It depends on whether you’re viewed under the tax law as a developer. If you hold the lot as investment property, any gain you reap is taxed as capital gain. You may also owe an additional 3.8% tax on net investment income related to this gain. But if you’re a developer and your lots are essentially part of inventory, your gain is taxed as ordinary income. And because you are in business, you won’t pay the 3.8% tax as long as you materially participate in the business’s activities.
Property subject to capital gain or loss treatment. Almost all assets you own are considered capital assets except for certain business assets or works you created.