LandByOwner

CA Land Sale Guide

Sell Land by Owner
in California

California-specific deed types, recording office, transfer tax, survey rules, mineral rights, and county recorder links.

California — Quick Reference

Deed Types
Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed
Recording Office
County Recorder-Assessor
CA.gov — County Offices →
Transfer Tax
$1.10 per $1,000 of value (Documentary Transfer Tax)
Survey Required?
Not required (but recommended)
Seller Disclosure
Required by law
Mineral Rights
Typically included with surface
Avg. Days to Close
30–45 days

California note: California uses a Grant Deed (not a Warranty Deed). Documentary Transfer Tax applies at county level. Sellers must provide a Transfer Disclosure Statement and Natural Hazard Disclosure. Mineral rights are generally tied to surface rights in CA.

How to Sell Land by Owner in California

Five steps from pricing to recording — no real estate agent required.

1

Price Your Land

Research recent comparable land sales in your county using AcreValue, county GIS records, or the county assessor site. Price per acre varies widely by access, utilities, timber, and zoning. Overpriced land sits for years.

2

Order a Survey (If Needed)

A boundary survey confirms exact acreage, corners, and easements. Buyers increasingly require one for rural parcels. If your deed references old metes-and-bounds or you're unsure of the exact boundary, order a survey early.

3

Run a Title Search

A title search through your county recorder confirms you own what you're selling and reveals any liens, judgments, or encumbrances. For older rural property, pay special attention to severed mineral rights, timber reservations, and utility easements.

4

Prepare the Deed

Your deed must include grantor/grantee names, legal description, consideration paid, and notarized signatures. Use a state-specific form — Warranty, Grant, or Quitclaim — depending on what protections you're willing to convey.

5

Close and Record

At closing, collect payment (wire transfer or cashier's check), sign the deed, and have it notarized. Record the deed at your county recording office within a day or two. Pay any applicable transfer taxes at recording.

Seller Disclosures in California

California requires sellers to complete a property disclosure form before closing. For vacant land, disclosures typically cover:

  • ›Known environmental hazards or contamination
  • ›Easements, encroachments, or boundary disputes
  • ›Flood zone status or wetland designation
  • ›Zoning restrictions or planned public improvements
  • ›Access limitations (landlocked parcels, right-of-way issues)

Tools for Selling Land in California

Value Your Land — AcreValue

Get an instant per-acre land valuation for your California parcel. Compare to recent comparable sales.

Check Land Value →
List on LandWatch — CA

Reach buyers actively searching for vacant land in California. LandWatch is the largest dedicated land marketplace.

List Your Land →
Generate Your Deed — Rocket Lawyer

Create a California-specific Grant Deed with a notarization-ready template.

Create Your Deed →

Frequently Asked Questions — California Land Sales

How do I sell land by owner in California?+
To sell land by owner in California: (1) price your land using AcreValue and county comps, (2) run a title search to verify ownership and clear liens, (3) prepare a Grant Deed using a state-specific form, (4) record the deed at the County Recorder-Assessor, and (5) pay any applicable transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000 of value (Documentary Transfer Tax)). You do not need a real estate agent.
What type of deed do I need to sell land in California?+
California commonly uses: Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed. A Warranty Deed provides the strongest buyer protections and is the most marketable. A Quitclaim Deed conveys whatever interest you have with no warranties — suitable for transfers between family members or when you cannot provide title guarantees.
Is a survey required to sell vacant land in California?+
California does not legally require a survey to sell vacant land, but buyers and title companies often request one — especially for rural parcels where boundaries may be unclear.
Do I need to disclose if mineral rights are separate in California?+
Mineral rights in California are not commonly severed from surface rights, so a standard surface deed typically conveys both. However, always verify by searching the title chain for any prior mineral reservations.
Where do I record a deed in California?+
In California, deeds are recorded at the County Recorder-Assessor. You will need the original signed and notarized deed, payment of any applicable recording fees and the transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000 of value (Documentary Transfer Tax)), and any required transfer declaration forms. Recording makes the transfer official public record.

Also See: Neighboring States

Oregon (OR)Nevada (NV)Arizona (AZ)

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