A land contract—also known as a contract for deed, an installment land contract, or a land sales contract—is an agreement between a buyer and seller for the sale and purchase of a specific piece of land. Land contracts may consist of undeveloped land or include both land and building structures located on the land.

Land contracts are often completed with seller financing in which the buyer pays the seller in monthly payments or installments that include an agreed interest rate and a lump sum balloon payment after a certain number of years. When the buyer has made the monthly payments for the required number of years, plus any balloon payment, the seller is required to transfer the title (evidence of ownership) to the buyer, as provided by the land contract.

Land contracts may also be financed by banks or other lenders—often with traditional deed of trust or mortgage agreements. Bank and other lender loans for undeveloped land will often be financed at a higher interest rate and for a shorter term (with a balloon payment) than a traditional home mortgage, for example.

When the balloon payment to the bank or lender comes due a builder or developer may get a takeout loan to replace the existing loan—with the expectation of securing better terms (interest rate, etc.) because the land will be developed (at least in part) and the loan will be better secured by the value of the development (building structures, etc.) on the land.

In Louisiana (LA), a land contract, also known as a contract for deed, is a form of seller financing where the buyer makes payments to the seller for the purchase of land over time. Upon full payment, including any balloon payment as stipulated in the contract, the seller is obligated to transfer the title to the buyer. These contracts can involve undeveloped land or land with existing structures. While land contracts can be financed by banks or other lending institutions, these loans may carry higher interest rates and shorter terms compared to traditional mortgages, particularly for undeveloped land. A balloon payment is often required, and developers may seek a takeout loan to secure better financing terms once development has begun, thereby increasing the land's value. It's important to note that the specific terms and legal requirements of land contracts can vary, and they are subject to both state statutes and federal law. In Louisiana, real estate transactions are also governed by civil law principles unique to the state, so it's advisable for parties involved in a land contract to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to protect their interests.