The real estate data platform “Digital Property Market” analyzed about 2.6 million land plots in Lithuania and found that at least 115,206 agricultural land plots, covering more than 120 thousand hectares, fall into residential areas designated in municipal master plans, according to a press release from “Digital Property Market”.
According to the platform’s founder Romas Kvaselis, when assessing the possibilities of a plot, its current designation alone is not enough – it is important to also consider territorial planning documents.
“A person may see that their plot is still designated as agricultural land in the Register Center and end their assessment there. However, the master plan may show a completely different perspective for that area. If residential development is planned, it may open up the possibility to change the plot’s designation. Of course, this does not yet mean that residential construction is possible on a specific plot – each case must be evaluated individually, taking into account the restrictions applied to the plot. Still, such a perspective can change not only the possible use of the land but also its economic value,” says R. Kvaselis.
Most plots in Vilnius, largest areas in districts
The largest number of agricultural land plots falling into residential areas was found in the city of Vilnius – 25,657, Trakai district – 19,301, Marijampolė municipality – 12,834, Širvintos district – 11,796.
Considering their total area, Trakai district leads – 37,279 ha, Širvintos district – 25,292 ha, Šilutė district – 16,853 ha. In these districts, the average analyzed plot is about 2 hectares, while in the city of Vilnius – about 12 ares.
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Across the entire analysis, the average plot size is about 105 ares. In the case of larger plots, not only the possibility of changing the designation but also their subdivision into smaller plots may be relevant. The specific process depends on the area, planning documents, and the requirements applied to the plot.
Landowners show increased interest in changing designation
Recent weeks’ public discussions about the use of agricultural land plots have also prompted greater interest from the landowners themselves. According to R. Kvaselis, changing the designation is currently one of the most frequent inquiries received on their platform.
“People want to understand whether their agricultural land plot has other development possibilities. However, one should not start from the assumption that the designation can be changed, but from what the master plan provides for the specific plot and what requirements apply to it. The master plan may allow changing the designation but also set additional conditions and criteria – for example, plot size, building area in separate zones, or distances to other objects. Therefore, each plot’s situation must be evaluated individually,” says R. Kvaselis.
According to R. Kvaselis, the increased interest shows that the public discussion has prompted some owners to reassess their land and inquire not only about its current designation but also about the possibilities provided in territorial planning documents.
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