For our purposes “development lands for sale” are plots suitable for villa development either on a grand private scale or with a commercial angle - perhaps a multi-villa development or a boutique hotel concept.

As ever, we try to only showcase land with unique attraction or features - rice paddy views, hilltop locations; some aspect that we believe makes the site compelling.

We do offer other bare land options on our All Sales page - please just use the filters there to see all potential bare land plots.

This of course varies hugely but ask most people (architects, contractors, builders, ChatGPT!) and the standard response is LKR 20,000 (approx. USD 70) per square foot.

That number is typically quoted for mid-range villas - not basic but not flash.

We’re having a lot of conversations with land owners and developers looking at, or in the early stages, of multi-villa development projects.

There’s hype around a Bali-esque villa concept - small, self-contained units, heavily optimised for income - in commercially attractive locations like Hiriketiya and Ahangama.

Developers with more emphasis in their model on owner lifestyle are looking at sites closer to Galle where the infrastructure (schools, hospitals) better supports an owning family spending considerable time at the property. We like locations like Heenatigala and Yatagala. The market has been quiet here in recent years but we’re seeing signs of good returning interest as Sri Lanka starts to become a long-term residence option.

We are happy to support in project feasibility and management. We don’t currently have an in-house villa development team but can introduce to very good people.