Growing demand from buyers relocating from high-density urban areas
With more buyers and developers entering the Rutherford County market, having expert local guidance is essential to getting the best outcome—whether you’re buying or preparing land for sale.
If you’re exploring unrestricted land for personal use or development, keep these tips in mind:
1. Confirm True Unrestricted Status
Not all advertised “unrestricted” parcels are free from deed restrictions or zoning overlays. Have a professional review the deed history, recorded plats, and any restrictions that may have been imposed by prior owners or developers.
2. Understand Access
Legal road access is essential. Confirm whether the land fronts a state-maintained road or if it relies on a private easement or shared driveway. Without deeded access, financing, development, or resale may be limited.
3. Get a Perc Test and Soil Evaluation
Unrestricted doesn’t mean build-ready. A percolation test is needed to ensure that a septic system can be installed. I help clients coordinate with soil scientists and environmental health officers to confirm buildability.
4. Plan for Utilities
Some unrestricted parcels are truly off-grid. Consider the cost and feasibility of bringing in electricity, drilling a well, or installing a solar system or alternative water source.
5. Evaluate Topography and Suitability
Western North Carolina is mountainous and varied. I walk the land with you to assess slopes, building sites, flood zones, timber value, and future use potential.
If you own unrestricted land in Rutherford County and are considering selling, it’s important to position your property correctly from the start.
Unrestricted land appeals to a wide range of buyers—but that also means marketing must be tailored to highlight its strengths and provide the right information up front.
Professional drone aerial photography and property videos
GIS overlays, topographic maps, and downloadable site packages
Targeted online exposure on Land.com, Realtor.com, Homes.com, MLS, and more
Global reach through LeadingRE® and Luxury Portfolio International®
Custom signage, brochures, and email marketing campaigns
As a local resident and professionally trained land broker, I know what types of buyers are searching for Rutherford County land—and how to speak their language. Whether your tract is 10 acres or 500, I’ll craft a custom marketing plan to drive the right interest and guide you from listing to closing.
Developing Unrestricted Land: Potential and Pitfalls
Developing unrestricted land—whether for resale, income generation, or personal use—can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires careful planning. As your land broker, I offer insight on:
Subdivision feasibility and market pricing
Local driveway, well, and septic permit requirements
Timber harvesting strategies for added income
Working with surveyors, grading contractors, and engineers
Aligning with buyer demand for vacation rentals, RV pads, or cabin communities
If your goal is long-term investment or phased development, I help you build a strategy that aligns with market trends, local regulations, and real-world logistics.
Click here to see the most updated larger acreage properties for sale in Rutherford county, NC.
Here is the always constantly updated large land stats in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
I’m Dwain Ammons, a full-time REALTOR® and Large Land Broker who resides in Rutherford County. I live, work, and walk the same land I help others buy and sell. My approach is local, personal, and professional.
I’ve helped landowners throughout western North Carolina—including Rutherford, McDowell, Polk, Buncombe, and Burke counties—maximize the value of their land and make smart, informed decisions about when and how to sell or develop.
With Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, I bring:
Access to the most powerful real estate marketing platform in western North Carolina
Leading Land and Luxury Property representation
A network of builders, contractors, lenders, surveyors, and legal professionals
Local knowledge that only comes from living in Rutherford County and walking land every week
Let’s Talk Land—And How to Make the Most of It
Whether you’re looking to buy a peaceful retreat, sell inherited acreage, or launch a development, unrestricted land in Rutherford County offers unmatched potential. With professional insight, a strategic plan, and a trusted guide by your side, you can unlock the full value of your property.
Let’s walk your land. Let’s talk about your goals. And let’s get you moving forward with a trusted local professional by your side.
Contact Dwain Ammons, Realtor®, C2EX, ePro, PSA, SFR® Today. Contact form is here
📞 (828) 447-0036
📧 dwain.ammons@allentate.com
🌐 largelandbroker.com
💼 Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®
