1 Answer. Short answer no. Nook will eventually fill empty plots. One thing doable is to not build all the spots if it's not already done, recruit a wanted villager on an island and only then build the plot.

How long until Tom Nook sells a plot?

It takes one day from the plot being placed to the house being built, but at this point it'll be marked 'For Sale'. However, if you don't find a villager to fill the house, the next day it'll say 'Sold'.

How long before an empty plot is filled ACNH?

It is completely random. I've had one empty plot get claimed the following day, and another take three days before a random move in claimed it.