Rural Land Loans for Building a Home in the Country

Land Loans for Homesites and Country Living

Buying land is a big step, especially when it’s the foundation for your family’s future home. Whether you want privacy, space to roam, room for a garden, or a place to raise a few animals, AgSouth Farm Credit makes the land-buying process simple and supportive from start to finish.

What Is a Rural Land Loan? 

Unlike traditional mortgages, rural land loans are designed for raw or lightly improved property, even if it doesn’t yet have utilities, driveways, septic, or structures. If there is no home yet on the property, this is the right financing option for you. If the property includes a home, our home loan department specializes in homes with land and has zero penalties for large acreage.

What Types of Land Can I Finance?

 
You can use an AgSouth rural land loan to purchase:
 
  • Land for a future home site
  • Large Acreage for privacy and outdoor living
  • Small acreage for gardens or hobby livestock
  • Country property with minimal improvements
  • Refinance your existing land - switch to long-term finance, lower your rate, or prepare construction in the future
 

Make Space for the Life You Want

AgSouth Rural Land Loans. Buy rural land to build a home.

Why Families Choose AgSouth Farm Credit for Rural Land Loans

Buying land comes with questions about surveys, utilities, septic, access, zoning and more, and the truth is, not every lender can explain it. We can.

With AgSouth Farm Credit, you get:

  1. Local lenders who specialize in rural land for living in the country
  2. Terms up to 20 years for larger acreage, and up to 15 years for lot loans under 4.99 acres.
  3. Competitive long-term fixed rates
  4. Up to 85% financing and 75% for lot loans
  5. Cooperative benefits may include patronage refunds
  6. Clear guidance on timelines, closing costs, and requirements
  7. A smooth transition when you’re ready to build your home later with our home financing.

We take the guesswork out of buying land. 

Calculate Your Land Payment

Amount Financed:
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Monthly Payment:
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This is an estimate of loan payment. Actual payment amount may vary depending on interest rate, closing date, and other factors.
Learn how this family bought land and built their home getaway from the city with AgSouth Farm Credit.
Customer Story

The Alexander Family Found the Perfect Acres for Their Family

The Alexander Family in Toombs County, Georgia wanted secluded acreage their three boys could run around on and get dirty. With the help of AgSouth Farm Credit, the family financed their dream property away from the city and a few years later came back to AgSouth to help build their dream home. Today, the Alexander boys enjoy fishing in their pond, tending to their garden, and chasing their chickens around the yard.

Read Their Story

How Is a Rural Land Loan Different from a Home Mortgage? 

Most first-time land buyers don’t realize these two loans are completely different. Here’s how:

Land Loan:

  • Used to buy acreage, wooded land, or raw property
  • No home required
  • More flexible on property type
  • Downpayment ranges from 15-25% down
  • Can be used long before you build

Home Mortgage

  • Requires a home structure
  • Based on home value + appraisal
  • Not suitable for raw land
  • Cannot be used to buy land alone

If you want to buy land now and build later, start with a land loan.

Rural Land Loan FAQs

Can I buy land now and build a house later? 

Yes. Many members purchase land first, then return to finance construction later through AgSouth Mortgages.

Do I need utilities or septic already in place? 

No. We finance raw or minimally improved land.

How much down payment do I need? 

Typically 15–25%. Your lender will walk you through exact requirements.

Do you finance land in good school districts? 

Yes - as long as the property is rural and used for a primary residence or lifestyle use.

Is buying land more complicated than buying a home? 

It's different, but not harder if you have the right lender. We explain surveys, soil tests, appraisals, and timelines so you feel confident at every step.

How to Apply for a Rural Land Loan

  1. Connect with your AgSouth land lender
  2. Discuss your goals, budget, and build-later plans
  3. Review down payment, timelines, and closing costs
  4. Apply when you're ready, no pressure
  5. Close locally with guidance at every step

You’ll always know what’s coming next - no surprises. 

Resources for Rural Land Buyers
Land

How Certain Property Details Might Impact Your Land Loan
Land ownership becomes more and more attractive for some people. Finding the property and making it your own can sometimes pose challenges, however. We go over common property details and how it might affect your land loan when you’re searching for that perfect piece of land. We talk about land surveys, water tests, zoning requirements, and more.
Homes Land

What is a Good Debt to Income Ratio and How to Calculate Yours
The debt to income ratio is used largely when getting a home or lot loan, but it can also help land buyers know their overall financial health before applying for a large acreage land loan. Before you apply for a loan, you should know your ratio and how it might affect your loan approval or terms.
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Land

Land Loans: How to Do a Balance Sheet
We explain the why and how behind filling out a balance sheet when getting a land loan. Article includes a balance sheet template.

Ready to Buy Your Piece of the Country?

Your land. Your home. Your future. Let’s make it happen.

About AgSouth Farm Credit 

AgSouth Farm Credit is a member-owned agricultural cooperative serving Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We provide land, farm, home, and agribusiness financing and return profits to our customers through patronage refunds.