I used to work for a listed property developer and we used options for a couple of properties.
The difference between a large developer using an option and an smaller investor is the mass of capital behind them and the proven ability to deliver the project and sell.
As a smaller investor (I assume) you are unknown to the property owner and they don't have the confidence you can deliver what you are promising. If I was in their shoes I would probably feel the same.
At the moment they are taking all of the risk while you have very little risk. Maybe you can add some upfront value to the contract for them if you cant offer them a sales contract.
The difference between a large developer using an option and an smaller investor is the mass of capital behind them and the proven ability to deliver the project and sell.
As a smaller investor (I assume) you are unknown to the property owner and they don't have the confidence you can deliver what you are promising. If I was in their shoes I would probably feel the same.
At the moment they are taking all of the risk while you have very little risk. Maybe you can add some upfront value to the contract for them if you cant offer them a sales contract.