Selling Land With Squatters in Texas Is Possible—Here’s How

Owning vacant land in Texas should be an asset, not a liability. Unfortunately, many landowners discover—sometimes months or even years later—that unauthorized occupants have moved onto their property. If you’re searching for how to sell land with squatters in Texas, you’re likely dealing with stress, uncertainty, and fear of costly legal battles.

Every situation is different, and Texas property laws can be complex. If you’re ever unsure about your rights or facing a disputed claim, it’s always wise to consult a qualified Texas real estate attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

The good news? You can sell land with squatters in Texas, and in many cases, you don’t need to remove them first. Texas law provides multiple paths forward, and investors actively buy land with occupancy issues every day.

This guide is written specifically for:

• Landowners who inherited property with squatters
• Out-of-state owners who can’t manage eviction
• Property owners facing adverse possession risks
• Sellers who want to avoid court, delays, and legal fees

By the end of this article, you’ll understand:

• What squatters’ rights really mean in Texas
• Whether eviction is required before selling
• How adverse possession works (and how to stop it)
• Your legal, financial, and practical selling options
• How to sell fast—even “as-is” with squatters

Let’s start by clearing up the most common confusion.

Understanding Squatters and Squatter Rights in Texas

What Is a Squatter Under Texas Law?

A squatter is someone who occupies land or property without the legal owner’s permission. In Texas, squatters are not tenants and do not have ownership rights simply because they are present on the land.

However, Texas law does recognize adverse possession, which allows squatters to gain legal ownership under very specific conditions over time.

This distinction is critical when deciding how to sell land with squatters in Texas.

Squatters vs. Trespassers vs. Tenants

Understanding these differences affects your legal options:

If the occupant claims they’ve been there “long enough,” paid taxes, or improved the land, they may attempt an adverse possession claim—which we’ll cover next.

Adverse Possession in Texas: What Landowners Must Know

How Adverse Possession Works

Texas allows adverse possession under several timelines:

• 3 years (rare, requires color of title)
• 5 years (requires paying property taxes)
• 10 years (most common for vacant land)
• 25 years (with disabilities involved)

For squatters to succeed, they must prove:

• Open and notorious possession
• Exclusive use
• Continuous occupation
• Hostile claim (without permission)

Most squatters do not meet these requirements, but ignoring the situation increases risk.

How Selling Stops Adverse Possession

Selling the land interrupts the possession timeline. A new owner resets the clock, which is why many investors prefer to buy before squatters gain legal footing.

This is one of the strongest reasons sellers choose to sell land with squatters in Texas instead of waiting.

Can You Legally Sell Land With Squatters in Texas?

Yes—Texas Law Allows It

Texas law does not prohibit selling property with occupants. You can sell:

• Vacant land with illegal occupants
• Rural acreage with makeshift dwellings
• Inherited land with long-term squatters

The key requirement is full disclosure to the buyer.

Who Buys Land With Squatters?

Traditional buyers usually won’t—but professional land investors will.

These buyers:

• Purchase land “as-is”
• Understand Texas eviction laws
• Accept occupancy risks
• Close quickly with cash

This is where sellers save time, legal fees, and stress.

Your Options When Selling Land With Squatters in Texas

Option 1: Evict the Squatters Before Selling

This path may make sense if:

• The land is high-value
• Squatters are recent
• You want retail pricing

Downsides:

• Evictions can take months
• Legal costs add up quickly
• Court delays are common

Option 2: Sell the Land “As-Is” With Squatters

This is the fastest and most common solution.

Benefits include:

• No eviction required
• No legal fees
• No court appearances
• Faster closing

The tradeoff is price—but many sellers find the speed and certainty worth it.

Option 3: Offer Cash-for-Keys

Some owners negotiate a voluntary exit:

• Pay squatters to leave
• Get written confirmation
• Avoid court entirely

This can work, but it carries risks if not handled properly.

