To qualify for a VA land loan, you must meet specific VA land loan eligibility requirements: have valid VA loan entitlement, use the land for your primary residence, and combine it with a VA-backed construction loan. The VA doesn’t support land-only purchases unless there’s a plan to build a home. Not all lenders offer these loans, so finding a VA-friendly lender and preparing detailed construction plans is essential to getting approved.
I’ve had folks ask me things like:
- Can I even use my VA loan benefits to buy land?
- Does the land have to have a house on it already?”
- What are the actual VA land loan eligibility requirements?”
Let’s cut through the noise.
If you’re looking to use your VA loan benefit to buy land, here’s the real deal—what it takes, the steps to not screw it up, and how to position yourself so things move fast when you’re ready to pull the trigger.
First off—can I actually use a VA loan to buy land?
Yes, with a “but.” The VA doesn’t back land-only purchases unless you’re doing it in combo with plans to build a home. That’s the key. You’ve got to use the land to build your primary residence using a VA construction loan.
This means you can’t just buy a plot of land and park on it. You need a game plan to build, and most lenders will want to see it all upfront.
So what are the VA land loan eligibility requirements?
Let me put it clearly—if you want to get approved for a VA land loan, you’ve gotta check these boxes:
- You have VA loan entitlement: That means you’re an eligible veteran, active duty service member, National Guard, or Reserves with qualifying service—usually 90 days active duty during wartime or 181 days during peacetime. If you’re not sure, you’ll need to request your COE (Certificate of Eligibility) from the VA.
- You’re using the land for a primary residence: No vacation homes, no rental-only plays. The VA wants you living there. Period.
- You’re combining it with a construction loan: This is the kicker. Land by itself isn’t going to cut it. You must plan to build and move in. The VA only backs it if the land’s part of a plan to live full-time on it.
In short—if you’re looking to invest in raw land for your next passive income move, this probably isn’t the play for you. BUT, if this is where you want to build your forever home, this could work—assuming you meet those basic VA land loan eligibility requirements.
Who qualifies for a VA land loan?
Here’s the list of folks the VA says “yes” to for loan eligibility:
- Veterans with an honorable (or at least “other than dishonorable”) discharge
- Active duty military after 90 days of continuous service
- National Guard and Reserve after six years of service, or 90 days active service under Title 32
- Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty
If you’re not on this list, there’s not going to be a VA loan in your future—including for land.
Now—just because you qualify doesn’t mean your lender’s going to play ball. Some VA-approved lenders won’t touch construction/land loans. That’s where the chaos hits people. So don’t just walk into your usual bank expecting them to be a go.
Do VA land loans require a down payment?
This gets a little more complicated. In theory, VA loans don’t require a down payment at all. That’s one of the biggest perks. But with VA construction loans (which is what you need for land), some lenders might ask for one.
It depends on the lender. The VA doesn’t require a down payment, but your lender could have overlays—tighter rules on top of the VA requirements—and sometimes that includes asking for money down.
It’s frustrating. It feels like they’re changing the rules. But this is one of those things that just is. So be ready for it.
How do I actually qualify for the full VA land loan package?
Step-by-step? Here’s how most folks get this done:
- Get your COE – You need your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. No COE, no loan. You can request this at va.gov or let the lender pull it for you.
- Find a VA-friendly lender who does construction loans – Not all of them do. Call ahead and ask directly.
- Create a full construction plan – Lenders need the timeline, the costs, the blueprints, the builder’s info, permits—everything.
- Get approved for both land + construction – These loans are bundled. You don’t get the land by itself unless it’s a short-term purchase only to bridge construction.
- Close and start building – Once you close, construction can kick off. Once the house is done, your short-term construction loan turns into a regular VA mortgage.
It sounds like a lot, but if you’re organized and working with a lender who knows the VA process inside out, it moves pretty fast.
Will the VA help with raw land?
Only if that raw land is where you’re going to build your home. That includes land that doesn’t have roads or utilities yet—however, the land needs to be zoned properly, and the construction must be ready to go.
Also, make sure the land has legal access (not landlocked), and you’ve lined up a VA-approved builder. That’ll squash a ton of problems upfront.
Quick hits: What kills VA land loan applications fast?
- Trying to buy land as an investment or rental
- No intent to build a primary residence
- Lender doesn’t offer VA construction loans
- Land is landlocked or not build-ready
- No COE or service eligibility
- Weak credit or too much residual monthly debt
If you’re serious about this path, don’t waste time guessing. Line up your VA eligibility, builder, and property info before you even call a lender. Makes life 10x easier.
FAQs
Can I buy land with a VA loan without building?
No. The VA only guarantees land loans if they’re tied to building a primary residence. No building plan = no loan.
Can I use my VA loan to buy land first, then build later?
Kind of. Some lenders offer short-term VA purchase loans for land that roll into a construction loan once you’re ready. But you’ll need to build relatively soon—this isn’t a long-term land banking strategy.
What credit score do I need for a VA land loan?
The VA doesn’t set minimum scores, but most lenders want to see at least a 620. The higher the better, especially for construction loans.
How do I find a lender that offers VA land loans?
Start by asking your current bank and credit unions, then check with national VA lenders. Not all of them offer VA construction loans—so be direct. Ask them straight up.
Can I buy land in a trust with a VA loan?
If the VA approves the trust and it meets legal ownership and occupancy guidelines, maybe. But this is case-by-case. You’re better off buying in your name and transferring later if needed. Talk to an attorney on that one.
Where can I find more know-how on VA loans and smart real estate moves?
Check out the other pieces on ReAlpha’s blog—we get straight to it. No fluff.
Conclusion:
To secure a VA land loan, you must meet core VA land loan eligibility requirements—qualifying military service, intent to build a primary residence, and a bundled VA construction loan. The VA doesn’t support land-only purchases for investment. Success depends on working with a VA-friendly lender, presenting a solid construction plan, and having your Certificate of Eligibility in hand. This loan is ideal for veterans building their forever home—not for those eyeing raw land as an investment.
