Loan Program
Land Acquisition Loans in Los Angeles, CA
Hard money financing for raw land, development sites, and entitled parcels — infill LA to Malibu hilltops. Secure the site before someone else does.
About Land Acquisition Loans
Land acquisition loans represent one of the most specialized segments of hard money lending, providing capital for the purchase of raw land, development sites, and entitled parcels without existing improvements. These loans fill a critical gap in the financing landscape, as traditional lenders rarely lend on unimproved land due to the absence of cash flow and the speculative nature of land investments. For developers, investors, and builders in Los Angeles, financing is often the essential first step in creating profitable real estate developments.
The Los Angeles land market presents unique opportunities for those who understand its complexities. From infill development sites in established neighborhoods to hillside properties with development potential, from commercial parcels along major corridors to residential lots in areas zoned for higher density, land represents the raw material for future real estate value creation. However, competition for desirable land is fierce, and sellers typically favor buyers who can close quickly with certainty, exactly what hard money land acquisition loans provide.
Raw land lending requires specialized expertise in evaluating development potential, understanding zoning and entitlements, assessing infrastructure availability, and projecting future value. Our land acquisition loan programs are designed for experienced developers and investors who have clear plans for their land purchases, whether that involves immediate development, holding for appreciation, or entitling for future sale. We understand the Los Angeles entitlement process, the various zoning designations, and the factors that make land developable and valuable.
Unlike conventional land loans that may require 50% down payments and extensive documentation of development plans, our hard money land acquisition loans offer more flexible terms and faster execution. our lending team can close land purchases in 2-3 weeks, allowing you to secure sites before competitors can arrange financing. Whether you're acquiring a single lot for a custom home, assembling parcels for a multifamily development, or securing commercial land for future construction, our financing provides the capital foundation for your development strategy.
Program Features
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How Investors Use Land Acquisition Loans
Infill Development Site Acquisitions
The highest-value land opportunities in Los Angeles are infill sites in established neighborhoods — underutilized parcels, outdated structures on large lots, or assemblage opportunities where multiple adjacent parcels can be combined. Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Los Feliz, and the Eastside corridors are rich with these opportunities. So are Pasadena, Brentwood, and Westwood. We close infill site acquisitions in 14–21 days, allowing buyers to move before institutional developers and larger operators can arrange financing.
SB-9 Lot Split Financing
California's SB-9 allows ministerial (non-discretionary) lot splits on single-family residential parcels in most of Los Angeles, with the potential to create four units on what was a single-family site. Investors who identify underpriced SFR lots with strong lot-split development potential are executing a new category of value-add play. We finance the initial acquisition and, when appropriate, the construction of ADUs on the split parcels through a single loan facility.
Infill Development Opportunities
Capitalize on Los Angeles' infill development trend by acquiring underutilized parcels in established neighborhoods. As the city densifies, small infill sites in desirable locations become increasingly valuable for townhomes, small multifamily projects, or mixed-use developments. loan programs available directly from us accommodate the smaller deal sizes and shorter hold periods typical of infill development strategies.
Malibu & Coastal Zone Land
Malibu land — including Carbon Beach, Malibu Colony, Point Dume, and Trancas — carries Coastal Commission overlay that adds 12–24 months to any development approval timeline. Most lenders won't touch it. We do, with loan structures that reflect realistic Coastal Commission review timelines. For hillside parcels near Point Dume or in Malibu's eastern canyons, we factor in geological review requirements and set loan terms accordingly. Our familiarity with Coastal Commission process means we don't underprice or overprice the entitlement risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of land do you finance?
we finance borrowers directly for various land types including residential development sites (single-family and multifamily), commercial development parcels, mixed-use sites, industrial land, and entitled or entitlement-ready properties. We consider raw land without utilities, partially improved parcels, and sites with existing structures that will be demolished for redevelopment. Properties must have legal access and generally should not have major environmental issues, though we can work with sites requiring minor remediation. We provide financing on land throughout Los Angeles County with loan sizes typically ranging from $200,000 to $3 million.
Can you finance Malibu coastal-zone land?
Yes, and we have. Malibu land subject to Coastal Commission jurisdiction requires realistic modeling of the CDP (Coastal Development Permit) timeline — typically 12–24 months for anything beyond routine maintenance on pre-existing structures. We structure Malibu land loans with terms and extension options that reflect this timeline. We also understand the California Coastal Act's public access requirements and what they mean for development potential on specific parcels.
What experience do I need to qualify for a land loan?
For experienced developers with 2+ completed LA projects of comparable scope, we move through underwriting quickly. For developers newer to LA, we look harder at the specific project: entitlement feasibility, the development team, and budgeted contingencies. We also consider whether the borrower has engaged an entitlement consultant familiar with the specific city department or Coastal Commission district. We don't require a decade of track record for every deal — the right project with the right team can qualify.
Can you finance an SB-9 lot split acquisition?
Yes. California's SB-9 lot split process is ministerial in most of Los Angeles — meaning the city can't deny it on discretionary grounds if the parcel meets the statutory criteria. We finance the initial SFR acquisition and can structure to include the subsequent ADU construction in a single facility. Our underwriting looks at the lot-split feasibility (parcel size, zoning, setbacks), the development program, and the after-completion value of the split parcels with improvements.
What are typical terms and rates on land loans?
Land loans carry rates from 10%–14% reflecting the higher risk of no-income collateral. Origination points typically run 3–5 points. LTV is up to 50% on raw land, 55–65% on entitled land. Terms range from 12–36 months with extension options. Interest-only payments minimize carrying costs during hold periods.
Explore Other Loan Programs
Residential Property Loans
Hard money loans for single-family homes, condos, and residential investment properties in Los Angeles.
Commercial Property Loans
Fast funding solutions for office buildings, retail spaces, and commercial real estate investments.
Bridge Financing Loans
Short-term bridge loans to secure properties while awaiting permanent financing or sale of existing assets.
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Contact us today to discuss your land acquisition loans needs.
Call (213) 667-4815