Get the Right Land Loan in Australia, Faster Than You Think
Whether you're buying a vacant block, a serviced lot in a new estate, rural land or land to build on, RyRo Loan Centre compares land loan options from 50+ lenders and manages your application from strategy to settlement. Based in Norwest, Sydney, helping buyers across NSW and Australia.
50+Lenders
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$0Broker Fees
5.0/5 Rating340+ Reviews
13+ YearsTrusted Professionals
100% SatisfactionProven results for 2000+ clients
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Leave your details and we'll get back to you. Expert land loan advice across Sydney and Australia.
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“Just tell us what you're buying, we'll match you to the right lender. No pressure, no obligation.”
Sumit · Director & Senior Loan Specialist
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The Ryro Team
Our team helps buyers across Sydney and Australia secure the right land loan. We compare 50+ lenders and guide you from strategy to settlement, whether you're buying vacant land to build on, investment land, or rural or lifestyle property.
Meet the team
Sumit
Director & Senior Loan Specialist
Rohan
Asset Finance Specialist
Kathryn
Settlement & Client Liaison
Why work with us
50+Lenders
FastPre-approval
$0Broker Fees
5.0/5 Rating340+ Reviews
13+ YearsTrusted Professionals
100% SatisfactionProven results for 2000+ clients
Overview
Land loans in Sydney & NSW
Whether you're buying a vacant block to build on, land in a new estate, or rural or lifestyle property, the right land loan structure and lender can make the difference between a smooth settlement and a last-minute scramble. We compare 50+ lenders for residential, rural and commercial land across Sydney and NSW — and guide you on deposits, registration timing and build conditions so you know what to expect before you make an offer.
What is a land loan?
A land loan (vacant land loan) is finance for purchasing land only — no dwelling. It suits buyers of residential blocks to build on, house-and-land packages where land settles first, rural or lifestyle blocks, and investment or development land. Lenders treat land differently to established homes: deposit requirements, LVRs and approval criteria vary by land type and location.
How land loans work
You borrow a set amount, repay with interest over an agreed term, and the land is security for the loan. Deposit requirements typically range from 20% to 40% depending on whether the land is registered, serviced, and in a mainstream or rural location. We match you to lenders whose policy fits your block type, build timeline and location so you get a clear path to approval.
Registered vs unregistered land
Most lenders only lend on registered land — subdivided, serviced and on title. Unregistered lots in new estates often require you to pay a deposit to the developer first; the loan and settlement happen once the land is registered. We help you plan for that timing and avoid surprises with build or registration deadlines.
Building after you buy
Some lenders require construction to start within a set period (e.g. 6 months to 5 years); others allow land banking. If you're buying land now and building later, we find a lender whose build timeframe matches your plans so you're not forced to start before you're ready.
Deposits and lending in NSW
Land in Sydney and growth corridors often demands a larger deposit than an established home — lenders see land as higher risk. We compare options across our panel so you see realistic deposit requirements and terms for your suburb and block type. First home buyers may be able to combine a land loan with government schemes; we check eligibility as part of your strategy.
Estimate your repayments
Use our Loan Repayment Calculator to estimate repayments for your loan amount and term. For figures tailored to your land purchase and deposit, speak with our team — no obligation.
Start Here
Get Your Land Loan Strategy Call
Tell us about the land you're buying and we'll match you to the right lender. Free, no obligation.
No Credit Check100% Obligation-Free
Join hundreds of clientsWe respond within 24 hours
“Just tell us what you're buying, we'll match you to the right lender. No pressure, no obligation.”
Sumit · Director & Senior Loan Specialist
By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.
Land Loan Types
Every Type of Land Loan, Covered
We help clients across Sydney and Australia secure finance for every category of land purchase. Whether you're buying a vacant block to build on, land as an investment, rural or lifestyle property, or a commercial development site, we work with lenders who support your situation.
