Aerial view of a rural property with two buildings surrounded by green fields and trees. A driveway leads to the structures, bordered by fenced pastures. A small vehicle is parked near the buildings. The sky is partly cloudy.

Free Real Estate? Here’s Where You Can Buy Land for $0 in the U.S.

Looking for a new place to call home? You might be surprised to learn that dozens of programs across the U.S. make property ownership more affordable—sometimes even free! A few years ago, we highlighted communities offering land for next to nothing. This year, we’re bringing you the latest updates on these programs, along with new opportunities to help you build your dream home. If you love small-town living, DIY renovations, and budget-friendly mortgages, keep reading to discover where you can secure real estate that practically pays for itself.

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Curtis, Nebraska

Despite its rural setting, Curtis, Nebraska, is drawing interest with generous relocation incentives. Those willing to trade city life for country living can receive free residential lots by building a single-family home within a designated timeframe. The city also offers cash incentives and even pays families to enroll their children in the Medicine Valley School District. Additionally, free commercial and industrial lots are available to encourage local economic growth, making Curtis an attractive option for both homeowners and business owners.

Lincoln, Kansas [NO LONGER ACTIVE]

Lincoln, Kansas, known as the “Post Rock Capital of Kansas,” previously offered free residential lots to encourage community growth. These fully developed home sites, located near a local baseball field, city park, and junior-senior high school, ranged from 14,000 to 35,000 sq. ft. and included utility hookups. While this program has ended, Lincoln County still offers several housing opportunities, including a Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program designed to make homeownership more affordable for low- to moderate-income families. For more details on homeownership programs in Lincoln County, visit their Housing Opportunities page.

Elwood, Nebraska

Located two and a half hours west of Lincoln, Elwood is a charming small town offering free residential lots to both in-state and out-of-state newcomers. To qualify, buyers must begin construction within one year and occupy the home within two years of purchase. What sets Elwood apart is its down payment assistance program, where the village covers up to 10% of construction costs for homes valued at $25,000 or more. This makes Elwood an appealing option for those looking to build affordably in a welcoming rural community.

Mankato, Kansas

Mankato, a small town of about 900 people in Jewell County, offers free residential lots in its Johnson Addition neighborhood, a peaceful cul-de-sac development. To ensure community growth, buyers must begin construction within six months of acquiring the property. This program presents an incredible opportunity for those looking to invest in a close-knit rural town with long-term potential.

City skyline at sunset with a calm waterfront in the foreground. Empty docks and moored boats are visible under a soft, colorful sky. A streetlamp stands to the right, and various architectural styles are present in the background.

Buffalo, New York

Located in Western New York, Buffalo is a vibrant city on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. While it doesn’t offer free land, the city’s Urban Homestead Program allows buyers to purchase vacant or abandoned homes for below market value—sometimes as low as $1. Though current pricing varies, this program remains an excellent opportunity for those looking to take on a DIY renovation project in a city with strong growth potential.

Claremont, Minnesota

South of Minneapolis, Claremont is a small rural town offering free lots to nine working families through its workforce housing program. However, it’s important to note that recipients must meet income limits and be willing to build modular homes by Arden Home Services, featuring two-bedroom, one-bathroom layouts. Approved applicants must also complete eight hours of homeowner education and apply for a USDA mortgage with assistance from a city-appointed counselor. While construction costs still apply, this program provides a rare opportunity for hardworking families to establish a stable and affordable home in Minnesota.

Grafton, Illinois

Situated at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, Grafton, Illinois, is offering one-third acre lots in its Grafton Hills neighborhood to qualified applicants. To participate, buyers must put down $5,000 upfront and build a new single-family home within three years to receive a full reimbursement. This program provides an affordable path to homeownership in a scenic Midwestern community, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle in a charming riverfront town.


Snow-covered mountains form the backdrop of a city with modern high-rise buildings. A partially frozen body of water with ice floes lies in the foreground, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.

Finding Your Next Hometown: Opportunities That Pay Off

Relocating—whether to a rural, suburban, or urban area—offers an exciting chance to embrace a new community and lifestyle. If you’re seeking a fresh start with affordable or even free land, these cities might be the perfect place to put down roots. And they’re not alone—across the U.S., from Alaska to Maine, many communities offer incentives to spur economic growth and attract new residents.

While some of these offers may seem too good to be true, remember that these cities genuinely want to grow and are willing to invest in new homeowners to make that happen. Of course, building a home involves more than just securing land, but with free lots or discounted properties, you’ll have extra resources to create your dream home—while helping shape the future of your new town.