September 10, 2026 · Buying Farmland
Farmland due diligence goes well beyond a standard home inspection. Because a farm is land, water, soil, buildings and sometimes a business all bundled together, the checklist is longer and the consequences of missing something are larger. The goal is to understand exactly what you are buying and what the land can actually do.
Start with title and legal review: confirm ownership, easements, rights of way, covenants, and whether the parcel is in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Then verify water — licences under the Water Sustainability Act, well records, irrigation allocation and any drainage obligations. Water is so important that it deserves its own review; see our Water Rights guide.
Next, assess the land and improvements: soil capability class for your intended use, topography and drainage, the condition and permitted use of any buildings, septic and well systems, and any environmental concerns. Check for existing leases, licences or quotas (dairy and poultry supply management, for example) and clarify what transfers with the sale versus what is a separate business asset.
Finally, confirm farm classification status with BC Assessment and the local zoning bylaw, since ALR rules and municipal zoning both apply. Treat each of these as a condition of your offer where appropriate. Our Due Diligence Checklist and Farm Buying Guide walk through the full process step by step.