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    Land & Lot Loans

    "Secure your spot. Build when ready."

    Finance land purchase now, build later. Options for raw land, improved lots, and everything in between.

    20-35%

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $766,550

    Max Loan

    Get StartedTalk to a Land Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Want to secure land now before building
    • Planning to build in 1-5 years
    • Investing in land for appreciation
    • Have significant down payment available (20-35%)
    • Found the perfect location but not ready to build

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Ready to build now (use a construction loan instead)
    • Limited down payment funds available
    • Need to move in quickly
    • Want to finance land and construction together
    • Uncertain about future building plans

    Land & Lot Loans Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    Secure Your Location

    Lock in the perfect land before prices rise or someone else buys it

    Build on Your Timeline

    No pressure to start construction immediately—build when you're ready

    Land Appreciation

    Hold land as an investment while values potentially increase

    Future Construction Path

    Clear pathway to refinance into a construction loan when ready

    Custom Build Option

    Choose your own builders, architects, and design when the time comes

    Multiple Land Types

    Financing available for raw, unimproved, and improved lots

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Find Your Land

    Locate the perfect parcel for your future home or investment.

    Secure Financing

    Get approved for a land loan based on land type and your down payment.

    Close and Own

    Close on your land purchase and secure the property for your future plans.

    Build When Ready

    When you're ready to build, refinance into a construction loan.

    Find Your Land

    Locate the perfect parcel for your future home or investment.

    Secure Financing

    Get approved for a land loan based on land type and your down payment.

    Close and Own

    Close on your land purchase and secure the property for your future plans.

    Build When Ready

    When you're ready to build, refinance into a construction loan.

    Types of Land & Lot Loans

    Choose the option that fits your situation

    Raw Land (Highest Risk)

    No utilities, roads, or improvements. Requires 35%+ down payment with higher rates and shorter terms. Best for long-term land investments.

    Unimproved Land

    Some utilities nearby but not yet connected. 25-30% down payment with moderate rates. Common for planned development.

    Improved Lot (Lowest Risk)

    Utilities connected and ready to build. 20-25% down payment with better rates and longer terms. Ideal for near-term construction.

    Important to Know

    Things to Consider

    A reverse mortgage is a significant financial decision. Here's what you should understand before proceeding.

    Higher Down Payment Required

    Land loans require 20-35% down depending on land type. Raw land requires the most; improved lots require the least.

    Shorter Loan Terms

    Unlike 30-year mortgages, land loans typically range from 5-20 years, resulting in higher monthly payments.

    Higher Interest Rates

    Land is considered higher risk than developed property, so rates are typically 1-2% higher than traditional mortgages.

    Construction Loan Refinance

    When you're ready to build, you'll need to refinance into a construction loan—a separate transaction with new costs.

    HUD-approved counseling is required to ensure you fully understand these factors before proceeding.

    Loan Details

    Documentation Required

    • Standard income and asset verification
    • Land survey or plat map
    • Proof of utilities access (for improved lots)
    • Land appraisal
    • Purchase agreement

    Eligible Property Types

    • Raw undeveloped land
    • Unimproved parcels with nearby utilities
    • Improved lots ready to build
    • Rural and agricultural land (case by case)

    Additional Info

    • Land must be zoned appropriately for intended use
    • Some lenders require building timeline documentation
    • Environmental or flood zone considerations may apply
    • Larger acreage may require additional underwriting

    Compare Land Loan Options by Type

    FeatureRaw LandUnimprovedImproved Lot(This loan)
    Down Payment35%+25-30%20-25%
    Interest RateHighestModerateBest Available
    Typical Term5-10 years10-15 years15-20 years
    Utilities RequiredNoneNearby accessConnected
    Road AccessNot requiredPreferredRequired
    Risk LevelHighestModerateLowest
    Refinance to ConstructionMay require improvements firstUsually eligibleTypically seamless

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Land & Lot Loans

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    What's the difference between raw land and an improved lot?

    Raw land has no utilities, roads, or improvements—it's undeveloped. An improved lot has utilities (water, sewer, electric) connected and is ready for construction. Unimproved land falls in between, with utilities nearby but not connected.

    Why is the down payment higher for land loans?

    Land is considered higher risk because there's no structure generating value or serving as collateral. Raw land is riskiest (35%+ down), while improved lots with utilities connected require less (20-25%).

    Can I get a 30-year land loan?

    Land loans typically have shorter terms than traditional mortgages—usually 5-20 years depending on land type. Improved lots may qualify for longer terms, while raw land typically has the shortest terms.

    When you're ready to build, you'll refinance your land loan into a construction loan. The construction loan pays off the land loan and finances your build. After construction, you'll refinance into a permanent mortgage.
    Yes, land loans can be used for investment purposes, including buying land to hold for appreciation or future development. Terms and requirements may vary for non-owner-occupied land.
    Not necessarily. Land loans don't require immediate construction plans, though some lenders may ask about your intended use. If you plan to build within 1-2 years, a construction loan might be more appropriate.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Land & Lot Loans stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Land & Lot Loans next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Land & Lot Loans See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    Ready to Secure Your Land?

    Let's find the right financing for your future building site

    Get StartedTalk to a Land Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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