Buying Land in New Brunswick
Clarity. Strategy. Zero Guesswork.
by Christine Côté · Home Matchmaker & REALTOR® · Service Bilingue · eXp Realty
Book a Land Buyer Consult
Why Land in NB Isn't THAT Simple
Buying land sounds easy… until you zoom in. Zoning regulations. Wetlands. Flood lines. Driveway permits. Soil composition. Wells. Septic systems. One missed detail can derail the entire plan and cost you thousands.
The complexity lies in the layers. New Brunswick's regulatory framework requires careful navigation through provincial databases, municipal by-laws, and environmental constraints. Without proper due diligence, your dream property can quickly become a nightmare of red tape and unforeseen expenses.
I make the process simple, clear, and informed. No surprises. No regrets. Just smart decisions backed by thorough research.
What I Can Help You With
Smart land acquisition requires more than intuition, it demands systematic analysis and local expertise. Here's how I eliminate the guesswork and protect your investment:
Comprehensive Mapping
Map the parcel using the right NB layers, overlays, and assessment data to reveal what's really there
Environmental Review
Check wetlands, flood zones, crown land boundaries, and legal access requirements
Zoning Analysis
Break down zoning classifications and permitted uses so you know exactly what you can build
Infrastructure Assessment
Review wells, septic capacity, road frontage, and utility connections
Risk Identification
Flag red flags early so you don't waste time or money on unsuitable properties
Professional Network
Connect you with surveyors, installers, and specialists who understand NB requirements
Smart decisions start with real information. I guide you through planning and permit steps, ensuring you understand every requirement before you commit. No jargon. No confusion. Just clear answers that move you forwards.
My NB Land-Buyer Setup System
I built a full self-serve hub specifically for NB land shoppers like you, a comprehensive toolkit that puts professional-level research at your fingertips.
This system consolidates everything you need to evaluate a property before writing an offer. It's the same framework I use for my clients, now available for anyone serious about making informed land decisions.
1
Mapping Links
Direct access to GeoNB, property assessment, and parcel viewers
2
Environmental Overlays
Wetland, flood hazard, and crown land identification tools
3
Planning Contacts
Zoning resources and municipal planning office directories
4
Site Services Data
Well logs, septic guidelines, and utility connection requirements
5
Pre-Screen Checklist
Systematic evaluation framework for rapid property assessment
6
Planning Email Template
Ready-to-use correspondence for municipal planning enquiries
It's everything you need before writing an offer. The system walks you through mapping, verification, and documentation, transforming overwhelming complexity into manageable steps.
NB Land-Buyer Setup System
Self-Serve Hub for New Brunswick Land Shoppers
Built for New Brunswick land shoppers to self-educate, map, and pre-screen parcels before offers. This comprehensive system provides everything you need to conduct professional-level due diligence on any property.
How This Hub Works
01
Map It
Open the mapping links, locate the parcel (use PID if you have it), then toggle layers (parcels, wetlands, flood, crown, zoning)
02
Verify It
Confirm planning and permit requirements, and note utilities and access requirements
03
Record It
Capture findings in the intake table and copy-paste email template to the appropriate planning office
Quick Links—Mapping & Overlays

Tip: Open these links in new tabs for easy reference whilst working through your property evaluation.
GeoNB Map Viewer (beta)
Parcels, property assessment, buildings, wetlands, flood info, municipal layers
GeoNB Hub
Gateway to apps, data catalogue, help resources
Wetlands Reference Map
Provincially significant wetlands and watercourses (planning reference layer)
Flood Hazard Map
Inland and coastal flood hazard viewer
Crown Lands Viewer
Identify Crown parcels and Crown Grant references
Digital Property Maps
Downloadable parcel polygons with PID (approximate)
Google Earth Web
Quick measuring, pins, paths; create sharable KML of candidate lots
Property Data & Recent Sales
NB Property Assessment Online (PAOL)
Search by civic address, PID, or PAN; view assessment and recent sale information
NB Property Assessment Programme
Overview, links, and notices
Planning & Permits
Plan360 (Southeast Regional Service Commission)
Permits, forms, checklists for 11 partner communities
Province-wide Planning Contacts
Find which planning office serves a community (PDF)
City of Moncton By-laws & Zoning
Municipal Plan, Z-222 Zoning, Subdivision by-law
Utilities & Site Services
NB Power—New Service
Building and renovations process, information required
Electrical Wiring Permits
Self-serve online permit application
On-Site Sewage Disposal (Septic)
Approvals, guidelines, licensed installer application flow
Water Well Logs
NB Online Well Log System, nearby well depths, yields, water quality notes
Driveway/Highway Access
Provincial access/occupancy permit info and application (if accessing a provincial route)
Rapid Pre-Screen Checklist
Use this systematic checklist to capture essential property information during your initial evaluation:
Google Earth—90-Second Mini-Workflow
1
Locate
Open Google Earth Web, search by civic address or drop a pin at the parcel
2
Measure
Click Measure, draw path along frontage for distance and polygon for area
3
Mark
Add placemarks: power pole, driveway, potential house site, wet spots, viewpoints
4
Share
Export to KML and share with your agent, installer, or builder
Email to Planning (Copy/Paste Template)

Subject: Pre-screening a potential land purchase — [PID #######], [Community]
Hello,
I'm reviewing a vacant parcel and want to confirm the basics before proceeding. Could you please advise on the following for PID [#######] in [community]:
  1. Zoning and permitted uses (single-detached, mini-home, secondary suite, multi-unit, agricultural, home-based business)
  1. Setbacks, minimum lot size/frontage, and any overlay districts (flood, coastal, wellfield protection, heritage)
  1. Whether a development/building permit would be required for [proposed use] and any documents needed
  1. If subdivision/variance/re-zoning is required for my plan
Thank you!
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
If You Are Ready to Find the Right Parcel
Whether you're building your dream home, establishing a hobby farm, or securing a long-term investment, the foundation of success is thorough pre-purchase research.
Book a Land Buyer Consult and we'll walk through the specific property you're considering. I'll map it, analyse the regulations, identify constraints, and give you the honest assessment you need to move forwards with confidence.
Christine Côté
Home Matchmaker & REALTOR®
Service Bilingue · eXp Realty
506-863-3855
christine@theccrealty.com
@christinecote.realtor
Let's make sure the land fits your vision, not the other way round.