Can You Buy a Home With a Private Runway? Here’s What I’ve Learned So Far

There’s a certain kind of freedom that only pilots truly understand. It’s the early morning silence before a flight, the hum of the engine spinning to life, and the pure thrill of watching the earth fall away beneath your wings. For private pilots like me — whether already certified or still in training — the dream doesn’t stop at takeoff. It grows into something bigger:

What if you could live where you fly?

That dream has a name — airpark living. And yes, it’s absolutely possible to buy a home with a private runway. But if you think these properties show up like your typical Zillow search, think again. Buying aviation property comes with a unique set of considerations that most real estate agents and buyers just aren’t talking about. So, I dug in. I asked around. And here’s what I’ve learned so far.

Yes, You Can Buy a Home With a Private Runway

Georgia is home to several fly-in communities and rural properties that either:

• Share a private runway (airpark-style)

• Include their own private-use airstrip

• Or sit directly adjacent to a public-use municipal airport

From paved lighted strips tucked into gated mountain estates to simple grass runways behind barn-style hangars, the possibilities are real — if you know where to look.

Real-World Example: 807 Sewell Rd, Lavonia, GA

As of June 16, 2025, there’s an active listing on the market that perfectly illustrates this unique lifestyle:

📍 807 Sewell Rd, Lavonia, GA 30553

• 68 acres zoned Light Industrial

• Concrete runway (3,000 ft × 50 ft) plus grass strip

• Multiple hangars, two hangar homes, wooded trails, and a pond

• Listed for $8,000,000

• Located just minutes from Lake Hartwell and I-85

This isn’t just a property — it’s a fully operational private airpark. For the right buyer, it could be a dream home, a business opportunity, or the foundation for a legacy community centered around aviation.

Want to Live Where You Fly?
Click here to explore a real Georgia airpark for sale.

What You Should Know Before You Buy

Buying a home or land with aviation infrastructure is nothing like buying a typical single-family house. Here are some key insights I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Zoning Laws Matter

Not every airstrip is legally usable. Some counties may require:

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs)

• FAA Form 7480 submission (even for private-use only)

• Noise abatement plans or setback requirements

Always verify local zoning and FAA registration early in your search.

2. Insurance & Liability Are Unique

You’ll likely need:

• Aviation property insurance

• Hangar insurance (especially if storing fuel or aircraft parts)

• Liability coverage if other pilots are using your runway

Not all insurance brokers understand aviation properties, so work with one who does.

3. Runway Maintenance Is On You

Whether it’s grass or concrete, you’re responsible for:

• Mowing and grading

• Resurfacing (for paved runways)

• Lighting, striping, and taxiway upkeep

In airpark communities, these costs are often shared through HOA dues. But on private land, it’s all on the owner.

4. Hangar Size & Setup

Make sure you measure:

• Wingspan

• Tail height

• Door clearance

• Power, lighting, and ventilation

You’ll also want to consider how your hangar connects to the runway or taxiway — especially on sloped or tree-lined properties.

Who Buys These Properties?

Over the last few months, I’ve seen a growing demand from:

• Retired airline or military pilots

• Entrepreneurs and remote workers

• Families looking for land, privacy, and lifestyle

• Aviation hobbyists, warbird collectors, and LSA owners

• Investors building aviation-based rental portfolios or events venues

Can You Finance a Property With a Private Runway?

Yes — but don’t expect your average FHA loan to do the trick.

You may need:

• A portfolio loan from a local or private lender

• A higher down payment (often 25–30%)

• An appraisal that understands aviation infrastructure

• Specialty underwriting for insurance and risk

Best Georgia Counties for Aviation Properties

Start your search in these areas:

• Rabun County – for gated, mountain-luxury airparks like Heaven’s Landing

• Franklin County – rural space and large tracts, like 807 Sewell Rd in Lavonia

• Henry & Fayette Counties – Pinewood Airpark and south metro ATL options

• Bartow, Polk, Hart Counties – for acreage, relaxed zoning, and airstrip-ready land

Final Thoughts

Buying a home with a private runway isn’t about showing off — it’s about showing up for the life you’ve always imagined. One where freedom isn’t just something you dream about. It’s something you live. Where you can walk out of your home, taxi onto your own runway, and take flight — on your time, in your way.

These properties do exist. And if you’re ready to start the journey, I’d love to help you get there.

Let’s Connect

If you're looking for aviation property in Georgia — whether it's raw land, a fly-in community, or a full-fledged airpark estate — I can help you navigate the process and find a place that fits your mission.

📩 Just reach out. I’m building my aviation journey too — and I’d be honored to help with yours.

Related Blogs:

• Fly Home to the Mountains: What to Know About Heaven’s Landing in Clayton, GA

• Why I’m Learning to Fly — And How It’s Changing My View of Real Estate

• Top Fly-In Communities in Georgia for Private Pilots

Built on Grit. Fueled by Faith. From Runways to Front Porches, I’m Committed to Home.

Curious who's behind this blog? Click here to learn more about my mission and the heart behind what I do.