How to Build a Subdivide Lead List

Minor subdivides are one of the most profitable strategies in land investing right now.

By identifying larger parcels that can be split into smaller, more marketable lots, investors can significantly increase their price per acre and overall deal margins.

Land Portal makes this process simple by letting you stack highly specific filters, acreage, road frontage, buildability, FEMA, wetlands, and more, to surface properties that actually make sense for subdividing. 

In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through how to build a clean, targeted subdivide list using Map Search.

1. Log In to Land Portal

1. Log in to your Land Portal account.
2. From the dashboard, open Map Search.

2. Open Map Search and Select Your Area

1. From the Land Portal dashboard, open Map Search.
2. Select your State.
3. Select your County.

In this example, we’re using Adams County, Ohio, but this process works the same in any market.

3. Filter for Vacant Land Only

Enable Vacant Lots.

This uses AI and county data to remove properties with structures, ensuring you’re only targeting true vacant land suitable for subdivision.

4. Set Acreage Requirements

Acreage is one of the most important subdivide filters.

For larger subdivides:

• Set Minimum Acreage: 20 acres
• Set Maximum Acreage: 100 acres

Some counties won’t allow subdividing under certain acreage thresholds, so always confirm local regulations.

5. Exclude Active and Recently Sold Listings

To focus on off‑market opportunities:

• Exclude Active For Sale listings
• Exclude Sold Listings - All MLS Sold listings

This helps you avoid competing with retail buyers.

6. Apply Location‑Based Filters

Enable Outside City Limits.

Properties inside city limits often come with additional zoning and subdivision regulations.

Staying outside city limits keeps things simpler, especially if you’re new to subdividing.

7. Apply Subdivide‑Specific Land Filters

Now we dial in the criteria that actually make a parcel subdividable.

• Landlocked: No
• Minimum Road Frontage: 1,000 feet
• Buildability Percentage: At least 30%
• Minimum Buildable Acres: 8 acres
• Max FEMA Coverage: 50%
• Max Wetlands: 50%

Road frontage is critical. As a general rule, aim for 300–400 feet of frontage per 10 acres to avoid creating thin, undesirable lots.

Pro-tip: check road frontage using the Area Measurement Tool.

Click Apply to view your filtered results.

8. Review Results on the Map

Once filters are applied:

• Zoom into different areas of the county
• Look for parcels with strong road frontage
• Watch for odd shapes, excessive water, or access issues

This review step helps confirm your filters are working as intended and ensures only quality subdivide opportunities remain.

9. Save Your Subdivide List

1. Click Save List.

2. Create New List & name your list (example: Adams County, Ohio Subdivide).

This saves all matching properties so you can build on the list later.

10. Add 10–20 Acre Subdivide Opportunities

Smaller acreage subdivides can still be highly profitable, but they need adjusted criteria.

Update your filters:

• Acreage: 10–20 acres

• Minimum Buildable area (acres): 0
• Minimum Road Frontage: 500 feet

Apply the filters and review the results.

These properties won’t support large multi‑lot splits, but many can still be divided into 2–3 profitable parcels.

11. Add These Properties to Your Existing List

1. Click Add to Saved List.
2. Select your previously saved subdivide list.

This combines both acreage ranges into one complete subdivide list.

12. Export Your List

When you’re ready to market:

1. Click Export.
2. Remove duplicates.
3. Enable Skip Tracing if you plan to cold call or text.

You’ll receive owner contact data including phone numbers and emails, depending on your export settings.

Final Thoughts

By stacking smart filters and reviewing parcels visually, you can quickly build high‑quality subdivide lists that focus on real opportunity, not guesswork

This strategy is one of the most effective ways to increase deal margins by selling smaller parcels at a higher price per acre.

Take the Next Step With Subdividing

Now that you know how to build a targeted subdivide list, the next step is taking action.

Review your saved list carefully, export your data, and start reaching out to owners who meet your criteria. 

Subdividing remains one of the strongest strategies in land investing, and a clean, well-filtered list is where profitable deals begin.

Ready to find your next subdivide deal?

Login to Land Portal, head to the Map Search, apply your filters, and start building your subdivide list now.