Selling landlocked land in South Dakota
Yes, you can sell landlocked land in South Dakota. Liberty Acres buys land without road access, as-is. If you would rather create access first, South Dakota law gives landowners a path, but it takes time and money.
Request an offerHow South Dakota law handles land with no road access
Owners of an isolated tract of 10 acres or more, or 5 acres or more used for a home, can apply to the county commissioners for a 25 to 65 foot right-of-way to a public highway. The owner pays damages.
Statutory route: Condemnation of an easement for an isolated tract, decided by the board of county commissioners.
Common-law route: Implied easement by necessity recognized but strict (necessity at severance and now); can be barred by the Marketable Title Act.
Law: SDCL 31-22-1 to 31-22-8. 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 South Dakota legal route above to create access, then sell.
- Sell as-is to a cash buyer who accepts land without access.
South Dakota land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $3,100 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $7.57 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: A real estate transfer fee of 50 cents per $500 of value or fraction (0.1%). Exemptions in SDCL 43-4-22 include gifts and some family transfers.
- Seller disclosure: Vacant land is not covered. South Dakota's required property condition disclosure applies to residential real property of not more than four dwelling units in one structure.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
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 South Dakota?
Owners of an isolated tract of 10 acres or more, or 5 acres or more used for a home, can apply to the county commissioners for a 25 to 65 foot right-of-way to a public highway. The owner pays damages.
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
- South Dakota access law: SDCL 31-22-1 to 31-22-8
- USDA NASS Land Values 2026 and 2022 Census of Agriculture
State rules last checked 2026-10-13. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.