5Land loan categories
1
Vacant Land Loans
A vacant land loan is used to purchase an empty block that doesn't yet have a dwelling on it - whether in a suburban estate, an established suburb or a greenfield development corridor. Lenders assess the location, block size, zoning, whether the land is registered, and whether services are connected when setting their terms. For well-located, serviced residential blocks under 2 hectares, many lenders will approve loans with as little as a 10% deposit. A 20% deposit avoids Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and typically delivers better rates. Blocks larger than 2 hectares may require a 20-30% deposit depending on the lender. Vacant land loans are one of the most common enquiries we receive, particularly from buyers in Sydney's growth corridors and outer suburbs.
2
Land Loans for Building (Construction-Ready Land)
Many buyers purchase land with the intention to build. If you're buying a lot in a new estate or planning a knock-down-rebuild, your land loan can be structured to transition directly into a construction loan when you're ready to build - avoiding a full re-application. Important: some lenders require you to provide building plans or commit to commencing construction within a defined period (commonly 6-12 months from approval, though some lenders allow 1-5 years). We identify lenders whose policies suit your intended timeline so you don't face unexpected pressure to build before you're ready.
3
Investment Land Loans
Purchasing land as a long-term investment - to hold, subdivide or develop later - requires a different approach than buying to build a primary home. Lenders view land banking as higher risk than owner-occupier purchases, and some lenders won't support it at all. Others will, with appropriate deposit and structure. Whether you're buying land to hold for capital growth or to develop and sell, we'll find lenders who support your strategy and structure the loan to maximise your flexibility.
4
Rural, Lifestyle and Farm Land Loans
Rural land loans cover agricultural properties, hobby farms and rural lifestyle blocks outside major urban areas. These sit in a specialist lending category: lenders assess agricultural income, land productivity, water access and rural property values. For larger rural blocks (generally over 10 hectares), deposits of 20-30% are typically required. Some rural lenders cap the block size they'll finance or restrict postcodes. Our experience with rural and specialist lenders helps you find the right fit regardless of where the land is located.
5
Commercial Land Loans
Commercial land loans are used for land intended for business, retail, industrial or mixed-use development. These are assessed differently to residential land - with higher deposit requirements, different valuation criteria and specialist lender appetite. If you're purchasing a commercial development site, we work with commercial-specialist lenders across our panel to structure appropriate finance.
We compare land loan options from 50+ lenders for every category of land purchase - vacant residential blocks, construction-ready lots, investment land, rural and lifestyle property, and commercial sites. Tell us what you're buying and we'll match you to the right lender.
Not sure which land loan type suits your situation? Get expert advice free - no credit check, no obligation. We'll call you to discuss your land, your plans and the best options from our panel.
A land loan (also called a vacant land loan or a loan for land) is a type of finance specifically designed for purchasing land rather than a completed property. Unlike a standard home loan, a land loan can be used to buy a vacant residential block, a rural or lifestyle property, a commercial development site, or investment land you plan to hold, develop or build on later.
Land loans work similarly to a regular home loan in structure: you borrow a set amount, repay it with interest over a term, and the land itself is used as security. However, the terms, deposit requirements and lender appetite vary significantly depending on land type, location, block size, whether utilities are connected, and whether you have plans to build.
3Key things to know
1
What you can use a land loan for
Land loans can be used for a vacant residential block, a rural or lifestyle property, a commercial development site, or investment land you plan to hold, develop or build on later. The land is used as security, and the loan is structured like a home loan: a fixed amount borrowed and repaid over a set term with interest. Terms and deposit requirements vary by land type, location, block size, utilities and building plans.
2
Registered vs unregistered land
Mainstream lenders will only approve loans for registered land: land that has completed subdivision, is connected to services (roads, water, electricity, sewerage) and has been officially registered with the relevant land registry. Unregistered land in new estates or off-the-plan releases is a different situation: deposits can be paid earlier, but formal loan approval can only be issued at registration. We help clients navigate this distinction from day one.
3
Building after you buy
If you plan to build after purchasing, some lenders require construction to commence within a set timeframe, typically between 6 months and 5 years depending on the lender. Others are flexible about land banking. We identify the right lender for your specific timeline and situation upfront.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average new land loan in Australia is approximately $349,745. For Sydney and NSW buyers, where land values are higher, borrowing requirements often exceed this figure significantly.
