Is Zakat Due on Land Bought for Personal Use or Investment?

No, Zakat is not payable on land purchased for personal use, such as building a home, unless it is specifically acquired for trade.

Here are the key points:

• Land for Personal Use: Zakat is not required if someone purchases land to build a home and live on it. Land is not considered wealth subject to Zakat unless it is intended for sale.
• Condition for Trade: According to Ibn Qudaamah, land or property becomes subject to Zakat if two conditions are met:
1. The property is acquired through actions such as purchase, gift, or inheritance.
2. The person intends to use the property for trade at the time of acquisition.
• Without a clear intention to trade, Zakat does not apply.
• Uncertain Intention: If a person buys land without a clear purpose—unsure whether to build, sell, or rent—then no Zakat is due, even if the intention changes later.
• Land Purchased to Sell, Then Kept: If the land is initially bought to sell but later kept for personal use, it is considered personal property, and Zakat is not due until it is sold. Zakat becomes applicable only once the land is sold and a year passes with the money.
• Zakat on Sale Profits: If the land is sold, Zakat is due on the profit after one year, if it meets Zakat nisab. Zakat should be paid at a rate of 2.5% on the profit.

Thus, if someone buys land to build or for personal use, no Zakat is due unless it is acquired with the specific intent to trade. 

And Allah knows best!