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:
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Locate interesting farms for your purpose and determine their actual value (just by doing this, I am saving buyers thousands of dollars).
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Make detailed, in-depth evaluation of land that you consider to buy.
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Analyze soil quality and texture, pH, topography, and other essential factors in order to recommend the most suitable crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs, bamboo).
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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 2022: 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 $1k to approximately 3 - . 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 2022 :
05/2018: Rincon, 13 acres, $240,000. Excellent location, very good neighborhood, good to excellent soil, privacy, views. This is a rare find considering how few good farms are left in Rincon. Its a dream farm for retirement or anyone who loves the combination of beach activities and farming. The only downside is a steep access road that will cost tens of thousands to make it safe and functional for vehicles.
09/2018: 8 acre farm with very good topography in Las Marias; most of it planted out with citrus, coffee, bananas/plantains. Move-in-ready 1600sf living area (2 stories): 5 bed rooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, wraparound balcony, 3 carports;. The farm borders with a creek. Quiet and safe neighborhood. The price was reduced from 250k to 210k, which is an excellent price for this property.
09/2018: 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.
09/2018: 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.
09/2018: 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.
05/2018: 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.
11/2020: Very tastefully designed residence + separate apartment, on a one acre lot in a very quiet/peaceful neighborhood. A dream home for anyone who wants tranquility and be close to beaches, Aguadilla airport. House needs some upgrading, which would increase the overall value of the property significantly. Sharply reduced price: 210k.
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: Approx. 10 acres of neglected but good agricultural land + approx. 1400sf house (solid bones, but needs repairs and upgrading) in Maricao. There's an additional 10 acres that belong to the same farm but this part seems to be very difficult to access and is separated by a main road. The general area is quiet but also a bit isolated. The agricultural potential is above average; reasonable and partially even very good topography; creek in the lower part of the farm. At my request, the asking price was reduced from 135k to 100k. It would be an ideal farm for someone who has a limited budget at the moment but who is willing and able to invest into both, land and house over time.
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).
03/2021: 10 acres with 2000sf house in Mayaguez. The house comes unfurnished and needs some improvements. The land mostly consists of untouched secondary forest. Two springs inside the property, one of them in the higher part of the land. Soil quality above average but some erosion issues and partially challenging topography. Price: 115k.
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: 3.5 acres of land with very good level of privacy in Maricao. Main house in excellent condition has over 1,200 sf, second house ca. 1300sf made with poured concrete is 2/3 finished (all concrete work is completed). Creek with small swimming holes. Good topography. Ideal set up for eco tourism or rental. Asking price: 350k.
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.
08/2022: 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.
08/2022: 8 acres of uncultivated land in Maricao. Creek with waterfall. Asking price: 120k.
08/2022: 3 acres with 1500sf house (+ carport + porch, approx. 700sf) in Las Marias. Solar power installed. Good topography, partially cultivated (about 15 different and noticeably healthy mature fruit species). Good road system through farm. Very private. Easy access. Asking price reduced to $230k.
Update: for an additional 15k, an adjacent 3 acre farm (without structure and with separate access road) is available.
08/2022: 2.5 acres with approx. 900sf house in Mayaguez. One of the best ocean views in Mayaguez. Land has been neglected for many years, but has good topography. Good level of privacy (only one direct neighbor). Neighborhood is relatively simple/poor but house has been safe for years. Fix price: $65k.
11/2022: 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.
02/2023: 15 acres in Mayaguez. Exceptional soil. River with a few very nice swimming holes borders the property. At least one spring (close by the river). Several large areas with good topography. The access road (about 1km) needs repair. The farm has very good potential but has been abandoned for decades and is covered by difficult to remove grasses. Asking price was 70k, reduced to a final 50k (the same farm cleaned up would be worth between 90k and 125k).
03/2023: 14 acres, partially cultivated in Maricao. Remarkable house - fully renovated (photos of farm + house available). River front. Easy to access property. Asking price: $450k.
03/2023: 35 acres of pastureland plus 2.5 acre adjoining home site in the seaside village of Guardarraya/Patillas on the southeast coast. Sloping topography with home site at high point offering beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. Suitable for eco tourism, housing or crop cultivation (with necessary land improvements). Served by electric and water; fully road accessible. Asking price: $400k.
03/2023: 327 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.
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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:
25-40k: 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-60k: Occasionally, cultivated land (2-8 acres, depending on location). Decent soil quality and reasonable topography + ag potential. No house, but maybe small cottage. Usually in a remote location.
60k-100k: 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. Remote or reasonable location.
100k-150k: This is the range one can expect farms with good potential and with a practically move-in-ready house. Remote or reasonable location.
150k-250k: Same as above, but often additional, desirable features and/or more acreage (10-25 acres). Usually, in a reasonable location.
250k-350k: Move-in-ready house, acreage usually between 8 and 30; partially cultivated; good location, views, soil and topography.
350k 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. Usually, in a very good location.
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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:
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"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
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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.
