Yes, what you want to do is possible in the state of Maine depending on the TOWN codes. some towns do not allow different things, but many do. So it will depend on the location really.

And as for passing it on to your kids so they can't sell it, that is possible also in a few different ways. But my mom and Dad have a piece of property that they put into an irrevocable Trust that gives them life time tendency and controlling say over the land while they are alive, however when they die, it stays in the family trust and cannot be sold. SO there is definitely ways to do what you want.

I bet Land in Up State NY is cheaper and is taxed less.than Me. or Vt!

I cannot answer all your questions with precise authority, but I have been researching a similar plan for a while and here's what I have found: Definitely talk to a lawyer about putting the land in a trust. This way it passes on to your children (or trustees) without inheritance tax, and remains intact. As for additional dwellings, it will totally depend on the town/county where you purchase the land. They all have their own rules & restrictions. However, one thing I've found that seems to be consistent is that you can build additional dwellings on your land where additional homes might not be allowed, as long as they're classified as "outbuildings." Meaning, not a legal 3,4,5, home property....maybe a 2 home property with 3 outbuildings. But, again, rules will be specific to the exact location.

Probably tough in Vermont. The are wicked restrictive on any form of subdivision or development in rural areas.

This sub is very insular. It's not personal.

Visit first, then ask questions. You're just dreaming with s keyboard with no research on your part..

Yeah unfortunately most of what you're asking (relating to building) is reliant on which town you'd want to build on. Your best bet is to research which towns you'd want to move, and then consult a lawyer or code enforcement. Make sure everything that you'd want to do is possible before buying. Some towns have funny ordinances.

Don't be like the guy who bought land next to my family's camp wanting to build a cabin, only to find after the fact that town regulations didn't allow it. 🤭

The trust thing is definitely possible too. My family's camp is in a trust, and neither my grandmother's kids nor us grandkids can sell it until only one of us is left to inherit it.

I would think a good real estate buyer’s agent would be helpful here, in looking for towns that would allow this, and then looking for land in those places. Also, as others have mentioned, some of what you can do cam be done with a land trust.

A lot of people have the same dream. It’s not the Waltons anymore so definitely talk with the towns code enforcement before buying but it’s still possible but they aren’t making any more land…

You may have looked into this policy already, but it's a very important one for future homesteaders to keep in mind if you're buying to develop yourself. Mainers have put a lot of land into "tree growth" to protect our undeveloped land from being built on. Even new owners will have to pay the taxes and fees associated with moving land "out of tree growth" and start tearing down the trees, most commonly if you are looking to buy anywhere northern and truly rustic.

From all my personal research as a local looking to do the same one day, it's a fairly hefty cost.

Each town varies and unincorporated townships get even trickier. There can be some pretty extreme differences dependent on where you're looking to build and live. You'd likely be better off choosing a couple interesting areas with land for sale in that range and looking into the individual municipal codes, or at least noting these locations in this or a future post, or you'll start getting incorrect info and potentially town specific information for a place you don't see yourself in the long run.

My grandmother bought a bunch of acres some years back and gave a plot to my parents with the understanding that they’ll take care of her as she starts declining. It is my understanding that she gave them an actual lot on her land, and that my parents own that land. It differs from town to town so I can’t offer much advice, but it is definitely doable (and in my opinion an excellent idea)

Having lived in both and homesteading, including livestock, I can say there are pros and cons to both. Maine overall has lower property taxes, but Vermont will abate property taxes for your primary residence based on income. Vermont has a larger, more established farm to table scene if you are looking for side income. Very northern VT is much less regulated than almost anywhere in the country; however, some of the laws have been shifting in VT rapidly in ways that native Vermonters likely would not have chosen. There are many places in Maine where you can't build a second house on your land, so it is worth speaking with the Code Officer before buying a parcel. Overall, I have found the cost of living is lower in Maine, but I miss the inexpensive and amazing local food in VT. Happy to chat more about this if you want to DM me.

You may want to look at towns that are “townships” in Maine—no organized govt and generally less strict with rules. But like others are saying, it’s really going to come down to the town-level regs.

It's a big state where local control is strong with a wide variety of town cultures and ordinances; you've asked a very localized question without specifying a location.

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I've always liked the Burnham area. Close enough to Waterville but definitely a country feel. I don't know anything about codes, though.

I personally would buy a developed property with either a ranch style or smaller older home to start. Then decide later if you want to rebuild or add new buildings. No need to reinvent the wheel by building from scratch.

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YEAH COME TAKE OUR LAND WE DON'T NEED IT ANYWAY. LIFE IS SO SIMPLE UP IN MAINE WE ALL MAKE MAPLE SYRUP AND ICE FISH FOR A LIVIN'.