I am buying bare land for £900,000 without a mortgage with a holdover until 30th September 2024. I do not wish to pay a 10 % contractual deposit given the length of time until I have achieved occupation – 3 months. This is on the basis that I will lose interest on the deposit (£90,000) from the time I exchange and complete one week before the holdover date. I am aware that there is no legal basis upon which the seller can demand a deposit and would appreciate your kind views. I should mention that I have in the past bought a number of agricultural fields in the past and have never been expected to pay a deposit.