The Hidden Costs of Leasing vs. Owning Your Own Hunting Property

Introduction

For many hunters, leasing land seems like the easiest way to secure a private hunting spot for the season. However, what many don’t realize is that the long-term costs of leasing add up fast—and you’re left with no tangible asset to show for it. In this article, we’ll break down the hidden costs of leasing land and explain why owning your own private hunting property could be a smarter financial and lifestyle investment for you.

Chapter 1: Financial Comparison – Leasing vs. Owning

 At first glance, leasing seems more affordable. You pay a flat fee for a season, and you’re good to go. But let’s do the math:

💰 Leasing Costs

   •    Average lease cost: $2,000 to $5,000 per year for any decent hunting property

   •    No equity or appreciation

   •    Potential for rate increases each year

   •    Risk of losing the lease if the landowner decides to sell or change terms

 Over a five-year period, you could spend $10,000 to $25,000 on leasing, with no equity to show for it in the end.

🏡 Ownership Costs

   •    Average property purchases 20 – 100 acres in the southern half of Ohio: $75,000 to $350,000 (depending on size and location)

   •    Monthly mortgage payments build equity

   •    Property appreciation: Your land gains value over time

   •    The ability to generate income from different leases, timber sales, or farming

 With ownership, your payments go toward building an asset that will continue to grow in value over time. Instead of handing over cash every season, you’re creating a long-term investment for yourself and your family.

Chapter 2: Control and Customization – The Perks of Private Ownership

When you lease a property, you’re at the mercy of the landowner. You can’t make improvements, plant food plots, or build blinds without permission.

 With your own property, you have full control:

✅ Build and maintain food plots

✅ Improve habitat to attract more wildlife

✅ Add blinds, stands, and trail systems

✅ Manage the property for long-term deer and turkey success

 Owning your own land means you can customize it to create the ultimate hunting experience. You’re investing in a spot that will get better every year—and no one can take it away from you.

Chapter 3: Long-Term Value of Owning Land

One of the biggest hidden costs of leasing is that you’re missing out on property appreciation. Recreational land values in Ohio have been steadily rising over the years.

 Consider this:

   •    In 2010, a 100-acre hunting property in southern Ohio might have sold for $150,000.

   •    By 2025, that same property could be worth $350,000 or more.

 That’s a $200,000 increase in value—money that would have been yours if you owned the land. That’s around $1,000 per month of increased value over 15 years.

Chapter 4: How to Transition from Leasing to Owning

Making the jump from leasing to owning can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, it’s achievable.

Tips to Get Started:

    1.  Determine Your Budget – Work with a lender familiar with recreational property loans.

    2.  Start Small – You don’t need 200 acres to start. Even 20 acres can provide great hunting and a solid investment.

    3.  Work with a Trusted Land Broker – Legacy Acres Land Co. specializes in finding properties that are perfect for hunters and investors.

Conclusion

Leasing may seem like the easy choice, but when you look at the hidden costs, it’s clear that owning your own hunting property is the better long-term investment. With land ownership, you’re not just paying for a hunting spot—you’re building equity, gaining control, and creating a legacy for your family.

At Legacy Acres Land Co., our goal is to help hunters make the dream of land ownership a reality. Get in our “VIP Buyers Group” to get pre-market property info before our properties ever hit the public market.

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