Understanding agreement types

The main agreement types

Farm lease

A lease gives the farmer exclusive possession of the land for a set term. It's the most formal arrangement and usually runs for several years. The leaseholder pays a fixed rent and has more control, but also more responsibility.

Licence

A licence is more flexible than a lease. The landholder grants permission to use the land for a specific purpose, but retains more control. Licences are often shorter-term and can be ended more easily.

Agistment

Agistment is specifically for grazing livestock on someone else's land. The grazier pays a fee per head of stock, usually weekly or monthly. It's common for cattle and sheep, and often seasonal.

Share farming

In a share farming arrangement, both parties contribute to the farming operation and share the produce or profits. The landholder contributes land and possibly equipment; the share farmer contributes labour and expertise.

Tiny house site licence

A site licence lets someone park a tiny house or movable dwelling on your land. It's not a lease of the land itself, just a right to place a dwelling there.

Which one is right for you?

It depends on the level of control, the length of the arrangement, and what each party brings. Use our agreement template wizard to generate a starting point, then get independent legal advice before signing.

These descriptions are a general guide only, not legal advice. Laws vary between states and territories.