The Business of Buying and Selling Land in the U.S. Has Never Looked Brighter in 2025

September 5, 2025

Home » M4 Ranch Group Blog » The Business of Buying and Selling Land in the U.S. Has Never Looked Brighter in 2025

remarkable vitality

Over the past six months, the National Land Real Estate market has shown remarkable vitality!

Driven by optimistic investor sentiment, technological innovation, and a deeper appreciation for land’s enduring value.

This was echoed at the close of 2024, the energy in the industry was palpable, alongside at the recent National Land Conference (NLC25) in Tucson, which served as the epicenter of renewed confidence, deal-making, and forward-looking strategy.

As the owner and founder, of M4 Ranch Group… alongside the current National President of the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI), I share this optimism and enthusiasm.

Read on to learn more and why:

the Land Market In Q1–Q2 (2025)

As the National President of RLI, I’ve had a front-row seat to some phenomenal data… for example:

RLI APEX Awards Program

The RLI APEX Awards Program celebrated its eighth year by recognizing 255 applicants whose combined performance drove:

Achieved $8.9 billion in Transaction Volume
Encompassed 9,255 Transactions
Accounted for over 1.2 million Acres Sold

“These numbers underscore a robust and active land market, even as broader economic turbulence creates uncertainty across other sectors”

National Land Conference (NLC) 2025

The National Land Conference in Tucson brought together these top land professionals for expert-led sessions, strategic discussions, and live deal-making. The APEX Awards ceremony followed, where the impressive Q1–Q2 figures were revealed and celebrated.

As the RLI’s National President, it was deeply rewarding to be a part of this excellence and be inspired by this upward momentum. I also witnessed collaboration, learning, and innovation in full swing on that day.

“the epicenter of renewed confidence, deal-making, and forward-looking strategy”

REALTORS® Land Institute National President Dan Murphy and Brokers

Land Market Survey

Additionally, the 2024 Land Market Survey (*a joint effort between RLI and the National Association of REALTORS®), revealed that:

The underlying value of land owned by households reached a staggering $20.1 trillion in Q4 2024
- Up from $18.6 trillion a year prior
Land transactions continue to move swiftly:
- Most close within 60 days (*with a quarter doing so in under 30)
- Price growth was moderate at 1.5% overall
  - But recreational and residential land sectors, posted higher gains of 2.4% and 2.2% respectively
  - Notably, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia led the nation in transaction volume share

Why the Land Market Is Thriving

Land continues to stand as a resilient asset, anchoring long-term wealth amid equity market swings and macro uncertainty.

In particular, Farm Land and Ranch Land maintain intrinsic value, especially as demographic shifts fuel renewed enthusiasm for rural and near-rural property.

“Across the Mountain West, where M4 Ranch Group operates we’re seeing this play out decisively”

Key Trends & Predictions For Q3–Q4 (2025 onwards)

The Trends Shaping the Future:

A Sustained Demand for Land
- Expect sustained demand for recreational and residential land, as buyers seek space, lifestyle, and long-term stability
Policy Tailwinds
- Financing for land and development is expected to remain modestly favorable into 2026. Emerging conservation incentives, carbon credit markets, and sustainable land-use policies may also further bolster demand in select regions
The Introduction of New Technology
- A continued evolution of how land is bought and sold, across the board
Economic Shifts
- Keep an eye on trade disruptions and macroeconomic shifts, as emphasized in the Land Market Survey and further supported by perspectives like those of NAR’s chief economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun

The Opportunities & Strategies for Brokers

Capitalize on Momentum:
- Stay current on changing regulations and technologies that streamline deals
Build Networks Purposefully:
- Engage in peer communities like RLI and regional organizations; those long-term relationships turn listings into trusted legacies
Leverage Expertise:
- In complex land transactions; whether conservation easements, subdividing, or transferring generational ranches… professional guidance is paramount

The Opportunities & Strategies for Buyers and Sellers

Investment Potential:
- Land remains a smart, long-term asset that hedges inflation and provides lifestyle value. Buyers seeking diversification and serenity will find strong appeal
Location-Specific Dynamics:
- Colorado:
  - Consistently strong appreciation and demand make it a prime hunting ground for buyers and sellers alike
- Wyoming:
  - Offers expansive, value-oriented properties with growing appeal for recreation and conservation
- New Mexico:
  - Presents affordable yet high-potential opportunities, especially in recreational and heritage-driven segments

Now is a great time to Buy or Sell

At M4 Ranch Group, finding you the perfect piece of land is our top priority, alongside securing you a legacy, diversifying your investment portfolio, and tapping into a resource that offers both financial and intrinsic value.

Author: Dan Murphy

Dan Murphy, ALC (Accredited Land Consultant), Broker, Partner, has called the mountain west home his entire adult life. Dan’s extensive and diverse business experience reveals a track record of success. His service on numerous organizational boards throughout the mountain region demonstrates a commitment to improving communities through an applied, big-picture perspective. He has served on the Colorado DOW’s Big Game Allocation Program (BGLAP), the Colorado Wildlife Federation Board of Directors, the Colorado Outfitters Association, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Advisory Board, and is a founder of Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.

Dan also dedicates much of his time and effort building relationships within the Realtor Land Institute, serving as Colorado President in 2021- 2022 (National Chapter of the Year), National RLI Vice President in 2022-2023 to over 2,100 of the top land agents across the country. And now serving as the National RLI President from 2025.