When buying land, banks and lenders want to understand why you are purchasing the land and how it is zoned. If you intend to build on the land within 12 months you can borrow up to 80% of the land’s value. However, if you have no intention of building on the land, banks and lenders may consider this land banking and a deposit of 50% may be required. Furthermore, the amount a bank or lender will lend on land also depends on whether the land is zoned for apartments, residential property or lifestyle and grazing.