Definition of "Plot"

The meaning of plot refers to a parcel or a small lot. A plot is essential in determining the land cost. Additionally, it defines a diagram or schematic drawing of a building or piece of land. Note that some countries use the term lot for the plot.

Understanding a plot’s size

Land surveys broke down the land into a grid pattern in the Midwest US for farms and ranches. There, a square is 640 acres by default. Thus, 40 acres is a quarter-mile on each side. A regular standard plot of land to produce crops and raise animals varies from 40 acres to 640 acres. 

What does plot mean in real estate?

The meaning of plot in real estate conveys a defined parcel of land that presently is or will be in land ownership, in other words, retained by a landowner. In certain countries, you’ll find the term plot as a parcel of real property or immovable property. One or more individuals or even corporations, governments can own a plot.

Taxes you must pay when owning a plot

In addition, one can refer to a plot as a small and empty area, for example, a car park or garden plot. The plot owners have to periodically pay a real estate property tax to the county for their land like any property. The local government calculates the tax based on the assessed value of the real estate. 

Owning an empty plot may come with unexpected financial obligations like hidden costs of traditional homeownership. Moreover, additional plot taxes are due once a transfer of ownership occurs at property sales. Sometimes the government can impose specific fees for plot improvement purposes, such as building sidewalks and curbs. They can also determine what buildings they permit on a plot in zoning ordinances. Under such circumstances, we can refer to areas and properties zoned for residential buildings, for agricultural, commercial, or industrial use.

Plots deeds

Initially, the government granted individuals and companies plots in land patents. The seller signs a warranty deed and records it at the county recorder’s office to transfer a plot’s ownership. In the deed, officials must specify the metes and bounds description with the plot’s well-defined boundaries in a recorded plat diagram.

Improving a plot’s value

One can raise a plot’s value by plottage in real estate, meaning you link multiple fields into one single parcel. Contact local real estate agents if you’re interested in buying or selling a property or land!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

(1) Mildly convex arch built into a load bearing beam, girder, or truss to counteract any load bearing stress placed on it. (2) Slight slope designed into a structure such as a drive4way or ...

Agreement by a lender to lend money to a borrower. A loan commitment typically includes the amount of money to be lent, the interest rate, and the period of the loan. ...

'Disputable' presumption that is subject to rebuttal based on evidence. However, the presumption prevails until it is rebutted. ...

Principle stating that the joint tenants must have equal rights to possession of the whole property. ...

Individual or entity who pays for the professional services of another person or business. ...

Land expansion resembling a star. The starts center is the city, and major thoroughfares going away from the city are depicted. ...

The term assessed value is used to define the dollar value of a property for the applicable taxes. The evaluator, a tax assessor, determines the property’s assessed value for tax ...

Each payment made by the borrower is equal each period, usually monthly. Each payment is comprised of principal and interest. Interest is based on the beginning balance. The cash paid less ...

Unlimited interest in property. A freehold estate may be a fee simple or file estate. Freehold estate includes freehold in deed, a fee simple estate; freehold in law, an inheritable estate; ...

Popular Real Estate Questions