A Contract for Deed is a Seller financing agreement:
The seller/vendor retains legal title to the property until the buyer/vendee honors the contract.
The buyer takes possession upon the terms set in the contract.
When the purchase price is fully paid, the seller delivers a Warranty Deed (or other deed) transferring legal title.

A South Dakota Contract for Deed is often used when:
The buyer cannot meet the terms for bank financing.
-For example, limited/poor credit history or nontraditional income.
Rural property or agricultural land is being sold, where traditional lending is limited.
The seller wants to sell quickly or avoid bank involvement.
Investment or estate sales where seller wants steady income and potential tax deferral.
Small-town or private party sales, common outside Sioux Falls or Rapid City.

It’s valid for both residential and commercial/agricultural property, as long as:
Both parties are competent adults,
The property is legally describable, and
This contract complies with SD recording requirements or offers the option to record a Memorandum of Contract for Deed.

The contract is binding when signed by both parties.
If the buyer defaults, the seller can either:
-Cancel (forfeit) the contract after proper notice under SDCL §21-50, or
-Foreclose it judicially

For use in South Dakota only.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Contract for Deed

Remove a recorded land contract lien after final payment
Document the terms of a private real estate sale between buyer and seller
Formalize an existing informal land purchase agreement
Transfer a buyer's equitable interest in a contract for deed
Establish a buyer's equitable interest in a property under contract
Cancel a recorded memorandum of contract for deed after closing

Compare other South Dakota deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement Notice of Lis Pendens Certificate of Discharge of Notice of Lis Pendens Mortgage Security Agreement and Promissory Note Satisfaction of Mortgage Assignment of Mortgage Memorandum of Contract for Deed Full Release of Memorandum of Contract for Deed Mineral Deed Mineral Quitclaim Deed Transfer on Death Deed Transfer on Death Revocation Transfer on Death Affidavit Affidavit of Deceased Joint Tenant Personal Representative Deed of Distribution Personal Representative Deed of Sale Trustee Deed Certificate of Trust Disclaimer of Interest

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our contract for deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in South Dakota.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

Back to South Dakota Forms