Property Type
Fast, flexible hard money financing for land acquisition loans in Miami.
Land acquisition loans provide critical financing for developers, investors, and builders seeking to secure development sites before construction financing becomes available. These specialized hard money loans address the unique challenges of land purchasing, where traditional lenders often impose prohibitive restrictions or decline to finance vacant parcels entirely. Raw land, entitled lots, and development sites represent fundamentally different collateral than improved real estate, requiring lenders who understand the development process and can evaluate site potential beyond current conditions. Miami's land market offers exceptional opportunities for well-positioned buyers, from infill lots in established neighborhoods to larger development parcels in expanding submarkets. The scarcity of available land in desirable locations creates competitive acquisition environments where speed and certainty of closing often matter more than interest rate minimization. Land acquisition loans typically feature shorter terms than traditional mortgages, anticipating either construction commencement, resale to developers, or refinancing once entitlements and development plans progress. These loans fund diverse land types including residential development sites, commercial parcels, mixed-use assemblages, and agricultural land with conversion potential. The approval process emphasizes site location, entitlement status, market demand for the intended use, and the borrower's capacity to advance the development process or monetize the acquisition. Successful land acquisition requires thorough due diligence including environmental assessments, title examination, zoning verification, and utility availability confirmation that precedes financing commitment.
Land acquisition loans support diverse development strategies across Miami's evolving landscape. Residential development site purchases represent a primary application, where builders and developers acquire entitled or entitled-ready parcels for single-family subdivisions, townhome communities, or condominium projects. These acquisitions often precede vertical construction by months or years, with land loans bridging the gap until building permits issue and construction financing becomes available. Commercial development land purchases position investors and developers to create retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks, or hospitality assets in growing submarkets. Assemblage acquisitions combine multiple parcels into developable sites, requiring sequential purchases and consolidation that land loans facilitate before unified development proceeds. Infill development sites in established neighborhoods like Wynwood, Little Haiti, and Allapattah offer higher-density opportunities where land loans support acquisition while rezoning or variance applications process. Pre-entitled land purchases secure sites with approved development rights that haven't yet commenced construction, often at discounts to fully improved values. Option exercises frequently require immediate financing when due diligence periods expire, with land acquisition loans providing certainty that preserves purchase rights. Distressed land acquisitions from failed developments, foreclosure sales, or distressed sellers offer value opportunities for patient capital. Agricultural conversion purchases target farmland or nursery properties with development potential as Miami's urban boundary expands. Waterfront and special purpose sites including marina properties, coastal parcels, and unique topography locations often require specialized land financing that conventional lenders won't provide.
Land acquisition financing presents distinct challenges that require careful preparation. Valuation uncertainty affects raw land more than improved properties, as comparable sales are fewer and development potential varies significantly by site. Carrying costs during entitlement periods can accumulate substantially, requiring adequate reserves or pre-negotiated extension provisions. Title issues including easements, encroachments, and mineral rights require thorough examination that delays closing timelines. Environmental concerns ranging from wetlands to contamination can dramatically affect development feasibility and financing availability. Zoning and regulatory uncertainty introduces risk, as approved uses may change during ownership periods affecting project economics. Exit strategy execution depends on construction financing availability, sale market conditions, or development partner recruitment that may not proceed as planned. Due diligence costs including surveys, soil testing, and environmental assessments require upfront investment before financing commitment. Market timing for land purchases proves critical, as overpaying at cycle peaks erodes development margins before construction commences.
Our land acquisition loan programs are designed for developers who need certainty and speed in competitive land markets. We provide rapid underwriting that evaluates site potential, entitlement status, and market positioning rather than waiting for traditional appraisal processes that inadequately capture development value. Our loan structures accommodate extended holding periods common to land investments, with terms typically ranging from 6-24 months depending on entitlement and development timelines. We offer competitive leverage on land purchases, typically up to 50-65% of purchase price or appraised value, recognizing the risk characteristics of unimproved collateral. Our draw structures can accommodate phased land assemblage or development cost requirements as projects progress. We maintain relationships with land use attorneys, civil engineers, and environmental consultants who support comprehensive due diligence. Our market knowledge helps borrowers evaluate site selection decisions, entitlement strategies, and optimal timing for development commencement or resale execution. We provide flexibility for loan extension or conversion to construction financing as projects advance through the development cycle.
Miami-Dade County offers diverse land investment opportunities. The Urban Development Boundary defines developable areas with infrastructure access. Emerging neighborhoods like Little River and Lemon City present infill development potential. West Miami-Dade provides larger parcels for master-planned communities.
We finance raw land, entitled development sites, commercial parcels, agricultural land with conversion potential, and assemblage acquisitions. Property must have development feasibility and viable exit strategies through construction, sale, or refinancing.
Land loans typically offer 50-65% of purchase price or appraised value, lower than improved property financing due to collateral risk characteristics. Higher leverage may be available for entitled sites in prime locations with strong borrower qualifications.
Terms range from 6-24 months depending on entitlement status and development timeline. We offer extension options for projects experiencing regulatory delays or market timing considerations.
Requirements include title commitment, survey, environmental Phase I assessment, zoning verification, and utility availability confirmation. These investigations protect both borrower and lender while establishing development feasibility.
Yes, we can structure loans to include soft costs such as architectural design, engineering, permitting, and entitlement expenses. These are typically held in reserve and disbursed against documented expenditures.