Use our Loan Repayment Calculator to estimate your repayments before you apply, or speak directly with our team for figures based on your actual numbers (obligation-free).
“Just tell us what you're buying, we'll match you to the right lender. No pressure, no obligation.”
Sumit · Director & Senior Loan Specialist
Free strategy call - no obligation
Get Expert Advice, Free
Tell us what you're buying and we'll match you to the right lender.
No Credit Check100% Obligation-Free
Join hundreds of clientsWe respond within 24 hours
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The Process
How Does a Land Loan Work?
Understanding how a land loan works before you apply makes the process faster, clearer and less stressful. Here are the key things to know:
7Key things to know
1
Registered vs. Unregistered Land
Mainstream lenders will only provide formal loan approval for registered land: land that is connected to infrastructure, has completed the subdivision process and is officially registered with the state land registry. If you're purchasing off-the-plan in a new estate, the land may be unregistered at the time of contract. You can obtain a pre-approval (typically valid for up to 3 months), but formal loan approval can only be issued once the land registers. This is a critical distinction we walk clients through carefully to avoid surprises at settlement.
2
Deposit Requirements
Most land loans in Australia require a minimum 10-20% deposit, though this depends on several factors:
Well-located serviced residential blocks under 2 hectares: some lenders accept 10% deposit (90% LVR), though LMI may apply if you're under 20%
Larger rural blocks over 10 hectares: typically 20-30% deposit required
Commercial or industrial land: generally 30-40% deposit required
Unserviced or remote land: larger deposits required; some lenders won't lend at all
A 20% deposit avoids LMI and usually delivers a more competitive interest rate.
3
Interest Rates
Land loan interest rates in Australia are generally higher than standard home loan rates (typically 0.5% to 2% above equivalent home loan rates) because land alone is seen as higher-risk security. Land is harder to sell quickly than a house, and land prices can fluctuate more than established property values. The exact rate depends on the lender, land type, your LVR and your financial profile. We negotiate with lenders across our panel on your behalf.
4
Some Lenders Require a Build Timeline
Not all lenders will finance land indefinitely without a plan to build. Some require you to commence construction within 6-12 months of approval; others allow up to 1-5 years. A small number have no construction requirements at all for investment purposes. We match you to lenders whose policy fits your actual intentions from day one.
5
Valuation
Before approving your land loan, the lender conducts an independent valuation of the land. This is particularly important for rural, acreage and commercial sites where comparable sales are less frequent. We prepare your application to present the strongest case to the valuer upfront.
6
Settlement
Land settlement follows a similar process to buying an established property: you take title over the land, coordinated by your conveyancer and the lender. Our settlement liaison Kathryn manages this process end-to-end, keeping you updated throughout so there are no surprises on settlement day.
7
Transitioning to a Construction Loan
If you plan to build, the transition from a land loan to a construction loan typically happens when you've engaged a registered builder and have a fixed-price building contract in place. Lenders release construction funds in stages (progress payments) as each build milestone is completed. We plan this transition with you from day one, choosing a lender whose policies make it smooth and cost-effective.
Ready to start? Get a free strategy call and we'll walk you through the process for your situation, from pre-approval to settlement.
Land Loan Deposit Requirements: What Do You Actually Need?
The deposit required for a land loan in Australia varies significantly depending on the type of land you're purchasing:
4Deposit by land type
1
Serviced residential land (under 2 hectares)
Many lenders will finance up to 90% LVR (10% deposit) for well-located serviced residential blocks. Borrowing above 80% LVR typically means paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). A 20% deposit avoids LMI and gives you access to better rates.
2
Larger rural or lifestyle blocks (2-10 hectares)
Deposit requirements increase with block size. Lenders become more conservative as land moves away from urban centres and access to comparable sales becomes limited.
3
Rural or agricultural land (over 10 hectares)
Most lenders require 20-30% deposit for large rural or farming properties. Some lenders won't fund these at all; access to specialist rural lenders is essential.
