What’s Happening In Ranch Sales in Montana?

by Liz Nitz

What’s Happening In Ranch Sales in Montana?

Montana ranch sales more than doubled from 2019 to 2020. We saw a flood of wealthy buyers in search of wide open spaces to relax and play. There is a mystique to Montana thanks to movies and books and I don’t think people have been disappointed as new buyers keep coming to our beautiful state.

It’s important to keep in mind that ranch sales farm sales should be considered a whole classification. You can’t really dig deep into price per square foot because there is a huge range of criteria that affect pricing. Think water rights, structure on land, location, out buildings, etc.

Our MLS covers Butte to just outside Billings and over to the Wyoming border. Sprinkled in are a few random listings that show up because agents choose to list here. Here are the basic stats:

  • 2018: There were 28 listings sold in the farm and ranch sales category. Average days on market was 267 and there was a total sales volume of $54,074,125.
  • 2019: There were 25 listings sold in the farm and ranch category. Average days on market was 315 and there was a total sales volume of $53, 300, 418.
  • 2020: There were 63 listings sold in the farm and ranch category. Average number of days on market was 197 and there was a whopping total of $119,500,926.

 

What Trends Are Ranches Seeing?

Ranches have been transitioning from agricultural to investment and recreation.

  • Land value used to be the income you could make from farming/ranching. It’s now based largely on recreational pursuits, aesthetics, development and investment potential. The pandemic may have accelerated that trend. You can see from the 2020 sales numbers that listings and sales more than doubled. People wanted a place to escape the uncertainty of big cities. Montana’s wide open spaces and plethora of outdoor activities fit the bill for a lot of buyers.

 

Marrying economic viability with ecological sustainability is becoming front of mind.

  • Renewable energy: As more cities convert to carbon neutral over the next 20 years, ways to provide renewable energy is being heavily considered. If you have a piece of land that meets all the logistical requirements of operating a bigger solar and wind farm, it could be an income source for the future.
  • Holistic land management: This idea of operating a ranch with a wider ecosystem in mind has been gaining more traction recently. That might have to do with a younger generation taking over their family ranches. It’s not just about all the requirements of raising cattle. Holistic land management aims to create a profitable operation that is sustainable for the soil, water and native species on the land.
  • Conservation easements: These easements are used to protect land, water and endangered native species from future development. Landowners get paid or receive a tax break for the easement on their land.

 

Resources

Savory Institute is a global movement of regenerative farmers and land managers.

Polyface Farms and Joel Salatin in Virginia are famous for their regenerative farming practices.

Hall and Hall and Fay Ranches are two of Montana’s biggest ranch brokers.

Montana Land RelianceThe Nature Conservancy, The World Wildlife Fund are all conservation organizations that work with Montana land owners.

Montana has seen a lot of shifts happening. As more out-of-town buyers look into Bozeman, Missoula and Whitefish, many long-time residents are considering moves to smaller places like Lewistown and Dillon. If you have any questions about what’s happening in Bozeman and Montana real estate feel free to contact me at liz@windermere.com.

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7775 Bridger Shadows Road, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59

7775 Bridger Shadows Road, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
20Acre
5,493Sqft
Impeccably constructed new home located in Bridger Canyon. Boasting almost 6000 +/- sq ft and over 8500+/- sq ft of pure luxury under roof, this home and barn is located on 20 acres in coveted Bridger Canyon. Located just ten miles from downtown Bozeman and 10 minutes from Bridger Bowl Ski area, this brand-new custom home has it all.
$7,600,000

3105 Madrona Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3105 Madrona Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.19Sqft
3,053Sqft
Ideally situated on a corner lot in the highly sought-after Alder Creek subdivision, this stunning custom-built 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home is brimming with premium upgrades. Enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, walk-in closets in every bedroom, cherry cabinetry + granite countertops in the kitchen, laundry room, and all bathrooms.
$1,095,000

417 W Lamme, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

417 W Lamme, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.13Acre
2,032Sqft
417 W. Lamme is an adorable bungalow-style home with leaded glass in the picture window and entryway, located in downtown Bozeman. The backyard has been recently redone with a privacy fence, the garage has a new roof, and the foundation has been secured for this 1903 property.
$715,000

1948 Southbridge Drive B, Bozeman, Montana 59718, Bozeman, Montana 597

1948 Southbridge Drive B, Bozeman, Montana 59718, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,494Sqft
Beautiful condo in Bozeman's desired Southside! Enjoy the convenient, turn key living while being in the picturesque landscape of south Bozeman. This condo has vaulted ceilings and open concept living and kitchen area perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the walkout covered deck from the living room, spacious and made for relaxing and enjoying the mountain views.
$599,000

1639 S Black Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1639 S Black Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.08Acre
1,507Sqft
Welcome to the Woodbrook Townhomes! This single level, end unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is absolutely charming. It has been updated throughout with a modern flair – you’ll feel like it’s practically new! The kitchen has been fully remodeled to include new cabinets, woodblock countertops and a decorative tile backsplash.
$585,000

165 Blossom Way, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

165 Blossom Way, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
1.12Acre
3,220Sqft
Imagine your dream home coming to life in South Bozeman, crafted by Lohss Construction and designed by NVS Architects. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence will combine mountain-modern style with easy access to Main Street and nearby trails. The main-floor primary suite offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping natural views, while the open layout invites light and movement through every room.
$2,250,000

510 Greenway Ave, Bozeman, Montana 59718, Bozeman, Montana 59718

510 Greenway Ave, Bozeman, Montana 59718, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.11Sqft
1,450Sqft
Sunny and cozy one-level townhome with in-floor radiant heat located off of Durston, just West of 19th Ave. This beautifully updated southern-exposure townhouse is centrally located to everything Bozeman. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, vaulted open-concept living space, newly installed LVP and carpeting, new interior doors and hardware, new base and case trim, and freshly painted walls.
$495,000

1214 W Koch, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1214 W Koch, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
0.15Sqft
1,474Sqft
You'll appreciate the convenient location of this partially renovated home, just a stone's throw from everything Bozeman has to offer, including MSU and downtown. Nestled on a spacious lot, it features raised garden beds, mature landscaping, stunning flowers, and a delightful, eclectic fully fenced backyard.
$650,000

1121 N Cedarview Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1121 N Cedarview Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715, Bozeman, Montana 59715

5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
0.21Sqft
2,496Sqft
This charming and wonderfully maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is ideally positioned near vibrant downtown Bozeman, the hospital, and Montana State University. This inviting property offers an open first floor layout flooded with natural light. You will find the primary suite, a full guest bath, and guest bedroom on the first floor, offering the convenience of one level living.
$725,000
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