Yes…but with important limitations. While both VA and USDA loans can be used for land purchases in Lewisburg, WV, they typically require that you also plan to build a home on that land as part of the loan package. These programs are designed for primary residences, not raw land alone.
If you’ve been exploring land in Lewisburg and wondering whether VA or USDA financing can help, you’re not alone. Land is a big draw in this part of the Greenbrier Valley—whether it’s rolling pasture, wooded acreage, or a tucked-away mountain view lot. But buying land with government-backed loans like VA and USDA is a little more complex than buying a move-in-ready house.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering buying land in Lewisburg, WV using a VA or USDA loan—and how we at Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin’s team can help you navigate the process.
🏡 First, Let’s Be Clear: These Loans Are Meant for Primary Residences
Both the VA loan and the USDA loan are fantastic tools for buying homes with little or no money down. But they aren’t designed for buying vacant land unless that land is part of a plan to build your primary residence.
In fact:
- VA loans allow land purchases only when you also obtain a VA construction loan at the same time.
- USDA loans typically require a home to be built immediately on the land. The lot and construction costs are rolled into a single mortgage package.
So if you’re hoping to buy a piece of land in Lewisburg and hold onto it for a few years before building? These loan types probably won’t work. But if you’re ready to build soon—you’re in business.
Requirements for Using a VA Loan to Buy Land in Lewisburg
VA loans are a great option if you’re a qualifying veteran or active-duty service member. To use one for land in the Lewisburg area:
- You’ll need a VA construction loan that covers both the land and the cost to build.
- The land must be intended as your primary residence once construction is complete.
You’ll need to work with a VA-approved builder who can meet the required specs and timelines. - Utilities and access must already be in place or included in the construction plan.
👉 While true land-only VA loans exist, they’re rare and often require alternative funding that gets refinanced later through a VA mortgage once the home is built.
Requirements for Using a USDA Loan to Buy Land in Lewisburg
USDA loans are designed to promote homeownership in rural communities—which makes much of Greenbrier County, including parts of Lewisburg, eligible.
Here’s how USDA loans can work for land:
- You must build a home as part of the loan. The USDA doesn’t allow loans for raw land unless it’s tied to immediate construction.
- The home must be modest in size and cost, and meet energy and safety standards.
- Both the land and construction are typically financed through one USDA-backed loan.
- The land must be located in a USDA-eligible rural area—and good news: most of Lewisburg and its surrounding communities qualify.
👉 Pro tip: If you find a Lewisburg property with a current structure that’s unlivable, you may be able to qualify under USDA’s renovation options (if rebuilding is part of the plan).
What If You’re Planning to Build “Eventually”?
If your dream is to buy acreage now and wait a few years to build, you’ll likely need to explore:
- Conventional loans (some lenders offer land loans with 20–30% down)
- Owner financing (occasionally available on private parcels)
- Cash purchase (if the property price is low)
After building plans are finalized, you can explore refinancing into a VA or USDA loan for your completed home.
One More Thing: Get Prequalified Before You Shop
Before you start touring properties, get prequalified with a lender who offers VA or USDA construction loans. Not all lenders do and some won’t touch land purchases at all. Let us know if you’d like a list of lenders we’ve worked with here in the Greenbrier Valley. We’re happy to help.
Ready to Find the Right Piece of Land in Lewisburg?
Buying land in Lewisburg with a VA or USDA loan is possible but it takes planning, the right lender, and a property that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re building soon or exploring your options, we’re here to guide you home.
Reach out to Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin today to explore land listings and find out what’s possible with your loan program.
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
Living in Lewisburg, WV 