4
Commercial land
Generally requires 30-40% or more, with specialist commercial lenders typically required.
Can first home buyers use the First Home Guarantee for land?
Yes. The Australian Government's First Home Guarantee (FHBG) can apply to land purchases if you intend to build your home. Under the scheme (which expanded from 1 October 2025 with no income caps), eligible first home buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The government guarantees part of the loan, so the lender sees it as 20% LVR. Speak with us to confirm eligibility and which lenders participate in the scheme for land and construction scenarios.
NSW Stamp Duty on Vacant Land: a saving worth knowing
If you're a first home buyer purchasing vacant land in NSW, you may be eligible for a full stamp duty exemption on land valued up to $350,000, or a concessional rate on land valued between $350,001 and $450,000 under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS). This can save you thousands of dollars in upfront costs. You must intend to build and move into the property within 12 months of completion to qualify. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate the transfer duty payable on your land purchase, and speak with us to confirm your eligibility for any exemptions or concessions.
Not sure how much you'll need? Get a free strategy call and we'll work through deposit requirements and eligibility for grants or exemptions based on your situation.
What Do Lenders Look for When Assessing a Land Loan?
Beyond your income and credit history, lenders scrutinise the land itself when assessing your application. Understanding these factors helps you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations.
7Key factors lenders assess
1
Land registration status
Mainstream lenders won't approve formal loan applications for unregistered land. You need registered land with completed subdivision and services in place.
2
Land size
Blocks under 2 hectares are treated more favourably. Lenders become more conservative as block size increases, with larger deposits typically required for anything over 2 hectares.
3
Zoning
Land must generally be zoned for residential, commercial or agricultural use as appropriate to the loan type. Unusual zoning or environmental overlays can affect lender appetite.
4
Servicing
Is the block connected to mains water, power, sewerage and road infrastructure? Unserviced or raw land is seen as much higher risk and is harder to finance.
5
Location
Well-located land in metropolitan Sydney or major regional centres is viewed more favourably than remote or rural blocks with limited comparable sales and resale demand.
6
Intended use
Planning to build an owner-occupied home? Lenders view this as lower risk than investment-only land banking with no construction plans. Having a general building timeline (even if not immediate) strengthens your application.
7
Your financial position
Income, existing debt levels, credit history and deposit size all contribute to your borrowing capacity and the rate you'll be offered.
We assess all of these factors before we approach any lender, so we present your application to the most suitable lenders from the start, not after a rejection.
Want to strengthen your application? Get a free strategy call and we'll run through your land and finances so we target the right lenders from day one.
Understanding what government support is available before you buy can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
3 key areas of government support
1
NSW Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty) on Land Purchases
Stamp duty is payable on all land purchases in NSW, calculated on the purchase price or market value (whichever is higher). Transfer duty must be paid within 3 months of signing the contract of sale. Note: stamp duty generally cannot be added to your mortgage; you'll need cash or equity to cover it.
Current rates and exemptions for 2025-2026 NSW purchases:
Non-first home buyers: Standard progressive stamp duty applies (e.g. approximately $29,000 on a $750,000 property)
First home buyers, vacant land: Full exemption on land up to $350,000; concessional rate on land valued $350,001-$450,000 under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme
First home buyers, new home or existing home: Full exemption up to $800,000; concession up to $1,000,000
First home buyers purchasing a new home (or building on vacant land) may also qualify for the NSW First Home Owner Grant: a $10,000 cash payment for new homes with a total value up to $750,000 (land + construction combined). This grant can be applied towards your deposit or purchase costs.
3
First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
From 1 October 2025, the Australian Government's First Home Guarantee has no income caps. Eligible first home buyers can purchase (including land and construction) with as little as a 5% deposit while avoiding LMI. The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan value, meaning the lender treats you as having a 20% deposit. NSW price caps apply (up to $1,000,000 from October 2025). We can confirm your eligibility and match you with participating lenders.
Want to check what you qualify for? Get a free strategy call and we'll run through grants, stamp duty exemptions and FHBG eligibility for your situation.
