MOST of my buyers want a yard, they usually request a yard bigger than they end up being happy with (I'm proof of that myself), but when it comes to real estate investments, more land is never a bad thing, at the least it affords you flexibility to expand the existing structure.  However, when it comes to appreciation, there really isn't much difference in a house with a large lot versus a small one (unless there is the ability to sub-divide/short plat, and sell off a piece of the property).

So a home on a 12,000 sq. ft. lot that is comparable to a home on a 6,000 sq. ft. lot will typically sell for and appreciate at the same rate as, the other.

Good stuff!