To finance land in Lewisburg, WV, you’ll typically need a larger down payment and a lender familiar with rural property. The best route depends on your goals…whether you’re building soon or buying land to hold for the future.

Why Financing Land Is Different Than Buying a House

Financing land isn’t as straightforward as getting a mortgage for a house. Since land doesn’t have a structure to serve as collateral, lenders view it as a higher-risk loan. That’s especially true in areas like Lewisburg and greater Greenbrier County, where land can range from build-ready lots to remote wooded acreage without utilities.

Most lenders will consider these key factors:

• Access: Is there a legal, recorded right-of-way?
• Utilities: Is electric, water, or septic already in place?
• Topography: Is the land buildable? What kind of site work might be required?
• Zoning: Is it residential, agricultural, or unrestricted?
• Your plans: Are you holding it for investment or planning to build?

These details matter when it comes to what kind of financing you can qualify for and how much you’ll need to bring to the table.

Common Financing Options for Land in the Lewisburg Area

Here are three of the most common ways buyers in Lewisburg finance land:

1. Land or Lot Loans

These loans are designed specifically for land purchases. Most require:

• 20% to 35% down payment
• Good credit history
• Clear documentation of property use (especially if you plan to build later)

This is a solid option if you’re buying a residential lot or a larger parcel that already has road access and basic infrastructure.

2. Construction-to-Permanent Loans

If your goal is to build a home within the next year or two, a construction-to-perm loan may make more sense. These loans often combine the land purchase and construction costs into one package.

The process usually involves:

• Buying the land now
• Building within a specified timeframe
• Rolling the loan into a standard mortgage once construction is complete

This helps streamline financing and reduce closing costs over time.

3. Home Equity or Personal Loans

If you own a home with equity, you might be able to use a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) to purchase land. This works well for smaller parcels or cash offers where speed matters. Some buyers also use personal loans, though those usually come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

How Much Do You Need to Put Down?

Land financing requires more upfront than a traditional mortgage. Here’s a general breakdown:

Loan Type	Typical Down Payment	Interest Rate	Loan Term
Land Loan (raw)	25%–35%	Higher	5–15 years
Lot Loan (improved)	20%+	Moderate	Up to 20 years
Construction-to-Perm Loan	5%–20%	Lower (if strong credit)	15–30 years post-build

Land with no access, utilities, or build plan will require more down and could have higher rates. Lenders usually want to know how you plan to use the land and when.

What to Ask a Lender Before You Apply

When you’re ready to explore financing, bring a few key questions to your lender:

• Can you finance undeveloped land or raw acreage?
• What’s the minimum down payment for a land loan?
• Are there limits based on zoning or land use?
• Do I need a survey or appraisal?
• Can I combine this loan with a future construction loan?

Local banks, mortgage lenders, and credit unions in the Lewisburg area are familiar with these kinds of purchases and can walk you through the process. It’s a good idea to speak with more than one to compare rates, terms, and fees.

From Byron & Kerry: Local Land Insight

We’ve helped buyers purchase all types of land in and around Lewisburg…from mountaintop retreats to sub-division lots. And no two deals are the same. Financing depends not just on the land, but on your plans.

Some clients want to build right away. Others are holding land for future use or investment. Either way, we’ll guide you through what’s needed…starting with understanding what lenders want to see.

Thinking About Buying Land?

Whether you’re dreaming of building a cabin, starting a homestead, or simply owning a piece of the Greenbrier Valley, we’ll help you figure out the best way to buy land that fits your goals and your budget.

About Byron & Kerry:
Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin are experienced real estate agents based in Lewisburg, West Virginia, serving clients across the Greenbrier Valley, including Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers Counties. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling property, or relocating to the area, Byron and Kerry offer local expertise, personalized service, and smart real estate strategies to guide you every step of the way.

They specialize in residential homes, land, farms, and investment properties and are known for their community-focused approach, professional marketing, and in-depth knowledge of the West Virginia real estate market.

Ready to talk about buying land in Lewisburg or anywhere in Greenbrier County?

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📍 Serving Lewisburg, WV and surrounding counties
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📲 Byron: 757-871-3165 | @byronsellshouses
📲 Kerry: 304-503-3445 | @yourwestvirginiahome