Can you get a mortgage on a plot of land?

Yes, you can get a mortgage on a plot of land, but the process is not as straightforward as obtaining a standard residential mortgage. Most traditional lenders prefer properties that are already built and habitable, while a land mortgage is a specialist product designed for plots that are either undeveloped or earmarked for construction.

When Can You Get a Land Mortgage?

A land mortgage is easier to secure when the plot has full planning permission for development. Planning consent reassures lenders that the land has viable use and potential resale value, making it less risky to finance. Without planning permission, obtaining a mortgage on a plot of land becomes more challenging, and buyers often turn to a land bridging loan as a short-term solution. A mortgage for land usually requires a higher deposit compared to a standard residential mortgage. While buying a home might require only 10-20% deposit, land purchases generally need 30-50% deposit, depending on factors like location, planning status, and intended future use. If a land mortgage is not available or too slow to arrange, buyers often consider land bridging loans. A bridging loan for land can complete within 5-14 days and is commonly used for auction purchases or when the land is without planning permission. For those planning to build immediately, development finance can be arranged, which covers both the land purchase and up to 100% of construction costs, subject to lender requirements for Loan to Cost (LTC) and Gross Development Value (GDV). When applying for a mortgage on a plot of land, lenders will look closely at factors such as planning permission, the valuation of the land, and your overall exit strategy (e.g. developing, selling, or refinancing). Land located in high-demand areas or with strong development potential will usually receive more favourable lending terms.