RyRo Loan Centre is based in Norwest in Sydney's Hills District, and we work with land buyers across Sydney, regional NSW and Australia. We understand the local property landscape, from inner-city development sites to outer suburban estate lots in Kellyville, Box Hill, Marsden Park, the Hills District and southwest Sydney growth corridors, to regional and rural properties throughout NSW.
Sydney's land market presents a unique dynamic: established suburb land supply is extremely limited, while northwest and southwest growth corridors continue to release new lots into estates. If you're purchasing land in these areas, or in regional NSW centres like Newcastle, the Central Coast, Wollongong or further afield, we tailor your land loan to the market conditions and lender appetites that apply to that specific location.
For buyers outside NSW, we also arrange land loans across Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia through our panel of national lenders. Stamp duty exemptions and grant eligibility vary by state, so we always check what applies to your specific situation.
5 common land loan enquiries we assist with
1
Vacant land loans for new housing estate lots in northwest and southwest Sydney
2
Land loan + construction loan packages for knock-down-rebuilds in established suburbs
3
Investment land loans for rural-residential blocks and lifestyle properties in NSW
4
Commercial land loans for development sites across Greater Sydney
5
Rural and farming land loans for regional NSW properties
Whether you're a first-time land buyer or an experienced property investor, our team brings the same level of expertise, lender access and transparent advice to every enquiry.
Buying land in Sydney, NSW or elsewhere? Get a free strategy call and we'll match you to the right lender for your location and plans.
Real people, real expertise. Here's what you can expect when you work with us.
Access to 50+ Lenders
Finding the right land loan isn't just about the rate; it's about finding a lender whose policy actually fits your land type, block size, location and construction plans. We compare specialist land lenders alongside major banks to find the best match.
$0 Broker Fees
Our service is completely free to you. We're paid by the lender when your loan settles, so you get expert advice, lender comparisons, application management and settlement support at no cost.
Local Sydney and NSW Knowledge
We understand the Sydney property market and NSW lending landscape, including lender appetite for land in different suburbs, estate types and regional areas. Faster approvals, fewer surprises.
End-to-End Process Management
From your first strategy call through to settlement, we handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders and keep you updated. Our settlement liaison Kathryn coordinates with your conveyancer and the lender so nothing falls through the cracks.
Construction Planning from Day One
If you're buying land to build, we plan the full picture from the start: construction timeline requirements, which lenders support land-to-construction transitions, and how to avoid being locked into a lender whose policy doesn't match your build plans.
What Our Customers Say
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Based on 340+ verified Google Reviews.
Vandhana Naidu
"We can't thank Sumit enough for helping us secure our first home - especially in such a tough and competitive market. He truly went above an…"
Ready to work with us? Get a free strategy call and see how we can help with your land loan.
Free strategy call - no obligation
Get your free strategy call
No obligation, no credit check. We'll call to discuss your land and next steps.
No Credit Check100% Obligation-Free
Join hundreds of clientsWe respond within 24 hours
By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.
Your Process
Simple, Clear, Fast: Your Land Loan Process
From your first call to settlement, here's how we work with you.
6Steps from first call to settlement
1
Step 1: Free Strategy Call
Tell us about the land you're buying: type, size, location, approximate price and your intentions. We assess your situation, confirm registered status considerations, and identify the most suitable lenders from our panel of 50+.
2
Step 2: Land Assessment and Lender Matching
We review the land's zoning, location, block size, servicing status and your financial profile together. We match you to lenders whose policies genuinely fit your scenario, including those who will support your construction timeline if you plan to build.
3
Step 3: Application and Documentation
We handle the paperwork and prepare a strong application. We tell you exactly which documents are required (no guesswork, no repeated requests).
4
Step 4: Valuation and Approval
The lender commissions an independent valuation of the land. We manage communication with the lender throughout to keep your application progressing. Most straightforward applications receive pre-approval within 1-2 business days; full approval including valuation typically takes 5-10 business days.
5
Step 5: Settlement
We coordinate settlement with your conveyancer and the lender. Kathryn keeps you informed so you always know where things stand, right through to title transfer.
