HELP WITH FARM/LAND SEARCH
IN PUERTO RICO
Every year, hundreds of farms are sold in Puerto Rico, but only very few buyers are aware of what they are actually buying. Many of the farms sold are "problem" farms which force the new owners to either invest enormous amounts of additional money for site improvements and repairs or the soils are so poor or unsuited for their purpose that they fail to succeed in their endeavors.
Because of my work as sustainable ag consultant, I have seen a few thousand farms around the island, and I have helped countless people with their decision to buy the right land for them. I can't emphasize enough to always have land analyzed by a consultant or otherwise very experienced person before buying it, especially if it is meant for agricultural cultivation.
If you are looking for land or need me to look for it on the west coast or central area of Puerto Rico, I can help you in the following way:
-
Locate interesting farms for your purpose and determine their actual value (just by doing this, I am saving buyers thousands of dollars).
-
Make detailed, in-depth evaluation of land that you consider to buy.
-
Analyze soil quality and texture, pH, topography, and other essential factors in order to recommend the most suitable crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs, bamboo).
-
Design orchards and help you to get your farm developed.
If you have a farm for sale in Puerto Rico and want an ecologically conscious buyer, I can help you get the farm sold relatively quickly.
Simple email questions are answered for free; fees depend on location, size of property and work involved.
Update 2023: The real estate market of Puerto Rico has changed significantly over the past few years: since the Government decided to attract U.S. citizens by offering them exclusive tax breaks, an unprecedented amount of land has been sold in recent years. Naturally, this is driving up all prices, and also leads to noticeable gentrification. The price hikes will eventually result in higher property taxes, increased bureaucracy, and of course higher land prices. For those looking for farms, there's an additional challenge: its extremely difficult to find qualified labor to clean, maintain or develop farms. The cost of cleaning an acre of land has gone up from $1-2k to approximately 3-4k. The cost of cultivating land with common crops has gone up from 3-6k per acre (1990 to 2015) to 6k - 12k per acre (2016-today).
Please contact me in case you want to take advantage of our personalized "express farm finding service" or if you have land that you would like to sell. For new listings, check back regularly. (Sadhu@coqui.net).
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FARMS / UPDATES 2023
02/2019: 54 acres in Añasco. The land is not cultivated and consists mostly of secondary forest. Some parts of the farm have a good view of the Añasco beach areas. The asking price is only 175k, which is below market value.
02/2019: 70 acres in Añasco. Soil quality and topography above average. Good location, and again a great asking price: 175k. The main downside for me is that a small piece of land was sold in the main access area. This will limit the privacy some, but considering that its a very 70 acre farm, its a minor disadvantage.
02/2019: 45 acres for flat land, right besides Rt. 2 in Añasco. This land was previously used for sugarcane. The land gets flooded occasionally, but it has good potential for horse riding, cultivating structural bamboo or other various agricultural ventures. The asking price is only 225k. Land in the area often sells for more than double as much.
02/2019: 9 acres of flat land in Cabo Rojo; several minutes from the best beaches in the area. Price reduced to 165k.
07/2019: A friend of mine is selling a 956 acre dream farm in Fiji. Although I usually only promote land in PR, I am making an exception with this land. Its an incredible farm with impressive features, and the asking price is below market value. Contact me for more information. Photos available.
01/2021: 11 acres in Mayaguez. Very private and quiet. Nice views. Two large areas to build a home. The farm already has a few roads but a new road should be made to the lower part of the farm that has flat areas and water. Utility connections within a few hundred feet. Price: 85k, not negotiable. Photos available.
03/2021: 15 acres with 1500sf house (same size garage) in Las Marias. The house is in top condition (photos available); the farm is planted out with a few acres of citrus, minor fruits and coffee; there's a good road system through the farm. The topography is a bit below average; the level of privacy ok but not great. Asking price 175k (fully furnished house).
04/2021: Approx. 10 acres with two houses in Las Marias. Most of the farm is preservation land (no property tax). Several springs inside the land. Excellent topography. The main house is a few decades old; the second, smaller one relatively new and in very good condition. Easy to access from Mayaguez or Las Marias. Asking price: 245k.
04/2021: Approx. 20 acres of land in Las Marias, atop a hill with near 360 degree view of the valley. The lower elevation areas are currently being cultivated with coffee, citrus, banana/plantain and other minor crops (total of cultivated area about 6 acres). Property very well maintained. No structure on land. Asking price: 100k.
04/2021: 19 acres of land between mogotes and the Guajataca Forest. The farm is surrounded by pristine forest and the owner protects wildlife and surrounding environment. Fertile soil with fruit trees, bananas, coffee. The property comes with a small house that needs major roof repair. No natural water source on property but plenty of underground water. Access to public utilities available. Access road a bit questionable. Asking price: 85k.
04/2021: 20 acres in Mayaguez, atop a mountain with beautiful view of Mayaguez. The terrain is mostly steep but has several large flat areas and a dense forest covering most of the farm; minor fruits and mango trees. There's a small house in need of repair. Concrete road to house. No natural water source inside the land. Asking price: 100k.
