How to Finance Raw Land: What Private Lenders Need to Approve Your Deal

July 7, 2025

Short answer:

To finance raw land with a private lender, you’ll need a strong exit strategy, marketable location, and skin in the game. Unlike banks, private lenders are flexible—but they still want to see a clear path to profitability.

Let’s unpack what that looks like.

Raw Land: More Possibility, More Risk

Raw land is full of potential—it could be a dream development site, a build-to-rent opportunity, or even a future commercial space. But to private lenders, land is also one of the riskiest types of real estate to finance.

Why? Because it doesn’t generate income. There’s no structure to appraise. And if things go south, it can be hard to resell quickly.

That said, plenty of investors do get raw land financed—especially with private money lenders like Silverton Capital, who focus on real-world deals in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties.

Here’s what they’ll be looking for before saying yes to your loan.

✅ 1. A Clear Purpose for the Land

First, you’ll need to explain what you plan to do with the land—because your plan determines the loan structure.

Are you:

  • Holding for appreciation?
  • Planning a ground-up residential build?
  • Subdividing and selling parcels?
  • Developing commercial use?

Lenders want to see that you have a defined exit strategy—whether that’s selling, refinancing, or building. The more clarity you can provide, the better.

✅ 2. Location, Location, Location

The old saying still holds true: location matters—especially with land.

Private lenders want to see that the land is:

  • In a growing or in-demand area
  • Zoned appropriately for your intended use
  • Near utilities (water, electric, sewer) or within reach
  • Not tied up in permitting issues or easement disputes

In North Texas, land near Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, or Denton suburbs typically gets stronger consideration than remote acreage in undeveloped zones.

If the land is rural or agricultural, be prepared to explain how it could be monetized or repositioned over time.

✅ 3. Your Equity Contribution (a.k.a. Skin in the Game)

Financing raw land with 0% down is extremely rare. Most private lenders will want to see you contribute:

  • 20–35% of the purchase price as a down payment
  • Or have existing equity in the land (if you already own it)

This shows commitment and gives the lender a cushion in case the land must be resold. Remember—private lending is fast and flexible, but it’s still a business. The lender needs to protect their position in the event of default.

✅ 4. Exit Plan & Timeline

Private lenders don’t want to sit on a land deal for 10 years. They’re usually looking for a short- to mid-term payoff window, often in the 6–24 month range.

You should be able to explain:

  • How long you plan to hold the land
  • What will increase its value during that time (zoning change, permitting, development, etc.)
  • How you intend to repay the loan (sale, construction loan refinance, or other)

If the numbers and plan make sense, they’re far more likely to approve your deal—even if you’re not using traditional bank financing or credit.

✅ 5. Experience (Or Smart Partnerships)

While you don’t need to be a seasoned land developer, it helps to:

  • Have previous real estate experience (flips, rentals, etc.)
  • Partner with someone who’s done it before
  • Bring on a builder or consultant who can help execute the plan

Private lenders like Silverton Capital will look at the overall feasibility of your plan and team, not just your personal resume.

Land Deals in North Texas? We’re Listening

If you’ve found a promising piece of land in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County, Silverton Capital wants to hear about it.

We understand that great deals often can’t wait for slow bank approvals. That’s why we offer:

  • Common-sense underwriting
  • Asset-based decision-making
  • Fast closings so you don’t miss out

Whether you're buying raw land to build, hold, or develop, our team can help you evaluate your options.

Apply now to get started.

Final Thoughts

Financing raw land isn’t always easy—but it’s definitely possible. When you come prepared with a smart plan, marketable property, and some equity skin in the game, private lenders will take notice.

Forget waiting months on a bank loan—get your deal moving today.

Looking to fund a raw land purchase in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County?

Apply with Silverton Capital for fast, flexible financing built around your goals.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or investment advice. Please consult with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.

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