Do You Need Title Insurance When Buying Land?
Please note: this blog post is meant to be purely informational and not meant to be taken as advice.
When purchasing land in Utah, especially raw land, one question many buyers ask is: Do I need title insurance? While it’s not always required, understanding what title insurance is—and when it’s useful—can help protect your investment in the long run.
What Is Title Insurance for Land?
Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from potential legal issues related to a property's ownership history. It covers problems like:
Unknown heirs or claims
Liens or unpaid taxes
Recording errors or boundary disputes
Fraud or forged documents
If any of these issues arise after you purchase the property, title insurance can help cover legal costs or losses.
Is Title Insurance Required When Buying Land?
If you’re financing land through a traditional bank or mortgage lender, they’ll often require a title insurance policy. However, if you’re buying with cash or through owner financing—like we offer at Mountains West Ranches—title insurance is optional.
We perform due diligence and provide clean title on the properties we sell, but buyers who want extra peace of mind can choose to purchase a title policy through a title company.
How Much Does Title Insurance Cost?
Costs vary by land value and the title company you use, but in Utah, most policies cost between $200 and $600 for raw land purchases under $100,000.
You’ll typically pay:
A one-time premium at closing
No monthly fees or renewals
Should You Get Title Insurance on Raw Land?
It depends on your risk tolerance and future plans. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Consider title insurance if:
You plan to build or resell in the future
You’re unfamiliar with the land’s history
You’re buying without a trusted seller
You want full legal protection for long-term ownership
You might skip it if:
You’re buying from a trusted seller (like MWR)
The land has a clear and recent title search
You’re comfortable taking on minimal risk
How to Get Title Insurance in Utah
If you choose to get a policy, here’s what to expect:
Choose a licensed Utah title company
They’ll run a full title search
You’ll receive a commitment to insure before closing
You’ll pay a one-time premium as part of your closing costs
We can help refer you to reputable title companies if needed.
Final Thoughts on Title Insurance
Title insurance isn’t legally required in most Utah land sales, but it can offer peace of mind—especially if you’re making a long-term investment or plan to build. At Mountains West Ranches, we aim to make the process straightforward. If you want to add a title policy to your land purchase, we’ll support that decision and help connect you with the right resources.
Contact us here if you have questions about title or the land buying process.