What vacant land loans are
Vacant land loans finance unimproved property — the parcels conventional lenders reject outright. Purchase or refinance, up to 65% of the property's value, loan amounts from $100,000 to $1,200,000, with no prepayment penalty and unlimited acreage. Full program details →
How qualifying works
Sample qualifying snapshot: A strong file shows (1) a qualifying parcel — residential, agricultural, or recreational land with legal access; (2) 12 months' income history documented; (3) down payment covering the spread above 65% LTV; (4) acceptable credit for the tier; (5) a land appraisal supporting the value. Unlimited acreage; exact credit minimums and eligible land types vary by investor and are subject to change.
Land appraisals work differently from home appraisals — comparable land sales, not houses. The program's appraisers understand dirt.
3 qualifying scenarios
Scenario 1 — The future build: A borrower buys 5 acres now, plans to build in three years. The land loan holds the parcel with no prepayment penalty — when construction starts, they refinance into a construction or end loan without penalty.
Scenario 2 — The recreational retreat: A buyer wants 40 acres for hunting and weekends. Unlimited acreage, up to 65% of value — a file no bank would look at, closed as a land loan.
Scenario 3 — The land refinance: An owner who bought land cash pulls a refinance to fund the build — up to 65% of the appreciated value, 12 months' income history documented. Illustrative examples; exact terms vary by investor and are subject to change.
Check Your Eligibility — Vacant Land Loans
60 seconds. No obligation, no hard credit pull. NMLS #7861.
Who vacant land loans are NOT for
- Minimum-down buyers — land programs top out at 65% LTV; you'll need 35%+ down or equity.
- Landlocked or inaccessible parcels — legal access is a baseline requirement.
- Commercial development plays — this is for personal-use and investment parcels, not subdivisions.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow against vacant land?
Up to 65% of the property's value, with loan amounts from $100,000 to $1,200,000.
Is there a prepayment penalty?
No — sell, build, or refinance whenever you're ready.
Is there an acreage limit?
No — unlimited acreage.
What income documentation is required?
Twelve months' income history. The program is built for real borrowers with real documentation, just not bank-style W-2 boxes.
Skip the Bank Runaround.
Eyeing acreage? Tell us the parcel and the plan — we'll tell you if a vacant land loan fits.
Get Your Vacant Land Loans Review
60 seconds. No obligation, no hard credit pull. NMLS #7861.
Guidelines change. Terms, pricing, and requirements vary by investor and are subject to change without notice. Examples in this article are illustrative only — not quotes, approvals, or commitments to lend. This article is educational, not loan advice. Confirm current guidelines with us before making an offer. NMLS #7861 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

