Have you ever dreamt of living off the grid? The allure of reducing your environmental impact while enjoying autonomy and freedom is undeniable. If you’re looking to find off grid homes for sale, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know to make your dream a reality.
How We Discover Our Off Grid Haven
Picture this - a breathtaking off grid home nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Northwest Territories, Canada. It all started when my husband, Dan, received a job offer in Yellowknife. As we scoured the town for a suitable house, we faced numerous challenges. In a subarctic winter, finding available houses was no easy task. Moreover, we yearned for a life outside the bustling town. That's when we realized that off grid properties were the answer. It was as simple as that - country living meant living off the power grid.
During our visit to Yellowknife, a member of the company mentioned a cabin for sale off the grid. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. While I found it charming, Dan hesitated due to the rustic bathroom facilities. Little did we know that destiny had something else in store for us. Two weeks later, back at our kitchen table in Burlington, Ontario, Dan discovered that a larger off grid house had just been listed for sale. Without any second thoughts, we accepted the job offer and embarked on our off grid adventure.
Unveiling Off Grid Homes
Off grid homes are residences that are not connected to the public power grid. These homes rely on alternative energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or generators to power their households. By embracing off grid living, individuals embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, free from dependence on non-renewable energy sources. When we purchased our off grid home, we relied on solar panels and had backup power from Lombardini diesel generators. However, we recently upgraded our system to include newer solar panels, a Tesla 2 Powerwall, and a Kubota 11kW diesel generator.
The Allure of Off Grid Living
Why do people choose to live off the grid? The reasons are plentiful. Living off the grid enables individuals to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, minimizing their carbon footprint and environmental impact. However, it's important to note that without reliable alternative energy sources, such as wind turbines or solar power, one may rely on costly and noisy diesel or gasoline generators.
Independence and freedom are other enticing factors of off grid living. By detaching from the public power grid, individuals are less susceptible to power outages and other disruptions. This advantage is particularly significant for those residing in areas with unreliable power supplies.
Moreover, off grid homes tend to have lower running costs compared to grid-connected homes. Once you have a reliable off grid electricity system in place, you only pay for the power you use while avoiding the repercussions of power price hikes.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that off grid living comes with its own set of challenges. Especially in extreme cold climates like ours, we've faced plumbing issues, frozen pipes, generator shed fires, and even off grid water heater problems. If you're contemplating a move off the grid, thorough research on the pros and cons is essential. Consider factors such as your budget, lifestyle, access to fire and emergency services, and the climate in your area. Only then can you embark on a truly rewarding off grid experience.
Finding Off Grid Homes for Sale
If you're serious about finding off grid homes for sale, there are several avenues worth exploring. You could opt to purchase vacant land and build your own off grid home from scratch. Alternatively, you can buy a grid-connected home and convert it into an off grid property by installing a solar power system, generators, and an inverter/charge controller to create off grid electricity. Lastly, you can follow our path and purchase a home that is already off the grid.
Here are some avenues to aid in your search:
Local Newspapers and Magazines
Local print newspapers and magazines, particularly those in rural areas, often feature listings for off grid homes. Check out the classifieds or real estate sections to find properties available in your desired location.
Online Classifieds
The internet is a treasure trove when it comes to finding off grid homes for sale. Many classified websites specialize in off-grid properties. Additionally, online versions of local newspapers and magazines often have dedicated sections for vacant land and off grid properties. This is particularly advantageous when searching for remote off grid properties.
Auctions
Auctions present another opportunity to find off grid homes. Properties may be sold as part of an estate auction, by the owner, or even by the local municipality for unpaid property taxes.
Off Grid Realtors
Real estate agents and property developers occasionally sell off grid homes directly. This option allows you to work with professionals who have expertise in off grid living. Seek out realtors with first-hand knowledge and experience in off grid properties.
Local Facebook Groups
Facebook groups dedicated to preppers, bushcraft, survivalism, and homesteading often discuss buying off grid properties. These groups can provide valuable insights, including listings by owners. They are also excellent platforms for networking and learning more about off grid living.
Off Grid Homes for Sale Websites
Several websites specialize in off grid homes for sale. These platforms offer a wide range of off grid properties in one place, allowing you to explore various options and get an idea of prices in specific areas. Some noteworthy sites for off grid real estate listings in North America include Survival Realty, Green Homes for Sale, Sustainable Properties, LandSearch, and Eco Property (Canada).
Word of Mouth
In some cases, off grid homes are sold through word of mouth, particularly within local communities. This is a common practice in areas like Yellowknife, where off grid cabins are frequently bought for full-time living or recreational purposes.
Local Establishments
Don't overlook the power of community bulletin boards. Keep an eye out for postings in post offices, municipal offices, restaurants, and grocery stores. These often feature notices for off grid properties being sold by the owner.
Remember, as you search for off grid homes, keep your budget in mind. Consider all the costs associated with moving off the grid, including unexpected expenses. Living off the grid can be more affordable in terms of maintenance costs, but achieving a "luxury" off grid lifestyle can be expensive. So, take the time to reflect on your reasons for wanting to live off the grid and the challenges you may encounter.
If you're ready to embark on your off grid journey, grab our free Off Grid Living Quickstart. Start your sustainable living adventure today!