Leasing or Buying Vacant Land Near Knightdale, NC: Opportunities, Challenges & Local Insight
Introduction / Hook
Imagine a developer driving east from Raleigh along Poole Road or Hodge Road, spotting a 10-acre tract that seems poised for growth. It’s just beyond the suburban edge of Knightdale, with glimpses of open sky—and possibility. But to turn that parcel into a viable project, custom home site, or long-term investment, you need more than vision. You need careful due diligence, mastery of local plans, infrastructure know-how, and a partner who understands how Knightdale is growing.
Knightdale has been one of Wake County’s fastest-growing towns. According to U.S. Census and planning data, its population around 2020 was approximately 19,435, having more than doubled since 2000. The pressure of regional expansion means that vacant land in Knightdale’s periphery is increasingly under demand and scrutiny. Simply owning “raw land” is not enough—success hinges on reading the local patterns, zoning regime, infrastructure pipelines, and regulatory environment.
In this article, we’ll explore the Knightdale land market: how to decide whether to lease or buy, what the local constraints are, how to uncover deals, and why a niche realtor (or land-specialist) in Knightdale is a critical advisor.
Knightdale Area Land Market Overview
Land Listings vs Residential Listings
When comparing land-only listings versus conventional residential listings in Knightdale, you’ll find that vacant land is relatively scarce, and tends to carry a premium per acre as developers compete for strategic parcels. For example:
Zillow currently shows a listing of 18.19 acres at 8323 Poole Rd for $990,000 for a single tract. Zillow
Realtor.com lists several smaller lot and acreage parcels in Knightdale in its “Land & Lots” section. Realtor
On Homes.com, a 2.10-acre mixed-use development parcel at Hwy 64 / Smithfield Road is priced at $300,000 (~$174,419 per acre) in a key corridor. Homes
Meanwhile, residential listings are much more abundant: Redfin tracks ~245 homes for sale in Knightdale, with a median home price of ~$384,990 (as of August 2025) Redfin and Raleigh Realty lists 219 homes with a median list of ~$464,272 Raleigh Realty.
These numbers suggest two things: (a) land is a rarer commodity, which adds premium; (b) land buyers often compete not just with other land buyers, but with speculative builders converting raw parcels to homes.
Price / Acre Trends & Parcel Sizes
LandSearch reports that across Knightdale-area listings, the average cost per acre is around $310,488. LandSearch Of course, that is heavily influenced by location, frontage, zoning, infrastructure availability, and parcel shape.
Some parcels are quite large: LandWatch lists 90+ undeveloped properties in the Knightdale vicinity, with an average listing price of ~$1,608,750 and cost per acre of ~$274,883. LandSearch Also, larger parcels (11–50 acres) are pushing toward $1.75 million on Old Ferrell Road in Knightdale. Landwatch.com
Zoning Framework & Land Use Plans
Understanding Knightdale’s zoning and planning overlay is essential. The town publishes a Zoning Map (2025) and a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) among its ordinances, plans, and maps. Town of Knightdale, NC+2Town of Knightdale, NC+2 The KnightdaleNext V.2 2035 Comprehensive Plan (adopted in July 2024) guides future growth, with emphasis on more compact, infill, and connected development as an alternative to endless sprawl. Town of Knightdale, NC
Also of interest is Knightdale’s River District Small Area Plan (adopted July 2023), which sets design and land-use guidelines for parcels adjacent to the Neuse River and near I-540, opening up redevelopment and mixed-use potential. Town of Knightdale, NC
Zoning in Knightdale includes a mix of residential, mixed-use, and commercial classifications. Tools like Zoneomics offer a current Knightdale zoning map and code reference. zoningpoint.com
Because of these plans, land near watercourses, riverfront, and nodes near interchanges or major roads carry special attention. In short: a parcel’s classification, overlay constraints, connectivity, and planned infrastructure weigh heavily on its value.
Annexation & Change in Use Risk
One of the key risks for peripheral parcels is annexation or rezoning. As Knightdale continues to grow outward, town boundaries may absorb adjacent unincorporated land, bringing new zoning, tax obligations, or utility extension requirements. Also, future change in allowable uses—say, from agricultural to residential, or from residential to mixed-use—can either enhance or restrict value depending on the path.
