Banks will lend only on properties sitting on a plot of land
No. As is the case in many countries, mortgages are not available for non-residents on a plot of land. Allowances may be made for residents in certain cases, but this is rare. Banks will lend on properties sitting on a plot of land, but if you want to purchase the land alone then you will need to buy it outright.
You could buy an old, dilapidated house in need of renovations and get a mortgage on the property and in some cases, a developer’s mortgage could be available.