Owning land, renting land, Sims and the like

I am quite new to Second Life, and am playing with the idea of picking up some land. Now, I've realised that I should wait until I can find some First Land for my first buy, and am starting to think about land in a Sim, rather than mainland. This is partly because sim land seems cheaper, but also because some of the sims seem to have themes or covenants that make them less chaotic than other areas.

But I have a feeling that while land in a sim seems to be cheaper, there is some catch about it that I am not seeing.

I would really appreciate anyone who took the time to explain the actual differences between "ordinary" land that I buy (either as First Land, or on the open property market) and "sim"

Sorry to be all nublike :/

Main difference is that on a sim, your "tier" is paid directly to the sim owner (usually usd/paypal, or a direct transfer of linden dollars).

Note that if you buy on a sim, this does not affect your right to later buy that 500 L$ first land parcel on the mainland. Also, there is no requirement to have a premium account if you buy on a sim.

Private island advantages:

Usually zoned, either for residential only use or only minor commercial use. Usually no worries about unattractive builds next door or a casino popping up the next parcel over.

A little cheaper than mainland. Also, less foot traffic by and large so less worry about slipping afk a sec and coming back to find someone on your couch watching tv.

More prims....since you're unlikely to find a 512 square meter plot offering only 117 prims.


Disadvantages:

No real "security". I don't mean home security...I mean land security. Buy from LL means you pay your tier every month, but at the same time no one's just gonna reposess your land. On private islands you can be kicked out at any time for any reason with little or no recourse. I rented land on a private island for all of a month before the entire sim was sold and we were evicted

No guaranteed land powers. Some landlords give you all the same rights and powers you'd have on the mainland by deeding the parcel to you. Others reserve some powers meaning they manage ban lists and such.



I'm sure there are a myriad of Pros and Cons for private island renting that I'm forgetting/overlooking...but these are the first to come to mind.

Thank you both! *grins* It seems like the big difference is the fact that on a sim, you are effectively hostage to someone else's payments of the monthly fee, while "ordinary" land is more secure, although more expensive.

Oh, one last thing: am I right in assuming that the only way I can actually buy "ordinary" land is via the land auction thing?

Many parcels of land on the mainland may be purchased without going through the auctions. Bring up your map, and you'll see lots colored in yellow; those are marked for sale by the owner. You may see additional information if you tick the box beside "Land for Sale."

To purchase land that is marked for sale by the owner, right-click the land, then (after verifying the pertinant information) click "buy." The funds will be transferred from your account to the seller's, and the land will be transferred to you. A window will pop up before the transaction is final to ensure you are aware of how the transaction will affect your tier, to inform you if your payment arrangements will need to be drawn against to complete the sale, etc.

Aren't regions called sims without regard to whether they are mainland sims or private island sims?

Just a matter of nomenclature; I know what she meant!

sim => private island sim
"ordinary" land => mainland sim

btw, I understand that over a thousand private simulators were sold over the last few weeks since the price rise was announced. I wonder what effect, if any, that will have on the balance between mainland and private sims?

Most mainland sims I have visited have lagged enormously, while the few private sims I have been to seem fairly lag free. Will that continue?

Best wishes for the season!

Might I add the following:

If you are looking for a home, somewhere quiet to hang out with friends, that sort of thing, then islands have an advantge in that they offer attractive surroundings, higher prim counts and less lag. This land is usually cheaper to 'buy', slightly lower 'tier' and may include a home etc in the bargain. Provided you feel OK about the risk of being evicted (possibly loosing any 'purchase price' you paid for the land). If you trust the landlord this option might be for you.

If you want to start a business of some sort then the mainland may well be a better option. Higher potential traffic (people visiting nearby stores etc might spot yours). Freedom to build what you like (many islands are residential only) and the added security that it is YOUR shop and no one can make you change it or take it from you.

Do take time to shop around though. If you are choosing to rent island land, talk to other residents and the owner, do they seem trustworthy, are they likely to stick around? Are you sure you are happy with the covenant?
If you are looking to buy mainland, compare prices (some land is crazy overpriced), hang about on the prespective land for a little while - is it very laggy there, has low clouds, spamming neighbors? Look at the map to see what is around - beware large clusters of green dots - go check, is it a camping farm? You might find yourself unable to get back into your home in future. Is it PG or Mature (you need mature if you intend to sell adult things or have an adult club etc). What is the neighborhood like in general? Is your planned thatched cottage going to look a bit odd tucked between an enormous black castle and a neon blue bondage club? Is the land flat enough for the type of project you fancied, is the ground the right sort? (hard to have a beach paradise home on grass).

Thanks again, all of you! *makes mental note that all regions are sims^^*

Oh, a last thing - I have read a few hints here and there on the official LL blogs that the First Land might be up for some changes - if nothing else I think I will hold off on mainland land purchase until I know what that might mean. But I will still be able to lease island land without it affecting my first land status, I suppose - or perhaps lease it with an alt account.

Now off to Building to talk about houses on flying rocks^^

Oh, and a belated merry christmas to all of you!