Yeah, it took a bit of extra planning to figure out how a house would fit (and I had to double-check with the city about utilities), but it actually opened up some cool design options I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
That’s exactly it—awkward lots can be a blessing in disguise if you’re willing to get creative. A few years back, I bought a weird pie-shaped plot that everyone said was “unbuildable.” Honestly, the price was so much lower I figured it was worth a shot. Ended up working with an architect who specialized in small spaces, and we came up with this super-efficient layout that actually feels bigger than some regular houses I’ve seen. Sure, there were headaches—permits took forever—but in the end, I got something unique for way less than market rate. Sometimes those oddball parcels are where the real magic happens.
I hear you on the headaches with permits—those can drag on forever, especially when the lot isn’t a standard rectangle. I once bought a flag lot that everyone else passed over because the driveway access was weird and the setbacks were tight. It took a ton of back-and-forth with the city, but I ended up with a place that’s tucked away and super private. The build was a puzzle, but honestly, I saved a chunk compared to anything else in the area. Sometimes those “problem” lots are just waiting for someone stubborn enough to figure them out.
Totally get what you mean about those oddball lots. I’ve looked at a few that had weird shapes or access issues, and honestly, most people just walk away. But if you’re willing to deal with the city’s endless questions and maybe a few sleepless nights, you can end up with something unique—and usually for less cash. Privacy is a huge bonus too. Not everyone wants to be tucked away, but I’ll take peace and quiet over a cookie-cutter lot any day. Sometimes the hassle is worth it... as long as you don’t mind a little gray hair in the process.
UNIQUE LOTS AREN'T ALWAYS A BARGAIN
I get the appeal of those quirky lots—privacy, a cool layout, maybe even a better price upfront. But I’ve seen a lot of folks underestimate just how much those “unique” features can complicate things down the line. For example, odd-shaped lots can make it really tough to design a functional floor plan. You might end up with wasted space or awkward rooms just to fit the zoning requirements. And access issues? That’s not just a headache for you—it can make resale tricky, too.
If you’re thinking about saving money, sometimes it’s actually cheaper in the long run to go with a more standard lot. Less hassle with permits, fewer surprises with utilities, and way more options for design. I’m not saying never go for the weird ones, but I’d definitely weigh the hidden costs. Sometimes that “deal” isn’t as sweet as it looks on paper... learned that one the hard way after a client’s driveway turned into a year-long saga.
Sometimes that “deal” isn’t as sweet as it looks on paper... learned that one the hard way after a client’s driveway turned into a year-long saga.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I was super tempted by a flag lot last year—looked like a steal, but the access road drama alone made me bail. Ever notice how the “quirky” ones always have some catch? Still, I wonder if there’s ever a scenario where those weird shapes actually work out in your favor, or is it just wishful thinking?
