Texas has opened its Veterans Land Board properties to the general public in a rare opportunity that gives non-Veterans a chance to purchase parcels across the Lone Star State — though military service members will still enjoy preferential rates.
Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the ongoing public land sale featuring more than 20 tracts totaling nearly 111 acres at fixed prices. While the Veterans Land Board (VLB) typically restricts such opportunities to those who served, properties not sold during the board’s quarterly Veterans-only sales are now available to civilian buyers.
“As VLB Chairwoman, serving our Veterans is my top priority and I am honored to ensure our Veterans are always supported in return for their diligent military service,” Buckingham said while promoting the program.
Different Rates for Different Buyers
The financial terms make clear that Veterans remain the preferred customers. Non-Veterans face an interest rate of 8.25% compared to the 7.25% offered to Veterans, according to program details. All buyers must provide a minimum 5% down payment at closing, and financing applicants must pass the VLB’s credit approval process.
What’s on offer? The parcels span diverse regions of Texas, from a 10-acre tract in Hamilton County priced at $105,000 to a smaller 1.025-acre lot in Comal County for $100,000. Larger properties include a 19.07-acre parcel in Jefferson County listed at $109,500, while prices for available land range from $95,000 to $196,000 across the state.
The VLB typically holds land sales exclusively for Veterans and Military Members each quarter — in January, April, July, and October. During these events, service members can bid on tracts or use VLB loans to purchase land of one acre or more. It’s only when parcels remain unsold that they become available to the general public.
Veterans Still Get Better Deals
For Veterans, the land program offers substantially better terms than conventional financing. Eligible Veterans can secure loans with competitive 7.25% interest rates on 30-year terms. The maximum loan amount is $150,000 for individual Veterans, while married couples who are both eligible Veterans can borrow up to $225,000 jointly.
Is this just another government program requiring taxpayer subsidies? Not exactly. The initiative is self-sustaining, supported by bond repayments and fees rather than direct appropriations.
The land sale represents just one facet of the Texas Veterans Land Board’s broader mission. The organization also manages three loan programs covering homes, land, and home improvements, along with nine skilled-care Texas State Veterans Homes, four State Veterans Cemeteries, and a statewide call center dedicated to supporting Texas Veterans.
Buckingham has emphasized the VLB’s commitment to Veterans’ benefits, recently showcasing these opportunities at the Texas State Fair where the board promoted its various programs including the advantageous loan terms.
For Texans who’ve long envied the land purchase opportunities available to Veterans, this rare public offering provides a path to property ownership — albeit at a premium compared to those who served.
