Is zakat due on lands designated for future sale to finance the construction of another property?

Zakat is obligatory on trade goods under two conditions: that the person acquires them by choice (such as purchase or gift) and not through inheritance, and that they intend to trade with them at the time of acquisition. If one acquires them without the intention of trade and then later intends to trade, they do not become trade goods according to the majority of scholars. Similarly, if one intends to trade and then changes their intention to personal use, they do not become trade goods either. If both conditions are met, Zakat becomes obligatory; if one of them is absent, there is no Zakat.

However, if one did not specify the pieces intended for trade at the time of purchase, some say Zakat is not obligatory, while others say one must pay Zakat for three pieces, and the designation is left to them. The more cautious approach is to pay Zakat for three pieces and designate them, and Zakat becomes obligatory for all past years.