Buying land before titles: how it works

Hidden Valley’s Stage 2 lots are being sold before titles are issued. This is common with new land releases across Australia, and it works a little differently from buying an existing block. Here’s what it means in practice.

The basic idea

When you buy land before titles, you sign a contract for a specific lot that doesn’t yet have its own title. The developer completes the subdivision works, the titles are registered and then you settle.

How it works at Hidden Valley

1. Choose a lot on the lot plan.
2. Sign the contract, a standard REIWA offer and acceptance form.
3. Pay the $10,000 deposit within 7 days of acceptance. It’s held in the settlement agent’s trust account.
4. Wait for the works and titles. Construction is commencing in October.
5. Settle 14 days after titles are available, expected mid-2027.
6. Build whenever you’re ready. There’s no time limit.

Why buyers like it

A small upfront commitment

A $10,000 deposit secures a lot worth $420,000. The balance isn’t due until settlement.

Time to prepare

The gap gives you time to organise finance, save, sell another property, choose a builder and plan your home.

Certainty about your lot

You know exactly which lot you’re getting, with its size, frontage and position.

First pick

Buying early means a wider choice of lots. As lots sell, choice narrows.

The protections

• Deposit in trust: your deposit is held in the settlement agent’s trust account, not paid to the seller.
• Sunset clause: the contract sets a deadline for titles. See what is a sunset clause.
• Standard contract: the REIWA form and 2022 General Conditions are familiar to every WA settlement agent.

What to keep in mind

You can’t build yet

You can plan your build but not start it until after settlement and Shire approval.

Timing can move

Construction and title registration timelines can shift. The expected settlement date is an estimate.

Finance timing

Lenders have their own approaches to land and long settlements. Talk to yours early. See finance for vacant land.

Your circumstances can change

Make sure you’re comfortable committing to settlement in mid-2027.

Off the plan versus an existing block

It helps to compare the two ways of buying land.

	Before titles	Existing titled block
Upfront	A deposit, with the balance at settlement	Usually a deposit with a shorter settlement
Timing	Settlement when titles are issued	Settlement within weeks
Choice	Pick from a new release	Whatever is on the market
Services	Delivered as part of the estate works	Varies widely
Building	After settlement	After settlement

Neither approach is better for everyone. Buying before titles suits buyers who value choice, a small upfront commitment and time to prepare. An existing block suits buyers who want to build immediately.

Questions to ask yourself

• Am I comfortable committing to a settlement in mid-2027?
• Will my finance situation be similar then?
• Do I want to use the time to plan my build?
• Do I have a backup if my circumstances change?

How Hidden Valley keeps it simple

At Hidden Valley you’re buying a clearly defined lot on a 38-lot estate, with a standard REIWA contract, a modest deposit held in trust and a clear list of inclusions. Stage 1 sold out, and Stage 2 is the current release. Check the lot plan to see what’s available today.

The buyer’s experience, step by step

Here’s what buying before titles feels like from the buyer’s side, from first click to first night on your land.

Discovering the estate

Most buyers start online. They explore the lot plan, the inclusions and the location map, then make an enquiry.

Talking to Terry

Terry answers questions, sends the survey plan, aerial photos and sample contract, and explains the process.

Choosing and signing

The buyer picks a lot, provides their details and signs the REIWA contract. Once accepted, they pay the $10,000 deposit within 7 days.

The waiting period

While the estate is completed, buyers organise finance, plan their homes and often visit. This period is expected to run through to mid-2027.

Settlement

When titles are ready, settlement happens 14 days later. The buyer pays the balance, and the land is theirs.

Owning the land

With no time limit to build and no covenants, owners decide what happens next: build, start with a shed or simply hold the land.

Why developers sell before titles

It’s worth understanding the seller’s side too. Selling lots before titles gives developers early commitments from buyers, which helps with planning and financing the works. For buyers, it means early access to a new release with the widest choice of lots.

Who it suits best

Buying before titles tends to suit buyers who:

• Are planning ahead rather than needing land immediately
• Want a small upfront commitment
• Value a wide choice of lots
• Want time to design their home
• Are comfortable with timelines that can move

It may suit less well if you need to build immediately or have commitments that depend on an exact date.

