Eligible Texas residents who are veterans, active military, or certain surviving spouses can buy land in Texas using a VLB loan. The program offers up to $150,000 in financing for at least one acre of raw land, with low interest rates and discounts for disabled veterans. If you’re asking “Who can buy land in Texas using a VLB loan?”—it’s those who meet the service and residency requirements outlined by the Texas Veterans Land Board.
Who Can Buy Land in Texas Using a VLB Loan?
If you’re a veteran asking, “Who can buy land in Texas using a VLB loan?”, you’re in the right place.You served your country. Now it’s time to use the benefits you earned. But it’s not always easy to figure out what that actually gets you in the real world. Land in Texas? Low interest rates? Special perks the average buyer can’t touch?
Yes. It’s all possible when you stack the Texas Veterans Land Board Loan Program on your side. Let’s walk through it without the confusing fine print.
What Is the VLB Loan Program and Why Should Texas Veterans Care?
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Loan Program is built for one thing— Helping veterans buy land in Texas. It’s not just about homes or refinancing like most loan setups. This one goes straight to help you get your hands on up to five acres of land—legit Texas dirt you can own and build your future on. You’re not stuck paying wild interest rates either. The program offers below-market interest rates for those who qualify, and there’s even a discount if you have a VA disability rating of 30% or more.
So… Who Can Buy Land in Texas Using a VLB Loan?
This is the big question. Let me hit you with the facts—straight up. To use this benefit and buy land in Texas using a VLB loan, here’s what you need:
Eligibility Checklist for a VLB Land Loan
- You must be a Texas resident at the time of application.
- You must be at least 18 years old (or your surviving spouse/child can apply based on conditions).
- You must be a qualified veteran, military member, or surviving spouse with proof of service.
- You need to have served at least 90 days of active duty unless discharged sooner due to service-connected disability.
- Your character of service must be considered “honorable” (as listed on your DD214).
That’s it in plain terms. If you check those boxes, you’re in the game. You’re someone who can buy land in Texas using a VLB loan.
Let’s Talk Land Requirements – Not All Plots Are Treated Equal
Now don’t think you can just pick any piece of Texas and swipe the deal. The VLB does have some land requirements too.
- Minimum of 1 acre (excluding floodplains, easements, or unusable land).
- Texas land only—this program is state-specific, no out-of-state purchases allowed.
- Legal access to public roadways—no floating islands you have to helicopter to.
Also worth noting: You can’t use the VLB loan for commercial property or for building stuff on the land right away. This loan is strictly for raw or unimproved land.
How Much Land Can You Actually Buy With a VLB Loan?
Up to $150,000 in financing for tracts of land that are at least one acre. You’ll need to put 5% down—so at minimum, come in with $7,500.If you want a bigger slice of Texas, or the land costs more than $150K, you can still do it. You just have to handle the difference out of pocket or with another lender willing to work with the VLB structure.
Who’s Really Using This Program?
I’ve seen this work firsthand. A Marine veteran—let’s call him Jake—was tired of throwing money at rent in Austin. He applied with the VLB, found a 3-acre piece of land just outside Bastrop, and closed in under 60 days. All built on his VA status and the VLB hook-up.
He’s not an outlier. Thousands of other Texas veterans are stacking this program to buy land while everyone else is stuck competing over overpriced townhomes.
And if you’re trying to understand more about financing your dream property, you’ll want to check our property guide blogs here for more on how financing works in Texas.
Can You Use a VLB Land Loan More Than Once?
Yes—kinda. Veterans can only have one land loan active at a time. So, if you pay one off, you’re free to circle back and use the VLB program again. But you can’t buy up three different properties at once using three separate VLB loans. It’s one at a time. Pay it down or off, then reapply if you’re buying more land.
VLB Land Loan Terms – The Nitty Gritty
| Loan Term | Max Loan Amount | Down Payment | Interest Rate | Veteran Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 years | $150,000 | 5% | Based on current market | -0.5% with 30%+ VA disability |
Land Loan vs. Home Loan – What’s the Difference?
Quick snap comparison:
- Land Loan = raw land, no structures, no improvements
- VLB Home Loan = for buying or building a home in Texas (different set of rules)
You can absolutely use both at different times. Some veterans buy land first through VLB Land Loan, then build years later using a VA Home Loan or the VLB Home Loan option offered through participating lenders.
FAQs
Can I apply for a VLB land loan if I already have a VA home loan?
Yes. These are separate programs. A VA home loan doesn’t block you from using the VLB to buy land in Texas.
Do National Guard or Reservists qualify?
Only if they were federally activated for 90+ days, NOT counting training. Got orders? You’re probably solid—always double check status with your DD214 form.
What if I’m not a Texas resident right now but want to move there?
Sorry, you gotta be a current Texas resident when you apply. No exceptions. If you just moved? Get that Texas driver’s license ready first.
Can surviving spouses use the VLB land loan?
Yes—if the veteran died in service or from service-connected causes AND the spouse hasn’t remarried.
Is there a credit check for the VLB loan?
Yep. This isn’t a free pass. You’ll need decent credit (typically 620+ FICO). If your credit’s rocky, that’s one thing you’ll want to clean up first.
Bottom line
I’ll go deeper into how to apply, how to increase your chances of approval, and the smartest ways veterans are flipping their land plays into long-game wins… in Part 2. But here’s the takeaway: If you’re wondering who can buy land in Texas using a VLB loan?, and you meet the qualifications we covered… then it’s probably you. Texas land isn’t waiting. But this program is. To keep learning how veterans like you are winning through real estate—check out our other smart money plays here.