Buying Resources Guide to Buying Vacant Land in Western Australia

What is Vacant Land?

Vacant land is a parcel of land that does not have an established dwelling or other substantial building on it. For home buyers, it usually refers to a block of land purchased with the intention of building a home in the future.

Where to Buy Land in WA

Location can shape everything from your daily routine to the type of home and block you can afford. Parcel Property currently has communities in Yanchep, Byford, Darch, Hilbert and Mundijong, giving buyers options across different lifestyles, budgets and stages of development. When comparing areas, consider things like:

• Lifestyle & Location: Nearby schools, shops, parks, and community vibe.
• Connectivity: Your daily commute, public transport, and major road access.
• Property & Budget: Total house-and-land budget, preferred block size, and planned infrastructure.

For more help choosing the right estate or block, read our guide: Tips for Choosing Your Ideal Block of Land.

Why Buy Land Instead of Established Homes?

There are plenty of reasons people choose to buy land and build rather than purchase an established home. For many, the appeal is having a blank canvas and more freedom to build on your terms. You can choose a block that suits your plans and work with your builder on a floorplan and design that reflects how you want to live.

Buying land in a new estate can also mean access to planned parks, schools, shops, transport connections and other community amenities as the area grows. If you’re a first home buyer, building new may also make you eligible for certain government grants or concessions, depending on your circumstances. There are still important decisions to make along the way, so understanding the land purchase and building process early can help you plan with more confidence.

What You Should Know Before Buying Land in WA

Is the land titled or untitled?

When buying vacant land to build a home, one of the key things to understand is whether the block is titled or untitled.

A Certificate of Title is the official record of ownership for a parcel of land. If your block is titled, it is generally ready to proceed towards settlement once the conditions of your contract have been satisfied.

If it is untitled, subdivision and development work is still underway, and the title must be issued before ownership can transfer to you. This is common when buying land in a new estate. Our Parcel Property Estate Managers can talk you through expected title timeframes, keeping in mind these forecast dates are subject to change.

Regulations & site requirements

Before securing your land, check for easements, design covenants, and setback rules that could restrict where you place your home or landscaping. Always verify that your chosen design fits the block’s dimensions and ask your builder to check for site considerations like Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings that could affect your budget.

Budget for more than the land price

One of the most important land buying tips is to work out your total project budget, rather than treating the land and home as separate decisions. Depending on your block, builder and circumstances, costs to consider may include but not limited to:

• Land purchase, deposit and settlement costs
• Finance and valuation fees
• Siteworks, engineering and retaining
• Landscaping, utilities and builder variations

Siteworks are particularly important. The slope of the block, soil classification, rock, fill, retaining requirements and access can all influence building costs. This is one reason we recommend involving your builder before making a final decision on a block. They can help determine whether your preferred home fits the lot and identify potential site related costs early.

Financing vacant land

Financing land works differently to buying an established home, particularly if you are financing both the land and construction.

You may finance the land first and arrange construction finance later, or your lender may assess both together. If they are assessed together, a signed building contract may be required before unconditional approval is given. Before committing to a block, speak with a lender or finance broker so you understand your borrowing capacity, deposit requirements and total budget.

Land deposit vs. home loan deposit

These are not always the same thing. Your land deposit is the amount paid under your land contract to secure the purchase. Your home loan deposit is the amount of your own funds your lender requires as part of your finance. Confirm both early so you know exactly what you need to have available.

Financial information disclaimer: This information is general only and does not consider your personal financial circumstances. Speak with a lender, finance broker or relevant adviser before making financial decisions.

First Home Buyer Assistance in WA

If you are buying or building your first home in Western Australia, you may be eligible for several government incentives, including:

• First Home Owner Grant: up to $10,000 for eligible new homes
• First Home Owner Rate of transfer duty: reduced or no duty on eligible vacant land within current thresholds
• Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme: may allow eligible first home buyers to purchase with a smaller deposit

Eligibility, property value limits and scheme conditions can change, so check the current requirements before including any assistance in your budget.

How to Buy Land: Step-by-Step

Once you have worked through your budget and chosen the block that suits you, the actual land purchase process begins.

Here is what buying land in a Parcel Property estate will generally look like.

1. Found The Right Block? Let’s Put It On Hold
   

   Found a block that feels right? Once you’re happy with the location, price and overall fit, our Estate Manager will confirm its availability and can place a temporary hold on the lot while you complete your final checks. If you’re working with a builder, this is usually the stage where you’ll confirm the block suits your home design, and that the house and land package works within your budget. Once you’re ready to move forward, we will prepare the paperwork needed to formally secure the land.

2. Secure Your Block – Offer & Acceptance Deposit

   To lock in your lot, we prepare an Offer & Acceptance (O&A). Once the terms are agreed and the contract is signed by both you and Parcel Property, this becomes your Contract of Sale.

   At this stage, you will generally pay your land deposit specified in your contract and choose a settlement agent.

   Buyer Note: Western Australia has no mandatory cooling-off period for real estate contracts. Once an offer is accepted and communicated, it is legally binding. Make sure you are comfortable with the terms before signing the contract.

3. Finance & Pre-Title Period

   From the date your Parcel Property O&A is signed, you will typically have 60 days to obtain formal finance approval. You will usually work with your lender or finance broker during this period, as well as your builder if you have already selected one. If you are financing both your land and construction together, your lender may require a signed building contract before issuing formal (unconditional) approval.

   For untitled land, there can be a period between signing your contract and titles being issued. If you are progressing well with your finance application and your (and your circumstances have not changed, extensions may sometimes be considered. These are not automatic, so always speak with your Contract Administrator about your particular contract.

4. On Site Happenings

   While you are organising your finance and planning your future home, there’splenty happening on the ground. Our team and contractors are busy completing civil works and bringing the estate to life. Works may include:
   • Earthworks
   • Road construction
   • Footpaths
   • Street lighting
   • Installation of services such as power, water, and sewer infrastructure

   Once the estate works and relevant approvals are complete, the process can move towards the issue of individual land titles.

5. Valuation & Final Finance Approval

   As we approach your block’s title issue, your lender will often arrange for a valuation of the land.. This is typically one of the final steps before your lender issues unconditional finance approval.

Titles Issued

Land titles are a major milestone! Once the Certificate of Title for your lot has been issued, the land is legally recognised as an individual property that can be transferred into your name. If your finance conditions have also been satisfied, your purchase can then proceed towards settlement.

Settlement

Settlement day is the most exciting of all. This usually takes place within 21 days of titles issuing. On settlement day:

• Your lender/broker and conveyancer finalise the transfer of funds

• The land is officially transferred into your name
• You become the registered owner of your block

That means the land is officially yours. Congratulations!

And yes, this is absolutely the time for a photo next to your lot sign when the SOLD sticker goes on. If you share it on socials, make sure you tag us. We love seeing our communities welcome their newest homeowners.

What Happens After Settlement?

Once settlement is complete, you can move into the building phase.

Your start date will depend on your builder, final plans, approvals, finance and site preparation. If you are using construction finance, payments are usually released in stages as the build progresses.

Your builder can confirm the expected construction timeline and key milestones for your home.

Ready to Start Your Land Buying Journey?

Buying land is a big step, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. The team at Parcel Property can help you explore available land, understand upcoming releases and find a block that suits your budget, lifestyle and future plans. Contact us on 08 6365 4620 to speak with our team about what buying land could look like for you.