Revenue on urban empty lots

[Trevor Mauro]

Hey all BiggerPockets community,

I’m located in Seattle, WA which might matter to this post. I’m looking at land-banking for urban lots that are difficult to develop but will inevitably make sense given our aggressive housing market. My creative side is asking, how do I generate revenue on these empty lots while I’m waiting for the long term hold to become worthwhile? I know it’s hard to say what to do without specific examples, so lets assume there are two lots: one which is level and zoned multifamily in an environmentally critical area; and another single family lot with a fantastic view on a cliff. These are extremely affordable in comparison to other vacant lots in the area, and I could make monthly payments on either with a traditional loan and still expect a return in 5-10 years time or go out for syndication on new development.

But we’re here to churn up innovative strategies. So here’s what I’m considering; private park rentals.

Sniffspot and other apps now offer hourly use of private dog parks and they’ve become even more popular during the current crisis. I suspect that people with unsocialized dogs and those in fear of contacting covid-19 will continue to rent these sort of premises. I’m sure those in the Midwest cannot imagine what I’m proposing unless you live in chicago. But believe me. This is like AirBnB for dogs.

Another revenue stream is the heated wedding market in the northwest and I would imagine that I could rent the property for events during the summer. This is totally legal in Seattle. At the current Seattle parks fees rate for similar event rentals I would be not only be able to compete, but would net cash greater than the mortgage payments for the year in just three summer months.

Are there alternate strategies you have found to generate revenue on vacant lots? What do you think of my off the wall ideas to create cash flow on the land bank? Going out on a limb here. Please venture out with me in your responses!

Thank you in advance

[Michael Haas]

If the lot is vacant and undeveloped where do the bathrooms for the wedding venue come from? I"m not sure a vacant, steeply sloped lot with no bathrooms will have many takers as an event space.

We have land banks on ECA land in Seattle so I think that strategy is sound, but both Sniffspot and events sound like more trouble than their worth (once you factor in the cost of your time to manage it).