In one recent rezoning petition (PLG-RZ-005297-2024), two properties near Knightdale were considered for conditional industrial overlay (CU-I-2) with a highway overlay district, reflecting the town and Wake County’s openness to more intense uses along highway corridors. wake.legistar.com
Therefore, when acquiring land, you must verify where municipal expansion is likely, what your land is likely to be rezoned to, and whether the parcel is burdened by development agreements or infrastructure obligations.
Leasing vs Buying: Use Cases & Tradeoffs
Who Leases Land?
Leased land is appropriate for use cases where ownership is not required or desirable. Some common examples:
Solar farms / renewable energy: Developers may lease land for solar installations, with lease payments tied to energy output.
Event venues / outdoor uses: Temporary or partial uses like weddings, festivals, drive-in theaters, storage yards.
Agricultural leasing / pasture / farming: Especially in fringe areas where soil and topography allow.
Communications / cell towers / billboard leases: If your tract has elevation, frontage, or visibility.
Leasing land gives you flexibility, lower upfront capital, and ability to divest risks. However, you give up upside gains from rezoning and long-term appreciation.
Who Should Buy Land?
Purchasing land is appropriate when you have a clear long-term vision:
Speculative development: build a subdivision, infrastructure, then sell or develop.
Custom estate / high-end home site: for buyers seeking acreage and customization.
Land banking: hold until the highest and best use emerges.
Mixed-use transformation: build in phases, combining residential and commercial.
Ownership gives full control—zoning, phasing, infrastructure—but comes with burdens: taxes, maintenance, carrying costs, and risk if the land doesn’t develop as projected.
General Pros / Cons (with Knightdale Nuance)
In Knightdale, some additional caution points:
Utilities: On fringe parcels, sewer and water may not be extended until warranted by development density. If your plan depends on central utilities, you may face high extension costs.
Road Access & Right-of-Way: Some parcels may lack direct frontage on improved roads; you might need to negotiate easements or build roadway access.
Zoning Preconditions: A lease may require certain use or improvements; if zoning remains rural or agricultural, you may be limited.
Annexation Exposure: If the town annexes the parcel mid-lease, your lease might need adjustment to conform with municipal codes.
Thus, the decision to lease vs buy rarely is purely financial—it depends on risk appetite, timeline, capital availability, and clarity of intended use.
How to Find Land Deals in Knightdale Vicinity
MLS, Land Brokers & County Tax-Sale Lists
MLS / Land for Sale Platforms: Use Zillow’s land listings (e.g. 8323 Poole Rd, 18.19 acres) Zillow, Realtor.com, LandSearch, and LandWatch to monitor new listings.
Specialist Land Brokers: Some brokers focus on land and hold networks off-market deals.
County Tax Sales / Foreclosure Auctions: Occasionally parcels in Wake County are offered via sheriff or tax-lien sales, though often with risk (title issues, liens).
Local Landowner Outreach: Door-knocking or direct mail to large parcels adjacent to development corridors.
GIS Mapping & Growth Plan Overlays
Overlay your parcel research with Knightdale’s planning maps:
KnightdaleNext V.2 Comprehensive Plan: reveals future nodes of density, connectivity goals, open space, and growth priority areas. Town of Knightdale, NC+1
Zoning maps and the UDO: available via Knightdale’s development services “Ordinances, Plans and Maps” portal Town of Knightdale, NC
Annexation / Roadway Plans: check the town’s Roadway Network Plan appended in the official ordinances. Town of Knightdale, NC+1
Using GIS, you can flag parcels near planned roads, close to utility corridors, or near growth nodes.
Driving Corridors
Walk the land physically:
Drive along Poole Road, Hodge Road, Smithfield Road, or Old Knight Road looking for undeveloped parcels or “for sale” signs.
Observe how far development has already spread; those just beyond current subdivisions may be ripe for speculative purchase.