How to Sell Land With Squatters in Texas Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm Ownership and Property Status

• Verify title is clear
• Check property tax status
• Identify any liens

Step 2: Document the Squatter Situation

• Take pictures
• Dates of occupation
• Any structures or improvements

This protects you during disclosure.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Evict or Sell As-Is

At this stage, you’ll need to decide whether it makes sense to remove the squatters before selling or to sell the land as-is with the squatters in place. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and tolerance for risk.

Evicting squatters may allow you to target a wider range of buyers and potentially sell for a higher price. However, the eviction process in Texas can take months, involve court appearances, and require legal fees. Delays are common, especially if squatters contest the eviction or claim adverse possession.

Because of these challenges, most landowners choose to sell as-is. Selling as-is allows you to avoid eviction costs, legal stress, and ongoing property tax obligations. Professional land buyers and investors are accustomed to handling squatter situations and factor that risk into their offers.

For owners who want a faster, more predictable outcome, selling as-is is often the simplest and least stressful option.

Step 4: Find a Buyer Experienced With Squatter Properties

Not all buyers are equipped to handle land with squatters, so choosing the right buyer is critical. Traditional buyers and real estate agents often avoid these properties because of the legal complexity and uncertainty involved. Working with an inexperienced buyer can lead to canceled contracts, long delays, or renegotiated prices late in the process.

Instead, look for buyers who regularly purchase problem or distressed land and understand Texas squatter and eviction laws. These buyers know how to evaluate risk properly and won’t be surprised by occupancy issues during closing.

Land investment companies like 1800Lots specialize in purchasing difficult properties—including land with squatters—directly from owners. They typically buy land as-is, pay cash, handle the paperwork, and close quickly without requiring you to remove occupants first.

When evaluating a buyer, ask whether they have experience with squatter situations, how long their closing process takes, and whether they require eviction before purchase. An experienced buyer can make the process smoother, faster, and far less stressful for you.

Step 5: Disclose and Close

• Full transparency
• Cash closing
• No commissions
• No repairs

Risks to Avoid When Selling Land With Squatters in Texas

Selling land with squatters can be done safely—but certain mistakes can cost you time, money, or even ownership of the property. Understanding these risks helps you protect yourself and move forward with confidence.

Ignoring Adverse Possession Timelines

Texas has specific laws that allow squatters to claim ownership if they occupy land long enough and meet certain requirements. Many landowners assume this “will never happen,” but waiting too long can put your ownership at risk. Taking action—especially selling—can help stop the clock before it becomes a legal problem.

Attempting Illegal Self-Help Eviction

Changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities, or forcing squatters off the land without a court order can backfire. In Texas, these actions may be illegal and could expose you to lawsuits or fines. Even though the land is yours, eviction must follow proper legal procedures.

Failing to Disclose the Squatter Situation

Trying to sell land without telling the buyer about squatters can lead to serious legal trouble. Texas law requires sellers to disclose known occupancy issues. Being upfront protects you from future disputes, canceled contracts, or claims of misrepresentation after the sale.

Letting Squatters Pay Property Taxes

If squatters pay property taxes, they may strengthen a future adverse possession claim. This is one of the biggest mistakes landowners make without realizing the long-term impact. Always keep tax payments in your name and monitor tax records closely.

Avoiding these mistakes helps you stay in control, protect your ownership rights, and sell your land with fewer delays and legal risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Land With Squatters in Texas

Can squatters stop me from selling my land?

No. They cannot block a legal sale.

Do I need an attorney to sell land with squatters?

Not always—especially if selling as-is to a cash buyer.

Will I get less money selling with squatters?

Yes, but you save on eviction, time, and legal costs.

Can a buyer evict squatters after purchase?

Yes. The new owner assumes that responsibility.

Is selling faster than eviction?

Almost always.

Can squatters claim ownership during the sale?

Only if adverse possession requirements are met—which is rare.

Conclusion: The Smartest Way to Sell Land With Squatters in Texas

Selling land with squatters in Texas may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You have legal rights, multiple selling options, and access to buyers who specialize in these exact situations.

For many owners, the smartest move is selling as-is to a professional land buyer who understands Texas law and can close quickly—without eviction, stress, or delay.

If you’re ready to move on from problem land and want a straightforward solution, companies like 1800Lots exist for exactly this reason.