TITLE 44 PROPERTY

Section 3. Regulation of Specialized Land Transactions, 44-3-1 through 44-3-250.

ARTICLE 1 GEORGIA LAND SALES ACT

44-3-4. Exemptions from Code Section 44-3-3.

Unless the method of sale is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this article or of the federal Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the provisions of Code Section 44-3-3 shall not apply to offers or dispositions in an interest in land:

1. By a purchaser of any subdivision, lot, parcel, or unit thereof for his or her own account in a single or isolated transaction;
2. On which there is a commercial or industrial building, condominium, shopping center, house, or apartment house; or as to which there is a contractual obligation on the part of the subdivider to construct such a building within two years from date of disposition; or the sale or lease of which land is restricted by zoning ordinance, covenant, or other legally enforceable means to commercial or nonresidential purposes; or the sale or lease of which land is pursuant to a plan of development for commercial or nonresidential purposes;
3. As cemetery lots or interests;
4. Where the plan of sale for a subdivision is to dispose of all the interests to ten or fewer persons;
5. Where each lot, parcel, or unit being offered or disposed of in any subdivision is five acres or more in size;
6. To any person who is engaged in the business of the construction of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings for disposition;
7. Where at least 95 percent of the lots or parcels of such subdivision are to be sold or leased only to persons who acquire such lots or parcels for the purpose of engaging in the business of constructing residences;
8. Made pursuant to the order of any court of this state;
9. Made by or to any government or government agency;
10. Made as evidence of indebtedness secured by way of any deed to secure debt, mortgage, or deed of trust of real estate;
11. As securities or units of interest issued by an investment trust regulated under the laws of the State of Georgia;
12. Registered under the provisions of the federal Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act;
13. Of lots, parcels, or units contained in a recorded subdivision plat, if all of the following conditions exist:
    1. Each lot, parcel, or unit is situated on an existing paved and dedicated road or street constructed to the specifications of the board of county commissioners of the county or the governing body of the municipality, which board or governing body has voluntarily agreed to accept such road or street for maintenance and, if a waiting period is required, adequate assurances have been established with the county or municipality;
    2. The subdivision has drainage structures and fill necessary to prevent flooding, which structures and fill have been approved by the board of county commissioners of the county or the governing body of the municipality;
    3. Electric power is available at or near each lot, parcel, or unit;
    4. Domestic water supply and sanitary sewage disposal meeting the requirements of the applicable governmental authority are available at or near each lot, parcel, or unit;
    5. The subdivider is at all times prepared to convey title to the purchaser by general warranty deed unencumbered by any mortgages, deeds to secure debt, or other liens; and
    6. All promised improvements and amenities are complete;
14. Of lots, parcels, or units contained in a subdivision plat that has been accepted by the board of county commissioners and properly recorded where:
    1. Each lot, parcel, or unit is situated on a road dedicated or approved by the board of county commissioners and arrangements acceptable to the commission have been made for the permanent maintenance of such roads;
    2. All promised improvements and amenities are complete;
    3. The promotional plan of sale is directed only to bona fide residents of this state whose primary residence is or will be located in the county in which the lots are platted of record;
    4. The method of sale is by cash or deed and first mortgage or deed to secure debt with all funds escrowed in this state prior to closing. Closing shall occur within 180 days after execution of the contract for purchase, at which time the purchaser shall receive a general warranty deed unencumbered by any mortgages or other liens except the mortgage or deed to secure debt given by the purchaser; and
    5. The purchaser has inspected the property to be purchased prior to the execution of the purchase contract and has so certified in writing;
15. Where not more than 150 lots, parcels, units, or interests are offered for sale; or
16. Where no representations, promises, or agreements are made that any improvements or amenities will be provided in the property by the subdivider but rather that any improvements or amenities will be furnished by the purchaser.

(Ga. L. 1971, p. 856, § 2; Ga. L. 1972, p. 638, § 2; Code 1981, §§44-3-3,44-3-42; Code 1981, §44-3-4, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1431, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, § 33; Ga. L. 1990, p. 606, § 1; Ga. L. 1995, p. 993, § 1.)