Purchasing agricultural land in Sardinia should never be based solely on the asking price or on a positive first impression.
Before proceeding with the purchase, it is advisable to carry out a systematic assessment of the property’s legal, planning, environmental and agronomic characteristics. The following checklist summarises the principal aspects that should be verified in order to reduce investment risks and support informed decision-making.
Property Identification
The first step is to verify the property’s cadastral details, boundaries and ownership.
Buyers should ensure that the available documentation accurately reflects the land being offered for sale and that no discrepancies exist between official records and the actual property.
Planning Status
Before purchasing agricultural land, it is essential to verify the planning designation of the property together with the applicable municipal planning regulations.
Where future construction or the renovation of existing buildings is envisaged, development opportunities should always be assessed before completing the transaction.
For further information, see Can You Build on Agricultural Land in Sardinia?
Planning and Landscape Constraints
One of the most complex aspects of purchasing agricultural land in Sardinia is understanding the planning and landscape restrictions that may affect a property.
In addition to municipal planning regulations, rural land may be subject to landscape protection, hydrogeological constraints, environmental legislation and other statutory provisions. In Sardinia, the Regional Landscape Plan (Piano Paesaggistico Regionale – PPR) plays a particularly important role, especially in areas of environmental and landscape significance.
Assessing the combined effect of these regulations requires more than simply consulting planning maps or cadastral records. A comprehensive evaluation often involves analysing multiple planning instruments, sector-specific legislation and the individual characteristics of the property.
For this reason, buyers should seek independent professional advice before purchasing agricultural land, particularly where future development or agricultural investment is planned.
Access
Legal and physical access to the property should be carefully assessed.
The existence of an access road does not necessarily guarantee legal access, and any rights of way or practical limitations should be clarified before completing the transaction.
Water Availability
The availability of water should never be assumed.
Public water connections, private wells, irrigation infrastructure and any restrictions affecting water use should all be independently verified.
Existing Buildings
Where rural buildings are present, their planning and cadastral status should be checked to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Any irregularities may require additional administrative procedures or significantly increase the overall cost of the investment.
Soil Suitability
Agricultural land should always be evaluated according to its intended use.
Soil characteristics, drainage, slope, exposure, altitude and overall agricultural potential should all be considered before making an investment decision.
Infrastructure and Utility Connections
Agricultural land does not always have immediate access to the infrastructure and services required for agricultural activities.
Depending on the property’s location and characteristics, additional investment may be necessary to connect the electricity supply, secure a reliable water source, improve legal and physical access to the property, install fencing where appropriate, or carry out drainage and land improvement works.
These costs should be carefully assessed before purchasing, as they can significantly affect the overall investment.
Technical Due Diligence
A comprehensive technical assessment provides buyers with a clearer understanding of the property’s opportunities and limitations.
Professional due diligence can identify planning issues, environmental constraints, infrastructure limitations and other factors that may influence both the feasibility and the long-term value of the investment.
For further information, see Agricultural Due Diligence in Sardinia.
Professional Advice
Purchasing agricultural land often involves planning legislation, environmental regulations, cadastral documentation and agronomic considerations.
Obtaining independent professional advice before signing the purchase agreement helps reduce uncertainty, identify potential risks at an early stage and support more informed investment decisions.
A systematic evaluation before purchasing agricultural land allows buyers to identify potential issues at an early stage and provides a more reliable basis for investment decisions.
Careful preparation before the purchase is often the most effective way to reduce risks, avoid unexpected costs and protect the long-term value of the investment.
Related advice: Pre-Purchase Rural Property Inspection in Sardinia · Rural Property Due Diligence in Sardinia: When the Right Advice Is Not to Buy · Discuss your property or project.