Any experience selling a yurt property?

[COfairplay]

Hi folks,

We are very close to pulling the trigger on a 27' Colorado Yurt Co. We've got a small property in a nice area and have already talked with the county about all necessary permits and hoopla. No problem there.

But some day (hopefully far in the future), we're going to need to sell. Does anyone have experience in selling a yurt property? I've seen plenty of used yurts for sale, but never see a property with a fully permitted yurt sold as a residence.

You'd expect that building a decent cabin would add to the value of a property. Should i expect the same with a yurt? Has it been done?

Thanks in advance.

[Bob Rowlands]

There are very few people that have any idea what a yurt is. Most of the friends I've talked to about my yurt have responded with, "What's a yurt?" or some such. Few have the slightest interest in yurts, fewer yet own yurts, and fewer yet sell them. If you get more than a response or two here I'll be surprised.

But I'll make a guess. A yurt is seen as a 'tent' by most people, and doesn't look like it will last that long. When most people are thinking of laying out lots of cash for a place, I'd say the perceived financial value of a yurt is going to be very low, relative to any improved cabin, unless the cabin is a 4 wall primitive type. It takes someone who can really do some real critical thinking to get past the initial, 'Well that's just a tent' thing.

That said, you gotta know that there is always going to be someone that will buy a property if the price is right.

[COfairplay]

Thanks for the insight, Bob.

When we bought our land last year, I pulled some money from our stock portfolio with a preconceived notion that at least we would not lose money. We put in a driveway and a septic system and a well. These investments should all hold in value. So the next thing is adding a structure for weekend living. Given your reasoning above, seems like adding a yurt and platform to the property is probably a losing proposition when it is time to sell.

We have been looking at various floor plans to make it a nice, comfortable place with a bathroom and kitchen. Given the concept that most buyers will not consider a finished, permitted yurt a viable investment, it makes me wonder whether this whole concept is a good idea for our needs.

I'd really appreciate the insights of others that have thought this through and have come to the conclusion that a yurt is a good long-term investment.

[Jafo]

Have you thought about a solid wood yurt? I don't think those would have the "tent" issues that Bob was referring to.

[tnyurt]

Here is my opinion, based on my experience of buying and selling a few pieces of real estate & having 2 yurts. To the right buyer it would add more value than the cost because it is done. The buyer would have a turn key home. Other buyers would see it as a liability, something to maintain. I think the majority would add some value for it. I would view it as putting a travel trailer on it. The trailer depreciates the older it gets. But I would much rather live in a yurt than a trailer! Living round is fun and always a conversation piece. I tend to look at what works for me is worth more than how it may or may not work out financial later. Happiness is worth more than $$$.

[Bob Rowlands]

I certainly didn't mean to throw a wet towel on your plan. If you want a yurt, do it. IMO, any property up by Fairplay in CO is not going to lose value with a yurt on it. I live in Co Spgs btw.