Comparing timelines

Milestone	Typical timing at Hidden Valley
Deposit	Within 7 days of acceptance
Construction starts	October
Settlement	Expected mid-2027
Building	Whenever you’re ready after settlement

Practical tips

• Read the sunset clause annexure carefully.
• Ask Terry for regular updates.
• Keep your finance, settlement agent and paperwork organised.
• Use the time to plan your build properly.
• Visit the land at least once before settlement.

Common myths about buying before titles

“It’s riskier than buying an existing block.”

It’s different, not automatically riskier. Your deposit is held in trust, the contract includes a sunset clause and the process uses a standard WA contract. The main difference is timing.

“The lot might be different from what I signed up for.”

You buy a specific lot shown on the plan. The survey plan shows its boundaries. Final survey measurements are confirmed when titles are created.

“I’ll have to pay more later.”

Your purchase price is fixed in the contract.

“I can’t do anything until settlement.”

You can do plenty: plan your home, talk to builders, organise finance and visit. You just can’t build until settlement.

What to look for in any off-the-plan land contract

These apply to any estate, not just Hidden Valley:

• A standard, recognised contract form
• A clear deposit amount and who holds it
• A clear trigger for settlement, such as titles being available
• A sunset clause with a defined date
• A clear description of the lot
• A clear list of what’s included

At Hidden Valley, all of these are in place.

How Stage 1 sold

Stage 1, with 19 lots, is sold out. Stage 2 is now on sale. The lot plan shows the current status of every lot in real time.

A checklist before you commit

Before you sign a contract for land before titles, run through this list.

• I understand the deposit amount and that it’s held in trust.
• I understand settlement happens when titles are available, expected mid-2027.
• I’ve read the sunset clause annexure, or had it explained.
• I’ve spoken to a lender if I’m borrowing.
• I’ve chosen a settlement agent or solicitor.
• I’m comfortable with the timing.
• I’ve decided how I’ll own the land.
• I know what’s included with the lot.
• I’ve seen the survey plan.
• I’ve asked Terry every question I have.

If you can tick every box, you’re ready.

Why the waiting period can be a good thing

Many buyers end up grateful for the gap between signing and settlement. It gives them time to:

• Save for settlement costs and the build
• Design a home properly rather than rushing
• Visit and get to know the area
• Sell another property without pressure
• Plan a move around work and family

What happens at the end

Once titles are issued, things move quickly. Settlement happens 14 days later, and then the land is yours to build on, start a shed or simply enjoy.

Questions to ask Terry

• How many Stage 2 lots are available right now?
• What stage are the works at?
• When are titles currently expected?
• Can I see a sample contract and the sunset clause?
• Who’s the settlement agent holding deposits?
• What happens if I want to visit during construction?

Terry’s happy to answer anything, so don’t hold back.

Common questions

How much do I pay upfront?

A $10,000 deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

When can I build?

After settlement, once you own the land and have Shire approval for your plans.

Is my deposit safe?

It’s held in the settlement agent’s trust account until settlement, and the contract sets out how it’s handled in different situations.

Do I get to pick my lot?

Yes. You buy a specific lot from those available.

What if the price changes before settlement?

Your price is fixed in the contract when it’s signed.

Can I visit my lot before settlement?

Yes, by arrangement with Terry. Construction areas have safety rules.

Can I get finance approved now?

You can talk to lenders now, but approvals often have time limits. Ask how they handle settlements months away.

Is buying before titles common?

Yes. It’s a standard way new land is sold in Australia.

Can I buy more than one lot?

Talk to Terry. Each lot would have its own contract and deposit.

Do I get progress updates during construction?

Terry keeps buyers informed. Make sure your contact details are up to date.

What if I need to settle earlier?

Settlement depends on titles being available, so it can’t happen before then.

Is the lot size guaranteed?

The survey plan shows the lot. Final measurements are confirmed when titles are created. Ask your settlement agent how the contract deals with this.

Is the price fixed?

Yes. Your price is set in the contract when it’s signed.

How will I know when titles are ready?

You’ll be notified, and your settlement agent will guide you through settlement, which happens 14 days later.

Who holds the deposits?

The deposit is held in the settlement agent’s trust account named in the contract.