Skip to main content

Veterans Land Board Loans: How to Buy Land in Texas as a Veteran (and Build Wealth)? | reAlpha Mortgage

July 31, 2025

9 minutes

Veterans Land Board Loans: How to Buy Land in Texas as a Veteran (and Build Wealth)? | reAlpha Mortgage

After eight years of honorable service, you returned to Texas with one dream: owning a piece of land. But traditional lenders shut you out—until you discovered the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).

"If you're a Texas veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse, you may qualify for a low-interest land loan through the VLB. These loans come with relaxed credit requirements and minimal down payments—unlike most conventional options.

The Texas Veterans Land Board offers land loans of 1–20 acres with as little as 5% down, competitive interest rates, and veteran-friendly underwriting. This guide covers how to qualify, combine benefits with a VA loan, and use your land as a foundation for generational wealth.

Key Takeaways

  1. Veteran-Specific Land Financing: The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers low-interest land loans to eligible veterans, allowing them to buy 1–20 acres with as little as 5% down—even when traditional lenders won’t finance raw land.
  2. Stackable with VA Benefits: Veterans can use the VLB loan to buy land and a VA loan to build a home on that land later, maximizing both state and federal benefits without overlap.
  3. Flexible Terms and Requirements: With fixed interest rates, up to 30-year terms, and veteran-friendly underwriting, VLB loans are more accessible than many bank land loans—especially for those with moderate credit scores.
  4. No Pressure to Build Immediately: The VLB land loan does not require immediate construction, making it ideal for long-term investment, retirement planning, or eventual custom home builds.

Why Most Veterans Miss Out on Land Ownership?

Despite the rising value of land in Texas, only 12% of eligible veterans take advantage of the VLB program. Here's why that matters:

  • Texas rural land values are increasing 6%+ annually
  • Most private banks do not finance raw land
  • Land ownership builds passive income, tax advantages, and legacy value.

 Pro Tip: The VLB is not just a loan—it’s a veteran-focused pathway to real estate ownership and long-term financial growth.

Who Qualifies for a VLB Land Loan?

To apply for a Texas VLB land loan, applicants must:

  • Be a legal Texas resident
  • Be a veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying surviving spouse
  • Have served at least 90 days active duty (unless discharged earlier due to service-related injury)
  • Possess an honorable discharge (DD214, NGB-22, or equivalent)
  • Provide a minimum 5% down payment

Land must:

  • Be 1 to 20 acres in size
  • Be fully within Texas state lines
  • Have legal road access

Official VLB Application Portal: https://vlb.texas.gov/land

How Much Can You Borrow?

  • Minimum land size: 1 acre
  • Maximum land size: 20 acres
  • Loan cap: Up to $150,000 (2025 limits)

You can finance raw, undeveloped land—even if you don’t plan to build immediately.

Can You Combine a VLB Loan With a VA Loan?

Yes, you can. Here’s how veterans are stacking both benefits:

  • Use a VA loan (0% down) for your primary home
  • Use a VLB land loan (5% down) to purchase land separately
  • Later, use VA construction financing to build on your land.

Partner with reAlpha Mortgage to coordinate both your VA and VLB loan benefits with ease. Our veteran-focused team ensures you get the maximum savings and a smooth path to land ownership.

Current Interest Rates and Terms (as of April 2025)

  • Standard rate: 7.25% (30-year fixed)
  • Discounted rate: 6.75% for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more

Terms:

  • Up to 30 years
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Flexible underwriting standards

Land Buying Process Through the VLB

  1. Search for qualifying land (must meet size and access requirements)
  2. Apply online via the VLB portal
  3. Submit proof of eligibility, Texas residency, credit, and income documents
  4. Close the loan and take ownership

Browse VLB-vetted land listings: https://vlb.texas.gov/land

Timeline: Expect 4–8 weeks from application to closing.

Comparison: VA Loan vs VLB Loan vs Traditional Bank Loan


Feature
VA Loan
VLB Land Loan
Bank Land Loan
Down Payment
0%5%10%–20%
Max Acreage
Home only1–20 acresVaries
Use
Primary residenceLand ownership or investmentLimited
Credit RequirementsModerateVeteran-friendlyStrict
SupportModerateVeteran-firstLimited

Support from Veteran-Focused Partners

reAlpha Mortgage

reAlpha Mortgage simplifies the homebuying journey for veterans — from pre-approval to closing. Our VA-certified loan specialists guide you through both VA and VLB loans while helping you save big at every step.

  • Apply online at reAlpha Mortgage
  • NMLS ID: 1743790 (SAFE Act Compliant)
  • Get help with paperwork, fast pre-approvals, and veteran-savvy guidance

reAlpha Real Estate Investment

Looking to turn your land into a long-term asset? reAlpha helps veterans buy smarter by connecting you with expert advisors and up to 75% of your buyer agent’s commission back — so you build wealth from day one.

  • No traditional 6% commissions
  • Veteran-friendly real estate investment advisors
  • Build, lease, or flip at your pace

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Ad Icon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can veterans buy land in Texas using the VLB program?

Yes. You may purchase 1–20 acres with as little as 5% down.

Is the VLB loan only for Texas residents?

Yes. You must be a legal resident of Texas.

Is the VLB loan the same as a VA loan?

No. The VLB loan is a state-run program for Texas land purchases. VA loans are federal loans that cover primary home financing. reAlpha Mortgage helps veterans combine both seamlessly.

Do I have to build right away?

No. You can hold the land for future use or investment.

What credit score is required?

Most veterans get approved with 620–640 credit scores. But reAlpha Mortgage often helps applicants with lower scores qualify through strong compensating factors and personalized underwriting.

Final Thought: Own Land. Build Wealth. Leave a Legacy.

You’ve earned every benefit — now let it work for you. With reAlpha Mortgage, veterans can unlock up to 75% of your buyer agent’s commission back — real money that can cover inspections, closing costs, or even land improvements.

Here’s how it stacks:

  • Use a reAlpha agent → Get 25% back
  • Bundle with reAlpha Mortgage → Get 50%
  • Add Title services → Unlock the full 75% rebate

Whether you're buying your dream land or building your forever home, reAlpha helps you buy smarter, save bigger, and build generational wealth.

Start your savings journey now at reAlpha Mortgage.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Ad Icon
Subscribe to the newsletter

Get the latest market trends, homebuying tips, and insider updates—straight to your inbox. No fluff, just the good stuff.

Related Topics