How Do You Get a Land Loan? Rates and Procedure, Explained

Purchasing vacant land can be an exciting prospect, but will often require a land loan. Land loans are a financing option used to buy a plot of land and, like a mortgage, can be obtained through a bank or a lender, who will evaluate your credit history and the land value to determine if you’re an eligible buyer.

However, land loans are risky for lenders, since there is no home to act as collateral. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for a higher down payment and interest rate to secure a loan to buy land.

How to get a land loan

The process of getting a land loan is similar to that of getting a traditional mortgage. As discussed later, the different types of land loans have varying qualifications, though you’ll generally need excellent credit, an acceptable debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of roughly 30% to 40% and consistent income.

The reason for the strict qualifications? Compared to constructed property, land tends to be a riskier investment. Land loans are often short-term, two- to five-year loans followed by a balloon payment, compared to the typical 15- and 30-year terms offered on a . There are longer terms available in special cases, particularly if you are going to use the land to build a home.

Different types of land loans

Depending on where you buy land and for what purpose, the process and options for getting a loan could vary. Below we explain the common land loan types and how to buy land.

Raw land loan

Raw land is land that isn’t cultivated and has no improvements, such as a home or other constructed elements. Buying raw land is often appealing since it’s cheap land and provides the flexibility to do what you’d like with it in accordance with local laws. On the other hand, raw land can be risky for lenders since it will likely take longer to develop. Having a solid development plan, excellent credit and a substantial down payment — sometimes up to 50% — may all make it easier to get a loan for raw land.

Lot land loan

Lot land, unlike raw land, has some infrastructure, such as electricity and water, already in place and is usually zoned for residential construction in developed areas. A benefit of lot land over raw land is that lenders tend to be more comfortable offering lot loans, as upfront costs are often lower. However, you'll still need a 10% to 20% down payment, and terms can stretch up to 20 years.

Construction loans

A construction loan is a loan intended to help fund construction costs. Unlike a standard mortgage, a construction loan term lasts only as long as the construction process itself, before converting into a standard 15- or 30-year mortgage. Once approved, the lender will pay the construction team at each phase of construction.

Since there are many variables and more risk for lenders when constructing a home, construction loans typically require a minimum 680 credit score or higher, a 20% down payment and extremely detailed project plans that include an estimated schedule and budget. Although it may seem daunting, a high credit score, low DTI ratio, stable income and good location can all help you secure a more competitive rate on your construction loan.

Land loan interest rates

Since land loans are often risky to lenders, land loan rates tend to be higher than home loan interest rates. You are more likely to qualify for lower rates with a higher credit score and lower DTI ratio.

Land loan rates by property type and loan term

How to choose your land site

Lenders tend to be more interested in funding less risky, less expensive and easier projects. The following factors may help you qualify for a land loan:

Surveying and boundaries

To avoid any potential legal headaches in the future and give a definitive picture of exactly what land will be yours, a survey is crucial. You will want to complete a survey before you buy the land to ensure you know the boundaries of your land. Note the majority of lenders will require a completed American Land Title Association (ALTA) boundary survey before they'll approve a land loan.

Utilities

Check if the land has access to utilities, such as sewage, paved roads, electricity and water. While most land will likely have access to these items, if you’re missing any or purchasing raw land, be sure you have or can obtain the budget, necessary permits and land space, as well as abide by any state and local ordinances and health codes.

Zoning and restrictions

Depending on the plans for your land, you’ll need to ensure the zoning allows for you to legally complete your project. If you’re buying land to build a house, for example, be sure your land is zoned for residential use. Also read up on any other unique rules there might be for your land and what you can and can’t do.

Wildlife and environmental

Do your research to ensure that you’re not planning to build on land that is protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, due to endangered species of plants or wildlife. Additionally, states often have longer lists of protected plants and animals.

Note, however, that this could be good news since you may even qualify for government grants intended to help protect endangered species, cause less harm and support the environment during construction. Ultimately, you should be aware of any environmental concerns so you can plan accordingly.

Future changes

Are there construction plans in the works near your land, such as a new highway, school or shopping center? Construction of new facilities can affect your land’s value, so be sure to include such considerations and research in your planning to ensure your land continues to meet your needs.