The soaring volcanic mountains that form the Cascade Range dominate the landscape of Washington, creating a dramatic divide between rich urban centers and rugged rural areas. The Evergreen State’s booming tech industry and the economic benefits of agriculture have long drawn real estate investors, and land in particular is a smart buy for many investors.
The $121 million deal between the city and a nonprofit group is one of the biggest land purchases in Washington history, and it comes with strings attached that critics say will undermine public goals such as affordable housing and climate action. City officials, who appraised the property for a fraction of its value, argue that it will pay off in the long run.
Local activists disagree. The West End deal and a related purchase of land in a city-owned forest are being challenged in court by people who claim the appraisals were flawed.
To make the most of the land’s potential, the Expedited Land Deals in Washington department wants to move it to an area that would be better suited for timber sales — which account for more than half of the agency’s revenue — or leasing agricultural acreage to ranchers, farmers and clean-energy producers. But the transfer is a controversial political fight that is pitting environmentalists against timber companies and others who want to build more homes in the region.
Some locals think the state should sell off more unused land to raise funds for affordable housing. But the American Forest Resource Council, which represents lumber makers and other forest product groups, says the department’s move “is more about politics and appeasing anti-forestry groups than it is about science or strategic climate investments.”
Despite land prices rising in recent years, it takes time to realize substantial returns from investing in vacant land. The timeline depends on the type of property. Parcels near expanding cities offer the most growth potential, as they can benefit from rising development pressures. Agricultural acreage in wine regions and Eastern Washington will gain from the growing global demand for locally grown food. And recreational property like waterfront, hunting and off-grid remote parcels attract premium pricing as people place greater emphasis on experiences over material goods.
All real estate carries risks, but land offers appealing characteristics that can deliver solid gains over a 5- to 10-year period for those willing to be patient and savvy. The most important factor is choosing the right location and making sure a parcel can be used to generate income. A qualified real estate agent can help with this. They’ll understand market conditions and know how to evaluate properties based on their potential for future use and the value of surrounding amenities. And they’ll also have the connections and resources to find buyers for land in any market.
