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Ballot Process

An Overview of Buying Land via Ballot from the ACT Government

A new land release in an ACT Government residential estate may be offered for sale through the ballot system. The ballot system is the fairest and most transparent way the ACT Government can sell residential blocks to the public, since it provides everyone interested in purchasing a property an equal opportunity to do so.

Block prices are set at the market value, based on advice from at least two independent valuers. This allows the buyer to purchase the block without the risk of a higher bidder purchasing the block.

How does the ballot work?

To participate in a ballot, potential buyers must register their details using the online system during the advertised registration period. These details include the full names of each buyer, their residential address, solicitor details and the type of lease they wish to enter into.

Some ballots may be for Land Rent blocks in which case the buyer would nominate that the lease is a Land Rent lease. This will be advised at the time of release. For more information about Land Rent please click here.
Once the registration form has been submitted, the potential buyer is then entered into the ballot and given a unique ID number. Once the registration period closes, each eligible ballot unique ID number is entered into an electronic ballot draw system. Ballot numbers are randomly drawn and a ranking number is allocated to the ballot unique ID number. The sequence of drawn ballot numbers will determine the appointment time/date for the block selection.
The ballot draw is witnessed and signed off by ACT Gambling and Racing Commission officials from Access Canberra. Once the draw is finalised, the Ballot results are uploaded on to the Agency’s website.

Block Selection Appointment

Successful ballot registrants will be invited to a block selection appointment to select and purchase a block.
To secure a block, the successful registrants must sign a First Grant Contract at their block selection appointment. A sample copy of the contract terms will be available online during the ballot registration period. A payment may be required depending on varying circumstances as set out below:

If a Standard lease is selected, the buyer must pay a 10% deposit at their block selection appointment.
If a Land Rent lease is selected, the buyer must pay a $2,000 security payment - eligibility requirements apply.

Payments are preferably made using online, contactless methods such as credit card. Once paid, the buyer will be given a receipt.

Auction Process

At an auction the block will be sold to the bidder with the highest bid above the undisclosed reserve price. If the highest bid is below the reserve price, a period of time will be granted for the registrant with the highest bid to exclusively negotiate with the ACT Government.

Any interested parties must register to participate in an ACT Government auction. Details of how to register are available as part of the Sales Documentation for each auction. Auctions are widely recognised as an effective method of selling. The Agency provides two types of Auctions: face-to-face auctions and online auctions.

During a face-to-face action, a bidder’s number will be provided which is held up to indicate to the auctioneer that the bidder wishes to place a bid. During an online auction, the platform will assign a bidder number and bids submitted digitally.

The successful bidder must sign a contract and pay a 10% deposit immediately. Contracts will need to be settled by paying the outstanding amount on the sales price on or before the completion date as stated in the contract.

Land Rent is not available on blocks sold at auction.

Over the Counter

From time to time the ACT Government offers land available for sale over the counter. This typically occurs when land has been offered for sale via a ballot or auction and blocks have been unsold or returned to the market. This usually occurs in a market when consumer demand is low.

How does an Over-the-Counter sale work?

Land available for sale over the counter is advertised on the Suburban Land Agency website and sold directly through the ACT Government or through one of the ACT Government’s exclusive selling agents.

When blocks are available for sale through the ACT Government, relevant contact details will be provided for you to make an appointment to purchase a block.

Once you have selected a block, you will sign a First Grant Contract to hold the block prior to your appointment to sign a contract. At this contract signing appointment you will be required to select either a Land Rent contract (if available for the block you have chosen) or Standard Contract at time of selection. A sample copy of the contract terms will be available online.

Payment may be required depending on varying circumstances as set out below:

If a Standard lease is selected, you must pay a 10% deposit at your block selection appointment.
If a Land Rent lease is selected, you must pay a $2,000 security payment - eligibility requirements apply.

Payments are preferably made using online, contactless methods such as credit card. Once paid, the buyer will be given a receipt.

Buy with Builder

Now you can buy a house and land package with the Suburban Land Agency through our partner builders. For more information click here.

Settlement

Settlement of the contract depends on when the block is ready to build on. The ACT Govnerment may release land that is not ready to build on when the First Grant Contract is signed by the purchaser. The front page of the First Grant Contract will outline an estimated date range for completion of civil works. This means it is estimated that the civil construction of the estate will be complete and all the appropriate certification and approvals issued within this period. This is known as Operational Acceptance, or when the estate is ‘Land Ready’.

The ACT Government's legal advisor will serve the Crown Lease to the purchaser, or their nominated solicitor shortly after Operational Acceptance occurs. When the Crown Lease is received, the purchaser will also receive settlement instructions including the scheduled settlement date. For further information, please refer to Clause 5 of the First Grant Contract. To settle a Contract, the outstanding amount of the sale price must be paid (not required if a Land Rent lease has been selected) on or before the completion date as stated in the Contract.