Land Sale Process in 10 Simple Steps

If you're considering buying land, it's a great idea to familiarise yourself with the land sale process early—so that when you find your dream block, you're ready to make your move with confidence.

To help you get started, we’ve broken the process down into 10 simple steps. And remember, our friendly Lanser Sales Representatives are here to support you every step of the way.

The first step is to secure pre-approval from your lender. This gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and ensures your purchase is within budget. Keep in mind that pre-approval typically has an expiry date, so you may need to renew it if your land search takes a little longer.

The contract of sale outlines the key details of your purchase—such as the price, deposit, property description, and settlement terms. It will also indicate whether your offer is conditional (subject to specific terms like finance approval) or unconditional.

Once both parties agree on the price and conditions, the purchaser and the seller each sign the contract of sale—formally locking in the agreement.

You’ll need to pay the deposit as outlined in the contract. This is held in a trust account and won’t be released to the developer until settlement.

In South Australia, most land purchases come with a cooling-off period of two business days, unless the purchase was made at (or on the day of) an auction. During this time, you can withdraw from the sale without penalty.

A conveyancer will manage all the legal paperwork and act as your settlement agent. Be sure to provide them with a copy of the contract and any relevant terms so they can manage the process effectively on your behalf.

Once your contract is in place, you’ll need to finalise your home loan. Your lender or mortgage broker will assist you in signing all required documents to complete this step.

You’ll be asked to sign a Memorandum of Transfer, which allows the Land Titles Office to transfer ownership from the seller to you. This is typically submitted by the seller or developer.

Your conveyancer will register your new land title with the Land Titles Office. This is the official record confirming that you are now the legal owner of the property.

Congratulations—settlement is complete, your mortgage is active, and the land is officially yours! Now it’s time to start planning your dream home.

If you have any questions about buying land in South Australia, we’re here to help!