Riedel Communities

Smaller lots make sense where the cost of land is at a premium but what about the Texas Hill Country.  Not to say Hill Country land is cheap but many of today’s Hill Country communities offer one acre tracts primarily because of county development restrictions and profit opportunities.

In Comal County for instance, the minimum number of acres for a septic system is one acre, therefore, most new communities offer one to two acre sized lots.  Also, the minimum allowed home size is typically anywhere from 1700 to us much as 2800 square feet.

If you are looking for a restricted Hill Country community that offers larger lots and allows smaller square foot homes, you will have a difficult time finding that community.  Why?  There are significant advantages to small homes on large lots.

Unlike small city lots that require 100% landscaping, Hill Country lots can be left natural for the most part, allowing the homeowner to landscape as large an area surrounding their home as they please.

Also, just because you choose to have more land does not mean you prefer more home.  You may prefer added amenities, energy efficiency, less maintenance, and less property tax as opposed to more square footage.

Developers naturally want the most return for their investment which they can achieve with higher density.  Lenders also want a higher ratio of home value to land but what do homeowners want?

Larger lots and smaller homes make perfect sense, not only for preserving the beauty of the Texas Hill Country but also because many of us simply no longer need a large home and our seeking to downscale.