Vacant Land Loans in Los Angeles, CA

We finance burned lot acquisitions in Pacific Palisades, the Altadena foothills, and fire-adjacent areas of Malibu for investors who understand LA's rebuilding economics. Our underwriting is based on current land value (comparable land sales in the neighborhood), rebuild feasibility (standard construction costs for the applicable lot configuration), and exit strategy (hold-to-rebuild, hold-for-appreciation, or sell to builder). We don't require standard property insurance for burned lots — there's nothing to insure. We evaluate the land value and the exit.

Malibu land — Carbon Beach, Malibu Colony, Point Dume, Trancas Canyon, and the eastern Malibu canyons — carries Coastal Commission jurisdiction that most lenders refuse to underwrite. A Coastal Development Permit for significant new construction in Malibu takes 12–24 months. For discretionary improvements (beyond routine maintenance), the process involves Coastal Commission staff review, potential public hearings, and design modifications to address public access and visual impact requirements. We structure Malibu land loans with terms that reflect these timelines — 24–36 months with extension options — and look for borrowers who have engaged experienced CDP consultants before we commit.

We finance SFR lot acquisitions specifically for SB-9 lot-split development. Our underwriting evaluates the lot's SB-9 eligibility (parcel size, zoning category, setback configuration, SB-9 exclusions), the development program (two primary units plus two ADUs on the split parcels), and the after-development value. We can structure a single facility from initial SFR acquisition through lot split recording and ADU construction draws — eliminating the need to refinance between phases and reducing transaction costs for the investor.

Infill development sites in established LA neighborhoods — underutilized parcels, lots with demolishable structures, and assemblage opportunities where multiple parcels can be combined — command premium prices precisely because they're scarce. Buyers who can close in 14–21 days with certainty frequently beat higher offers that depend on slower financing. We provide infill site acquisition financing that closes fast, structured with realistic entitlement timelines for the specific jurisdiction and project type.

Yes. We evaluate post-fire land acquisitions based on current land value, rebuild economics, and exit strategy. The absence of standard insurance on burned lots doesn't disqualify a loan — we evaluate land value directly. LADBS's disaster reconstruction program has provisions that streamline some aspects of the rebuilding permit process for fire-damaged properties. We structure loans that reflect realistic timelines for the rebuilding cycle.

Yes, entitlement financing is one of our specialties. We provide loans that cover land acquisition plus carrying costs during the entitlement process, which in Los Angeles typically takes 1-3 years. These loans include interest reserves that service debt while you secure necessary approvals. We structure extended terms (2-4 years) with extension options recognizing that entitlement timelines often exceed initial projections. Our underwriting evaluates the feasibility of securing approvals based on zoning, general plan consistency, and environmental factors specific to the site.

Yes. SB-9 lot splits are among the most compelling land acquisition plays currently available in LA. The ministerial approval process — the city can't deny if statutory criteria are met — dramatically reduces entitlement risk. We evaluate the lot's SB-9 eligibility, the development program, and the after-development value. We can structure from initial SFR acquisition through lot split recording and ADU construction draws in a single facility.

Raw land without entitlements: up to 40–50% LTV of as-is value. Entitled land with approved development: 50–65% LTV. Post-fire lots: evaluated individually based on land value, typically 40–50%. Coastal zone parcels: 40–55% reflecting the entitlement timeline and Coastal Commission discretion. Specific leverage depends on location, entitlement status, and your development experience.

Raw land: 12–24 months with extension options. Post-fire lots: 18–36 months to accommodate rebuilding cycle. Malibu coastal zone: 24–36 months reflecting CDP timeline. SB-9 lot split with ADU construction: 18–30 months total. All terms include built-in extension options for regulatory delays. Interest reserves are built into most land loans to cover carrying costs.