Selling landlocked land in Michigan
Yes, you can sell landlocked land in Michigan. Liberty Acres buys land without road access, as-is. If you would rather create access first, Michigan law gives landowners a path, but it takes time and money.
Request an offerHow Michigan law handles land with no road access
Michigan's private roads act, which let a jury open a road for a landlocked owner, was struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court. Access now rests on negotiated easements or an easement by necessity over land once held in common.
Common-law route: Easement by necessity recognized by the Michigan Court of Appeals (Charles A. Murray Trust v. Futrell, 303 Mich App 28 (2013)); requires unity of ownership and necessity at severance.
Court routes take time and cost money. Ask a local attorney.
Your options as a landlocked owner
- Ask a neighbor to sell or grant an access easement, in writing and recorded.
- Offer the land to the neighbor who borders it. They are often the most natural buyer.
- Use the Michigan legal route above to create access, then sell.
- Sell as-is to a cash buyer who accepts land without access.
Michigan land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $7,000 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $31.06 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: $3.75 per $500 of value (0.75%), plus a county tax of 55 cents per $500 (0.11%), about 0.86% in total. Written instruments with consideration under $100 are exempt from both taxes.
- Seller disclosure: Michigan's seller disclosure form is not required for vacant land, but deeds for unplatted land must carry division-right and right-to-farm statements. The Seller Disclosure Act covers only 1 to 4 residential dwelling units (MCL 565.952). The deed statements are required by MCL 560.109(3) and (4). A seller who knows part of the land is a contaminated site must give the buyer written notice before the transfer (MCL 324.20116).
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Michigan for county values, or try the land value estimator.
How a cash sale handles this
Liberty Acres is a family-owned cash land buyer. We buy land anywhere in the US, in any condition, including land with back taxes, inherited land and land with no road access. We pay back taxes and all closing costs, use no agents and charge no commissions, and close through a title company, escrow company or real estate attorney who pays you by wire or check.
Common questions
Can you sell landlocked land in Michigan?
Yes. Buyers who need a loan or want to build will usually pass, but a cash buyer can buy it as-is. Liberty Acres buys landlocked land.
How do you get access to landlocked land in Michigan?
Michigan's private roads act, which let a jury open a road for a landlocked owner, was struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court. Access now rests on negotiated easements or an easement by necessity over land once held in common.
Should I fix access before selling?
Only if the time and cost make sense. A court or neighbor deal can take months. Compare that with a cash offer for the land as it is.
Sources
State rules last checked 2026-10-10. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.