NEXA Mortgage
TurkMortgages.com · Ethan Morgan NMLS #2738407 · NEXA Mortgage LLC NMLS #1660690
📞 832-605-2616
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🌳 Lot Purchase + New Construction · One Financing

Land + Build Construction Loan

Purchase the land AND finance the build in one financing package — for buyers starting from scratch on raw lots in Texas. The lot must be buildable and lender-approved (zoning, utilities, access), and down payment runs higher than build-on-owned-land scenarios because you're financing the lot too.

Both
Lot + Build
Higher
Down Payment
Buildable
Lot Required
OTC or 2TC
Available

Quick Facts · 2026

CoversLand + construction
Min down — VA$0 (full entitlement)
Min down — FHA3.5% of total
Min down — ConvTypically 10%+
Lot must beBuildable / approved
UtilitiesPower, water, septic/sewer
AccessLegal road access required
SurveyOften required
StructuresOTC or two-time
Lot typeImproved or raw
What Is a Land + Build Loan

Buy the lot and build in one financing

A Land + Build construction loan rolls the purchase of the land and the cost of constructing your home into a single financing package. Common with buyers building from scratch on raw lots in Texas's fast-growing suburban edges — Conroe, Fulshear, Celina, Georgetown — it eliminates the need for a separate lot loan and lets you move directly into construction once the lot deal closes.

Both
Lot + Build
one package
Higher
Down
than owned-land
$0–10%
Range
VA to Conv
OTC
Possible
or 2-time

One transaction, two assets

Without this product, buyers often pile up a separate lot loan first (with its own higher rate and short term), then a construction loan, then a permanent loan — three closings. Land + Build collapses that into one or two.

🏞️

Both OTC and two-time available

You can usually choose: a One-Time Close (single closing covers lot, build, and permanent) or a two-time close (construction loan first, then refinance to permanent). See those pages for the structural differences.

How It Works

Lot closes inside the build

At closing, the loan funds two things: the lot purchase and the construction escrow. The seller is paid for the land (just like a normal lot purchase), and the rest of the funds sit in escrow for the builder. As construction milestones complete, the lender releases draws to the builder — interest-only during the build phase. Once the home is finished and passes final inspection, the construction portion converts (or refinances) to your permanent 30-year mortgage.

💡

Loan amount is based on the package

The lender uses the lesser of (a) lot price + construction cost or (b) the "as-completed" appraised value of the finished home on the lot. Your down payment is a percentage of that total — so financing both the lot and the build means a bigger absolute down payment than building on land you already own.

🔒

OTC lock applies to both

With One-Time Close, your permanent rate is locked at the start — covering both the lot and the construction financing. You don't re-qualify or re-price at conversion.

Qualification

What lenders look for

VA: $0 down for eligible veterans with full entitlement
FHA: 3.5% of total package (lot + build) at 580+ credit
Conventional: typically 10%+ down (sometimes higher for raw lot)
DTI generally 43%–50% with compensating factors
Lot must be buildable and lender-approved
Approved licensed builder with plans and budget
As-completed appraisal based on plans and lot
Contingency reserve for construction surprises
🏗️

The lot adds an extra layer

Compared to building on land you already own, the lender now has to underwrite two things: you AND the lot. Expect closer review of zoning, utilities, access, and any title or easement issues on the parcel before approval.

Lot Requirements

What makes a lot "buildable"

Lenders won't finance a lot they're not confident a home can actually be built on. The lot must meet a basic set of standards before approval — and these often eliminate lots that look fine at first glance.

📍 Zoning & Use

  • Zoned for residential use
  • Lot size meets minimums for the area
  • No HOA/deed restrictions blocking the build
  • Survey on file or done at closing
  • Flood zone OK or insurable

Utilities

  • Electric service available or on the lot
  • Water via municipal or approved well
  • Sewer or septic-approved soil (perc test)
  • Gas if planned (or propane plan)
  • Tap/meter fees budgeted

🛣️ Access

  • Legal road frontage required
  • All-weather access (not seasonal)
  • Easements documented and recorded
  • Driveway plan may be required
  • Address assigned by county

🌳 Texas-Specific

  • Mineral rights: often severed in TX
  • Wildfire / coastal insurance overlays
  • Pipeline / easement common in rural TX
  • Wetlands require permit clearance
  • MUD/PID districts add tax considerations
⚠️

Don't put earnest money down without checking

I've seen buyers fall in love with a raw lot only to find it's unfinanceable — wrong zoning, no perc test possible, missing legal access. Send me the lot before you sign, and I'll have it screened before you're at risk.

Cost & Payment Calculator

Estimate your financed amount and payment

Down payment applies to the full lot + build total. Lot purchase happens inside the closing. For illustration only — not an offer or approval. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA, and mortgage insurance.

NEXA Wholesale Partners

Land + Build is offered by the same wholesale investors that do OTC and two-time construction. As a NEXA broker I shop them for the structure and pricing that fits your specific lot and build.

