Small Plots, Big Payoff: Investing In City Outskirts

Forbes

08-04-2025

Rodolfo Delgado is an NYC-based real estate visionary, merging tech and transparency to the consumers favor. He's the CEO of Replay Listings
It can be easy to assume that real estate success requires a massive amount of capital and large development projects, but let me assure you that isn't always the case.
For small-business owners, entrepreneurs and solo investors, buying modest parcels of land in the outskirts of growing cities can be a strategic way to build long-term wealth. While it may not come with the instant headline appeal of giant mixed-use developments, I find that small-lot investments can yield significant returns for those who plan carefully and hold on through market fluctuations.
In many metropolitan areas, central districts are becoming increasingly saturated and expensive. The surrounding regions—often called the periphery or outskirts—tend to be more affordable, especially for first-time or small-scale investors. As cities expand outward, these fringe properties can appreciate dramatically when new infrastructure, businesses or residential developments move in.
Take the city of Dallas, for example. Its suburbs, like Celina, have grown incredibly over the last decade, with smaller towns gradually transforming into bustling hubs. Investors who bought seemingly isolated parcels five years ago in strategic locations such as Prosper have seen values soar because of the city's expansion.
For small-business owners or investors looking for a foothold in real estate, the city outskirts can be a perfect entry point.
Unlike purchasing a central plot in a major city—where costs can be prohibitive for smaller operators—buying a modest piece of peripheral land doesn't necessarily require extensive development right away. By following a 'wait and see' strategy, you hold the land while the surrounding area organically builds up. Over time, incoming improvements, such as roads, schools or new retail centers, can boost the property's value.
I have often seen this with my friends, family and clients. It all begins with the purchase of small, undeveloped plots on the outskirts of an emerging industrial zone. Oftentimes, my clients didn't have the budget to create large-scale developments, so instead, they invested in smaller properties that required little upkeep and could even be leased as a temporary form of passive income.
Over the course of five to 10 years, as the city expanded, companies started searching for nearby parcels to build warehouses and office spaces. Eventually, the relatively small investment saw a huge spike in value. It's a lesson in strategic patience: Buy affordably, hold, and then benefit from the city's natural growth.
Suppose you want to offset some holding costs. In that case, you can explore minimal usage options like leasing the lot temporarily for things such as parking or light storage—useful in peripheral areas with less strict zoning. This way, you're neither sinking a fortune into large-scale construction nor stuck with vacant land that produces zero returns.
I've continuously seen this happen throughout my real estate career. A young couple purchases a small plot on the outskirts of a city like Austin—far enough out that prices are still manageable but close enough to growing suburbs with potential. Rather than let it sit empty, they arrange a short-term lease with a local landscaping business to store some equipment. The income isn't huge but helps cover property taxes and minimal upkeep.
Remember, city outskirts don't tend to remain outskirts forever—especially in markets where housing demand and new job creation keep pushing the boundary outward. Once roads are built or upgraded, more businesses move in, and suddenly, that once-remote plot seems a lot closer to the heart of economic activity.
For me, the key is not the final selling price; it's the price you acquire it for. Why? In the outskirts of a city, negotiating a great price tends to be much easier. A secret to success is to do extensive due diligence on the growth patterns of a city and to then select a strategic location with the biggest potential for expansion. If you don't know where to start, Google Earth offers a 'history' feature that shows you satellite pictures of a city's growth throughout the years. You can then cross-reference this with city planning documents, infrastructure development plans and major employer relocations.
By purchasing modest parcels at more approachable prices, adding minimal improvements if needed and letting the city's growth do much of the heavy lifting, you can capitalize on tomorrow's prime location at today's discount. For small-business owners and investors who don't have the resources or appetite for high-stakes development, the outskirts of thriving cities may present an under-explored avenue for creating long-term value.
Just remember: Patience and foresight are pivotal. Do your homework—research projected growth, planned infrastructure upgrades and local zoning laws—and be prepared to hold your investment through any market lulls. With the right approach, this strategy can be very effective, turning a once-overlooked periphery into your next real estate success story.
The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
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