08/2021: 18 acres + fairly old farm house (in need or major repair) in Guajataca/Isabela. Great topography. Spring. Partially cultivated (plantains, vegetables). Good overall location. This is a special find. There are still some inheritance issues to resolve but hopefully the farm should be available by early 2022. Asking price: 125k.
08/2021: 22 acres in the Guajataca/Isabela area. Old cement structure (can be used for temporary storage at best at this moment). The land is mostly secondary forest, with farming potential and good topography. Spring with pond. Minutes away from the Guajataca lake. Asking price: 100k.
08/2021: 20 acres in Mayaguez. Private location, quiet neighborhood. Good views and private waterfall. Small house. Greenhouse structures for nursery or vegetable production. Very reasonable asking price: 160k. Currently optioned.
09/2021: 10 acres with 2,500sf+ house (in good condition), with many extras. Mayaguez. Spring. Asking price 320k.
09/2021: 11 acres with simple house (unfinished; approx. 800sf) in Mayaguez. Much of the land is very inclined but there are several good slopes and relatively flat areas. 50k final price.
09/2021: 19 acres in Las Marias; easy to access; close to main road but very private. Main house approx. 1300 sf; comes fully furnished; smaller house (approx. 400 sf) can be rented. Clean river; springs; great agriculture/eco project potential; producing citrus, coconut palms, various other fruit trees. Generally considered to be one of the most appealing farms in the municipality of Las Marias. Asking price 300k.
10/2021: 12 acre commercial watercress farm in Las Marias. Humble house. River access with waterfall. Significant income from watercress harvest. Additional areas for potential fruit tree cultivation. Asking price 145k. Currently optioned.
12/2021: 44 acres of forested land in Isabela. Many native trees (including some fruit trees), palms. Creek goes through property. No infrastructure (except for two old trailers); newly paved road to the property. Asking price: 125k.
01/2022: 4 acres with unfinished, small house close to Guajataca lake, Isabela. One (possibly two) spring(s). Good topography with mostly secondary forest. Fairly close to various beaches. Asking price: 50k.
02/2022: 7.7 acres of excellent pasture land in Isabela. Residential construction possible. Ideal area within the municipality of Isabela to set up a store/business. The land itself has a good topography and can be fully accessed. Spring inside property. Asking price: $92,400 (negotiable).
02/2022: 16 acres in San Sebastian, with 2,500sf house (plus carport) - just a few minutes from town. The quality house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; Overall, good topography. Two creeks with water all year round. Several flat areas to build a home. Easy access and fairly private. Asking price: 355k.
04/2022: 25 acre farm with two houses in Maricao. The main house is on a hardly frequented road. The land is divided by that same road. River access. The main part of the land (about 20 acres) has been neglected for at least 10 years. Reasonable topography and private access to a smaller river. Asking price: $245k.
05/2022: 5+ acre farm in Mayaguez. Very private, easy access, good view. Land is terraced. Clean river with small swimming holes borders the property (access is completely private). The main house has approx. 1,800sf; second structure can be converted into caretaker or guest cottage. Several fruit trees. Asking price: $268k.
06/2022: 3 acres with 2,500sf house (appealing design, in very good condition) in Isabela. Good level of privacy, good views, very good topography. Very reasonable asking price: $275k.
12/2022: 12 acres with approx. 2,000sf house (two story building with wrap-around balcony) in very good condition in Las Marias. High level of privacy, very good topography, two springs inside the property; river bordering the land. Limited cultivation (cacao, citrus, rambutan, and other common fruits). Asking price: $300k.
12/2022: 8 acres of uncultivated land in Maricao. Creek with waterfall. Asking price: 120k.
12/2022: 16 acres with approx. 1800sf house (solid construction with zinc roof; 5 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 3.5 bathrooms) in Mayaguez. Beautiful ocean view (from a far distance). The farm has been abandoned since the last hurricanes. There is still a good road going through the farm but it would require a significant amount of work to cultivate this land again. The house has good bones but needs many cosmetic improvements. The original asking price was 225k, and went down at my request to a more realistic $190k.
06/2023: 227 acres with 3 spectacular waterfalls in Las Marias. The farm has been abandoned for a relatively long time. About 10% of the land has ideal areas for cultivation. Asking price: 480k.
07/2023: 3 acres (most likely not properly measured: looks more like 5 acres)with 1500sf house (+ carport + porch, approx. 700sf) in Las Marias. Solar power installed. Good topography and soil, partially cultivated (about 15 different and noticeably healthy mature fruit species). Good road system through farm. Very private. Easy access. Asking price reduced from 250k to 200k!
For an additional 15k, an adjacent 3 acre farm (without structure and with separate access road) is available.
08/2023: 13 acres (the real acreage seems to be around 17) with small house (approx. 800sf), small wooden house (currently rented out) + large ware house in Mayaguez (approx. 30 mins from down town). About 10 acres are planted out with coffee + areas with plantains and bananas. Small amounts of citrus, breadfruit, avocado. Small spring originates inside property, and a small creek runs through it in a different area. Good road system throughout the farm. Topography a bit challenging but practically all land is workable. Very quiet and safe neighborhood. Asking price: $260k.
