When is the best time to sell a subdivided lot to save on capital gains tax?

[Jeffrey Chang]

Hello.

I purchased a 1.8 acre lot recently.  I am planning to subdivide the lot into 2 lots.  I will keep 1 acre to build my dream home and sell the other lot (0.79 acre).  If I wait 1 year to sell do I pay less capital gains tax?  What happens if I am not able to sell?  Can I write it off as a loss? (for example, lot purchase $400K but if I am not able to sell subdivided lot for $200K). Thank you in advance.