6
Step 6: Construction Planning (if applicable)
If building is on your radar, we begin planning the construction loan transition as part of your land loan from the beginning. When you're ready to build, the transition is smooth because we've already laid the groundwork.
Ready to start? Get a free strategy call and we'll walk you through the process for your situation.
A land loan (also called a vacant land loan or loan for land) is a type of home loan used to purchase land without a dwelling on it. You borrow to buy the land, with the land itself as security. You repay the loan with interest over a set term, just like a standard home loan, but land loans often have higher rates and require larger deposits than regular home loans, because lenders view vacant land as higher-risk security. If you plan to build, a separate construction loan is generally arranged once you have a fixed-price building contract.
The deposit required depends on the type and size of land. For serviced residential blocks under 2 hectares, some lenders accept 10% deposit (90% LVR), though you may pay LMI below 20%. For larger rural blocks over 10 hectares, 20-30% is typically required. A 20% deposit generally delivers the best rates and avoids LMI. First home buyers may qualify for 5% deposit under the First Home Guarantee if they plan to build. Contact us to find out what's realistic for your specific block.
Yes, though lender policies vary. Some lenders require construction to commence within 6-12 months of loan approval; others allow 1-5 years; a small number impose no build requirement for investment purposes. We identify lenders whose construction timeline requirements match your actual plans so you're not pressured to build before you're ready.
There's no single "best" land loan: the right product depends on your deposit, the type of land, your build timeline, your financial position and your long-term plans. We compare land loan options from 50+ lenders to find the most competitive rates and most suitable terms for your specific situation.
2
Rates & process
Yes, generally. Land loan interest rates are typically 0.5% to 2% higher than comparable home loan rates, because land alone represents higher risk to lenders; it doesn't generate rental income and can be harder to sell than an established property. The exact difference varies by lender, land type and LVR. We negotiate across our lender panel to find the most competitive rate available for your scenario.
Generally no: mainstream lenders will only provide formal loan approval for registered land. For off-the-plan lots in new estates, you can obtain an Approval in Principle (AIP) before paying your deposit, but full approval requires land registration. AIP is typically valid for up to 3 months; if registration takes longer, you'll need to reapply. This is an important area where broker guidance prevents surprises.
For most straightforward applications, we obtain pre-approval within 1-2 business days. Full approval including valuation typically takes 5-10 business days depending on the lender and land type. Rural and commercial land can take slightly longer due to specialist valuation requirements.
Your borrowing capacity depends on your income, existing debts, deposit, credit history and the lender's policy for your land type. Use our Borrowing Power Calculator for an estimate, or speak with us for a detailed assessment based on your actual figures (no credit check, no obligation).
3
NSW & specialist
Yes. Transfer duty (stamp duty) applies to all land purchases in NSW and must be paid within 3 months of signing the contract. If you're a first home buyer purchasing vacant land, you may be exempt from stamp duty on land valued up to $350,000, or receive a concessional rate on land between $350,001-$450,000 under the NSW First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate your liability.
Yes. Rural land loans are a specialist lending category, and we have experience placing these with lenders who understand agricultural and rural-residential property. Deposit requirements are higher, and some lenders restrict the postcodes or block sizes they'll finance. Speak with our team for a specific assessment of your rural land purchase.
Estimate your monthly land loan repayments based on loan amount, interest rate and term. Useful for modelling different deposit scenarios and loan amounts before you engage a lender.
Finance the build stage after your land purchase, with progress drawdown payments released at each construction milestone. We coordinate the transition from your land loan so there's no need to start the process from scratch.
Bundle land and construction finance together through a single package loan. Popular in new Sydney estates, these simplify the process and can align settlement with construction commencement.
Once your home is complete, you may wish to refinance your construction loan into a standard home loan product at a competitive rate. We manage this transition for you.
Self-employed or complex income situations? We have access to specialist lenders who assess applications on a low-doc basis, including for land purchases.
Not sure what you need next? Get a free strategy call and we'll outline the right path for your land-to-home journey.