If you’re looking to buy a property with a significant amount of land, whether it’s a country home, smallholding, or estate, you may find that not all lenders are willing to lend. Properties with large acreage often fall outside the scope of standard lending criteria, requiring a more tailored approach.
Here, we’ll explain how large acreage mortgages work, who provides them, and how to improve your chances of getting a mortgage.
Can you get a mortgage on a property with a large acreage?
Yes, you can, but it’s not always straightforward. Most high street lenders have restrictions on how much land they’ll lend against, typically limiting mortgages to homes with up to 5 to 10 acres.
If the property you’re buying has more than 10 acres, or if parts of the land are used for farming, equestrian purposes, or generating income, you’ll likely need to approach a specialist lender.
Lenders assess large land-owning properties on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the use, access, property type, and whether the land is linked to a business or agricultural activity. The key is finding a lender who understands rural and mixed-use properties.
What type of mortgage is needed?
A large acreage mortgage (sometimes referred to as a rural property mortgage or smallholding mortgage) is designed for buyers whose property includes a substantial amount of land. However, the right type of mortgage depends on how the land will be used:
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Residential mortgage: Suitable if the land is primarily for personal or recreational use (gardens, paddocks, woodland, etc.) and not for business purposes.
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Agricultural or semi-commercial mortgage: Potentially needed if part of the land is farmed, let for grazing, or generates income.
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Mixed-use mortgage: Designed for properties that combine a home with business use. For example, a house with stables or something like holiday let barns on-site.
Each lender has its own definition of what constitutes a “large acreage”. So, working with a broker experienced in arranging mortgages for properties with large pieces of land is often essential to find the right lender.
Mortgage eligibility criteria
When assessing a mortgage for a property with large acreage, lenders consider several key factors:
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Acreage size: Some lenders cap their maximum acreage at 5 to 10 acres, while others will consider 20, 50, or even hundreds of acres, depending on the property’s layout and purpose.
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Property type and land use: The more complex or commercial the land use, the fewer mainstream lenders will be available. Purely residential use is easier to get a mortgage for, while working farms, equestrian properties, or land with commercial operations may require specialist lending.
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Condition and access: The property should be on a single title and have a habitable dwelling that meets minimum mortgageability standards. Limited access, occupancy restrictions, listed building status or non-standard construction can reduce your options.
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Deposit: Lenders typically require a larger deposit, often at least 15% to 25%. The greater the acreage or commercial element, the higher your deposit may need to be.
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Income and affordability: You’ll need to demonstrate that you can comfortably afford repayments for the mortgage. If any part of your income comes from the land, this must be fully supported and documented with evidence.
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Experience and background: For agricultural or equestrian properties, lenders may ask about your relevant experience or business plans, especially if the property will be used for income generation.
How to get a mortgage on a large acreage property
Applying for a large acreage mortgage can be more complex than a standard home loan. Each lender will have different criteria and may assess the case manually.
To give you the best chance of securing a competitive mortgage, here are some useful steps to follow:
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Work with a specialist broker: They’ll know which lenders accept larger plots and how to present your application effectively.
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Prepare your documents: Include proof of income, business accounts (if relevant), land use details, and property plans.
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Address potential concerns early: Issues such as access, rights of way, or agricultural ties should be clarified before applying.
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Be clear about the land’s purpose: Whether it’s purely residential or part-commercial, clarity helps match you with the right lender.
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Consider your deposit size: A larger deposit can open the door to better rates and more borrowing options.
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Apply with the right lender: The most appropriate lender will depend on your specific property and acreage. Your broker can introduce you to the right option to avoid any unnecessary rejections.
Begin your mortgage journey
Best mortgage lenders to approach
While many mainstream lenders have restrictions on large acreage, several UK lenders and building societies are open to these cases, often through brokers:
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Barclays: May consider larger plots if the land is primarily for residential use and the property is constructed to standard specifications. However, properties with more than 1 acre are automatically excluded from automated valuations and may require manual valuations and underwriting.
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Nationwide: Might consider properties with limited large acreage (typically up to 15 acres), provided the land is not farmed commercially, and the entire property and land must be for residential purposes.
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Skipton: Will consider large acreage properties, but only up to 3 acres as standard. Skipton may consider anything over that (up to 10 acres) if it’s satisfied with the surveyor's inspection and the property only has small outbuildings.
Each lender’s appetite and limits vary, so the best course of action is to speak to a mortgage advisor who’s experienced in rural and large acreage mortgages, because they can identify the most suitable option for your individual needs.
Are the rates higher?
Rates for large acreage mortgages can be slightly higher than standard residential home loans, largely because these properties are considered higher risk or fall outside mainstream lending criteria.
That said, the difference isn’t always substantial. If your land and property use is mainly residential, your rate could be close to standard market rates. If there’s a commercial or agricultural element, rates tend to rise to reflect the added complexity and potential risk.
Why choose Money Helpdesk for your large acreage mortgage?
We specialise in helping people buy or refinance homes with extensive accompanying land. If you’re considering a property that falls outside of standard lending criteria, our brokers know which lenders are most open to large acreage mortgages and can match you with the right one quickly.
They know how to present your application to highlight its strengths and improve your chances of approval. From finding lenders who accept larger acreages to securing competitive rates, they do the hard work for you.
Here are some of the reasons people choose us to help them get a large acreage mortgage:
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Access to brokers who specialise in complex properties with land
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Your first chat is free with no obligation to proceed further
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Our advisors have 5-star ratings on leading review sites
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We can introduce you to specialist large acreage mortgage lenders
If you’d like to compare the latest rates for free or speak with an experienced broker who specialises in large acre mortgages, you can get started here.
FAQs
Yes, but you’ll likely need a specialist lender. Agricultural ties or occupancy conditions can limit the resale value, so lenders assess these carefully. A broker can help you find lenders who are comfortable with properties like this.