11/2023: 17 acres with small house (approx 1200sf incl. carport) in Maricao. Good location and access. Several springs; borders river. The land has been abandoned for over 20 years but has excellent potential for ecologically conscious growers. Ideal to grow rambutan, cacao, mangosteen, etc. Asking price: 140k.
11/2023: 4.2 acres with half cement/half wooden house and abandoned concrete structure in Maricao. Easy to access, good topography. Ideal to grow crops that thrive in humid tropical areas.The house needs major improvements. Asking price: 100k.
12/2023: 25 acres in Maricao. 12 acres are forested, 13 acres farm land. Good sized storage structure; wooden cabin. Access road requires 4x4 vehicle. Mixed topography. The farm has some established fruit trees, mostly oranges. Very quiet / private but somewhat remote. Creek with several small waterfalls and good swimming holes runs through property. No utility connection. Asking price: 110k.
04/2024: 26 acres on the Anasco/Moca border. 1,300sf house highly reinforced to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. Septic tank with 14,800 gallon capacity. 100% off grid (solar power). Well water (10g/minute). 20x20 storage container. Multiple small springs + creek. Partially cultivated (organic for past 4 years). Comes with riding lawn mower. Ideal prepper home! Asking price: 450k.
08/2024: 15 acre with 1,500sf move-in-ready house in the mountains of Utuado. Very private, secluded but easy to reach and close to town. Many tropical fruit trees and bamboo planted. It also has a small 2-bedroom apartment, with bathroom, and unfinished kitchen. Asking price 300k.
10/2024: Small 2 acre farm with 800sf house in Mayaguez. The land is entirely flat and surrounded by a creek/river. The house is over 20 years old but in good condition. Solar power. Private and safe neighborhood. Easy access. Overall, good location. The farm land is ideal for anyone who wants to grow food/have a small fruit orchard (with up to 150 trees). There are already producing fruit trees on the property. Asking price: $110k.
===============================================================
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR MY BUDGET?
Since I get many questions re. what one can expect for different budgets, here a simple break down of real estate prices for farms in Puerto Rico:
30-40k: Small acreage/ land with usually poor topography and soil quality; mostly neglected land that hasn't been taken care of for years or decades. Remote location.
40k-75k: Occasionally, cultivated land (2-5 acres, depending on location). Decent soil quality and mixed topography, with some ag potential. No house, but maybe a small cottage. Usually in a remote location, not necessarily easy to access.
75k-120k: Same as above but with a house that usually needs significant investment in order to bring it up to standard. Sometimes, there are good finds in this price range, but its not a realistic range to find a good farm + move-in-ready house in this price bracket. Remote or reasonable location.
120k-175k: In this price range one can expect farms with good agriculture potential and with a practically move-in-ready small house. Remote or reasonable location.
175k-250k: Same as above, but often additional, desirable features and/or more acreage (10-25 acres). Usually, in a desirable location.
250k-400k: Move-in-ready house, acreage usually between 8 and 35; partially cultivated; good location, views, soil and topography.
400k and higher: With luck, some outstanding farms and very well built, move-in-ready house(s), with good potential for income from agriculture and/or eco tourism, and in a very good location with good access.
==============================================================
Here the feedback from one of my customers, who I found a farm for and whom I am currently helping to design and develop one of the most beautiful farms in Puerto Rico:
|
"When we decided to search for a farm on the west coast of Puerto Rico I contacted Sadhu at Govardhan Gardens for help. Our request was a farm close by surfing beaches, which made the job of finding a suitable farm for a diversified fruit farm very difficult. Within only a week, he found a farm in a fantastic location, just a few minutes from our favorite beaches. Our first concern was the quality of the soil: we analyzed it and found that it was one of the best soils on the west coast. Needless to say I was thrilled and decided to buy the farm.
The farm had been pastureland for a long time, and no chemicals were ever used there, or at least not for decades. Sadhu guided us in selectively clearing in a way that was ecologically sensible and in finding optimal areas for a wide variety of fruit trees and bamboo. Once we had the land ready and the rainy season arrived we picked up our first installment of trees at Govardhan Gardens ready for planting. Sadhu helped sort the plants onsite and instructed us where and how to plant them. In the process of planting I realized how each and every species has a very particular cultural requirement, and Sadhu knows exactly which one.
It’s been a few months now that the trees are planted and the growth is nothing short of phenomenal. So far this year we’ve planted several species of structural bamboo, 83 different fruit and nut tree species, including some very rare ones. With the current climate change, we are growing species that have never been grown before in this part of the island. Sadhu is already preparing new species for next year’s planting season. I’ve saved time, money and avoided costly mistakes by using his services. We are doing a long-term, sustainability-oriented project and Sadhu is a crucial part of our team."
Living the dream,
John Collins / Rincon
|
|
Sadhu Govardhan is an independent thinker, eco-organic farmer, tropical rare fruit connoisseur and researcher. Extensive journeys for over twenty years have allowed him to study indigenous cultures and different life styles throughout the world.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped out this project over the years. Even if I can't acknowledge all of you individually since so many people have supported Govardhan Gardens in so many ways, I certainly remember every one of you.
