Why Putnam County is the Hidden Gem for Vacant Land Buyers in 2025

In today’s real estate landscape—where low inventory and high competition are the norm—buyers and investors are starting to think differently. Instead of settling for homes that don’t quite check every box, many are turning their focus to vacant land—and Putnam County, NY is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots in the region.

Whether you're looking to build your dream home, invest in a long-term asset, or take on a subdivision project, here's why Putnam should be at the top of your list.

1. Land is Scarce—and That’s a Good Thing

Let’s start with the facts: vacant land in Putnam County is limited. And in real estate, scarcity = value. While it’s not uncommon to see several homes hit the market in a weekend, land listings are rare—and the good ones disappear fast.

This supply-demand imbalance is especially noticeable right now, as more buyers want space, privacy, and the flexibility to build exactly what they want. In many cases, I’m seeing buyers compete for the right piece of land—just like they would for a move-in-ready home.

2. Zoning Creates Opportunity

Understanding zoning is key to finding value in land, and Putnam has several zones that make development feasible.

Most areas fall under R-60 or R-66 zoning—meaning one home per 1.5 to 2 acres, depending on local code and environmental factors. If you’re a builder or investor, this opens the door to smart subdivision opportunities, especially if the land has favorable topography and access to utilities.

I recently acquired a 47.5-acre parcel in Brewster that had previously been a four-lot subdivision with approvals for two structures and a pool. With part of the property zoned R-60, the potential for future subdivision and long-term buildout is significant.

3. Proximity to NYC, With All the Peace of the Hudson Valley

What makes Putnam so appealing to buyers right now is its balance of seclusion and accessibility.

You’re far enough from the city to feel immersed in nature—think ridgeline views, private wooded drives, and quiet lakes—but still close enough to commute if needed. Towns like Brewster, Patterson, Carmel, and Kent offer Metro-North access, good schools, and a growing demand for new housing.

Putnam is also bordered by Westchester to the south and Dutchess to the north, which means values in the region tend to rise as development and demand spill over county lines.

4. Utilities and Infrastructure Matter

One of the biggest game-changers in the land world is infrastructure. Parcels with town water and sewer access are highly coveted, and they’re becoming harder to find—especially in towns like Carmel and Southeast.

Even if the land is on private well and septic, buyers are still asking about things like electric at the road, paved access, and soil testing. These small details can make or break a deal. As a land specialist, I’m constantly tracking which parcels offer build-ready features and which ones need more legwork.

Let's become part of the solution to the low inventory problem that we presently have in Real Estate right now! GET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE MARKET TODAY AND BECOME THE ONE WHO GET'S THEIR PROPERTY SOLD!

CALL ME THE LAND GUY AT 845-590-5488 OR
EMAIL ME AT TSAN25@AOL.COM

Thomas Santore