Case Studies / Example Parcels
Riverview Commons / Poole & Hodge
In Knightdale’s planning documents, the Poole-Hodge intersection is often referenced as a node of future growth. The master plan supports new residential and mixed uses in those corridors. Town of Knightdale, NC+1 The parcel 8323 Poole Rd (18.19 acres) is currently listed at $990,000 and presents a possible subdivision or estate-lot development opportunity. Zillow
Because it's proximate to existing infrastructure, frontage, and in a corridor identified for growth, this parcel typifies the kinds of high-potential sites developers keep close watch on.
Hypothetical 5-Acre Lot West of Knightdale Station
Imagine a 5-acre tract just west of Knightdale Station (one of Knightdale’s key mixed-use and transit-conscious nodes). The lot lacks full utilities today, but has access to a stubbed road. It’s zoned for low-density residential or mixed-use in the UDO. As the town encourages infill, you could phase residential homes or build a signature custom-home enclave.
You’d need to budget for extension of sewer/water and negotiate easements or frontage improvements. However, because Knightdale intends to encourage compact growth (per its 2035 plan), the upside may justify the investment.
How a Realtor Adds Value in Knightdale Land Deals
Title, Easement & Boundary Review
Before committing, every parcel must be vetted for:
Undisclosed easements (ingress/egress, utilities)
Encroachments or boundary disputes
Access rights: is there legal frontage? Does access cross third-party parcels?
A skilled land-savvy realtor will bring in a title attorney early to identify risks.
Negotiation Structure & Conditional Offers
In many land deals, sellers want a clean exit and buyers want flexibility. A realtor can negotiate:
Conditional contracts: buyer conditions on rezoning, entitlement, surveying, financing
Performance milestones: phased closings based on infrastructure completion
Right of first refusal / option leases: e.g. lease now with option to purchase later
These structures can de-risk the deal.
Local Contacts, Consultants & Process
A Knightdale-focused realtor maintains a network of:
Surveyors who know Wake County and local topography
Civil engineers familiar with drainage, stormwater and town specs
Town planning staff and insight into review cycles
Environmental consultants (wetland delineations, buffer analysis)
Utility extension contractors
They help you navigate local plans, timing, submittals, and reduce surprises.
Market Direction & Demand Insight
A realtor with deep local experience can advise:
Which corridors are likely to command premium in 5–10 years (e.g. along I-540, River District)
Which neighboring projects or subdivisions may accelerate demand
When to time land sales vs holding for better zoning or infrastructure
That insight can spell difference between a sub-par return and a winning development.
Tips for Those Considering Land in Knightdale
Run cost comparisons: compare land + infrastructure + carrying cost vs buying a finished lot or an existing home. Sometimes the latter wins.
Watch expansion plans and development agreement obligations: some parcels come with required improvements or contributions (e.g. sidewalk, road) when annexed.
Be disciplined about speculative buys: don't overpay without a clear exit or use plan.
Participate in town planning discussions: stay apprised of master plan updates (e.g. KnightdaleNext) and small-area plans (e.g. River District) that might impact your parcel.
Model multiple use scenarios: residential subdivision, lot sales, custom homes, mixed-use—quantify these before choosing path.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Leasing or buying vacant land around Knightdale, NC holds real promise—but it comes with complexity. The difference between a good deal and a hidden liability often lies in local nuance: utility access, zoning overlays, infrastructure pipelines, and annexation dynamics.
If you’re exploring land leasing or acquisitions in the Knightdale area, don’t go in blind. Engage a niche realtor who knows the town’s plans, can interpret maps and ordinances, coordinate consultants, and help structure deals with conditional safeguards.
Let me (or a Knightdale-area land specialist) help you map out opportunity corridors, perform feasibility analyses, and guide you through negotiation and implementation. Reach out for a free land-corridor analysis or parcel evaluation to start with confidence.
Ready to discuss your real estate needs? Contact Be Sunshine Realty Group Brokered by EXP today for a confidential consultation. Call (919) 583-6895 or visit www.livinginraleighnow.com to connect with Raleigh Triangle's most trusted real estate team.
