Joining Two Properties

**creature0077** · 06-12-2009, 08:06 AM

I've been searching the web for answers to this question but have had no luck. Probably because I don't know the technical details of what it is referred to.

I own my home in Baytown, Tx on a lot for 4 years now and I also own the lot right next door (nothing on the property) to me for about 2 years. I was wondering, would I be able to join these two properties together? Would it save me from the raising tax rate on the other lot?

**Greg** · 06-13-2009, 07:16 AM

Do not combine the 2 lots. They will just raise the value of the combined lots to get the same tax money.

At some point in the future you or your heirs will want to sell. If you have 2 separate lots you can sell them as a house on one lot and 1 separate lot which will have more value than one big lot. A house on a double sized lot does not have more value than a house on a small lot and a separate lot.

Once you combine the lots you might not be able to subdivide them back into 2 lots. Don't believe what the people working for the town/county tell you.

**kriss047** · 06-13-2009, 04:01 PM

The process you are referring to is called "assemblage". It is usually only done to obtain the highest and best use of the land. For example, one might combie two or more residential lots, rezone, and construction a strip mall. In your instance, there would be no benefit in combining the lots. Like the post above, it will only make the property harder, and probably less profitable, to sell down the road.

**REITrainingWhse** · 06-14-2009, 04:41 PM

I agree with what was said above... It will not lower your tax burden, and if you do combine the lots, you should be able to subdivide later, but why combine, unless you are going to use the lot to expand your residence, or tear down, and construct a larger building, like an apartment complex.

So, you don't gain anything, if you are not going to improve the lot.

Later.