Specialty · Lot+Build

Construction Investors

  • Combined lot and build financing
  • Buildable-lot underwriting
  • Texas suburban and rural builds
  • OTC and two-time options
✓ Best for: Buyers starting from a raw lot
Government · Land+Build

FHA / VA

  • Veteran $0 down packages
  • FHA 3.5% on combined total
  • Rural-area builds
  • Approved-builder requirement
✓ Best for: Veterans and low-cash buyers
Conventional · Conforming

Conforming Lot+Build

  • Higher conventional down
  • Up to conforming limit
  • Premium permanent rates
  • Investment / 2nd home options
✓ Best for: 700+ credit conventional buyers
Texas-Specific Construction Rules
⚠️

Texas Mechanic's & Materialman's Liens

Texas has unique constitutional lien rules for construction. On a homestead, the construction contract generally must be signed by both spouses, executed at the title company or an attorney's office, and signed at least one day after the contract date with a 3-day right of rescission. These protect homeowners but mean paperwork must be done precisely — I coordinate this with your title company.

📜 Homestead Construction Contract

  • Both spouses sign on a homestead build
  • Execute at title co./attorney office
  • Signed 1+ day after contract date
  • 3-day rescission right applies
  • Lien must be valid before any work begins

🏗️ Builder Requirements

  • Licensed/registered where required
  • Lender-approved builder packet
  • Builder's risk insurance during build
  • Fixed-price or cost-plus contract
  • Detailed plans, specs, budget required

💰 Texas Property Tax (New Build)

  • Land taxed during build; improvements added at completion
  • Average rate: 1.7%–2.5% of value
  • Houston/Fort Bend: ~2.1%–2.4%
  • Homestead exemption: $100,000 off after you occupy
  • Escrow re-analysis common after first full tax year

🌀 Insurance During & After Build

  • Builder's risk policy during construction
  • Converts to homeowner's at completion
  • Wind/hail deductible often 1%–2% separate
  • Flood policy if in a FEMA flood zone
  • High TX premiums affect your DTI

📍 Fast-Growing TX Build Markets

  • Houston metro: Katy, Fulshear, Conroe, Richmond
  • DFW: Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Denton
  • Austin: Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park
  • Lot equity can count toward down payment
  • Rural counties may add survey/septic items

📋 Title & Closing Customs

  • Title-company state (not attorney closings)
  • Owner title policy customarily seller-paid
  • Survey often required (~$400–$600)
  • Draw inspections before each release
  • Final lien waivers at completion
How The Process Works

From lot under contract to keys

1
Lot Vetting
Pre-screen the lot for zoning, utilities, access, and lender approval.
2
Pre-Approval
Qualify for the combined package; pick program (Conv/FHA/VA) and structure (OTC/2TC).
3
Builder & Plans
Approve the builder, plans, and detailed budget.
4
Closing
Lot is purchased and construction escrow is funded in one (or first of two) closing.
5
Build & Convert
Interest-only on draws during construction; convert (or refi) to permanent at completion.
Land + Build vs. Build on Owned Land

Which path are you on?

FeatureLand + BuildBuild on Owned Land
What's financedLot + constructionConstruction only
Down payment% of larger totalOften offset by lot equity
Cash to closeHigherOften much lower
Lot underwritingYes — full checkLimited (you already own)
Existing lot lienN/ACan be rolled into the build
Best forStarting from no landAlready own your lot
💡

Already own your lot?

Then the Build on Owned Land program is almost always cheaper — your lot equity can drastically reduce or even cover the down payment. See that page.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this if I haven't picked a lot yet?
Yes — pre-approval can happen before lot selection. In fact, getting pre-approved first helps you act fast on a good lot and gives me time to screen the lot before you commit.
What if the lot I want has septic instead of sewer?
That's fine in most rural Texas areas — you'll just need a soil perc test confirming a septic system is feasible. The lender wants documented sewage feasibility before closing.
Are flood-zone lots financeable?
Often yes, but flood insurance will be required and premiums can be substantial. Coastal and major-floodplain lots get extra scrutiny. I'll flag it early if it'll affect the deal.
Can I include site work (clearing, driveway, septic) in the loan?
Yes — these are typically part of the construction budget along with the home itself. Be sure your builder's bid includes all site work so nothing surprises us later.
Do I have to use a builder for this?
Yes, for most Land + Build loans. Owner-builder is a separate, much stricter product — see that page if you want to self-GC.
What if my lot's in an MUD or PID district?
Common in Texas suburbs like Fulshear and Conroe. The lot is still financeable; the lender just needs disclosure and the higher property-tax assessment factored into your DTI.
How long do I have to start building after closing?
Lenders typically want construction to start promptly — often within 30 days. Sitting on an unbuilt lot indefinitely with a construction loan in place isn't an option.

Found a Lot? Let's Build on It.

Send me the lot before you sign — I'll pre-screen it for financing, then structure the loan to cover both lot and build in one package. No cost, no obligation. English & Turkish.

📞 Call 832-605-2616 ✉ emorgan@nexalending.com
Ethan Morgan · NMLS #2738407 · Loan Officer · NEXA Mortgage LLC · NMLS #1660690 · Licensed in Texas. This is not a commitment to lend or an offer to extend credit. All loans subject to credit approval, income, builder/contractor approval, appraisal, and property qualification. Lot must be buildable and lender-approved (zoning, utilities, access, surveyability). Land + Build loans require an approved builder and plans; survey, perc test, and other lot-specific items may apply. Program details, loan limits, and rates shown are for 2026 and subject to change. Wholesale lenders accessed through NEXA; you work with Ethan, not the lender directly. Calculator results are estimates for illustration only, not an offer or approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.