If you spent a few minutes thinking about it, it makes sense.

Server load is always an issue, and this player housing is instanced. So the more instances the more room they need on their servers. Having an auction and land fees is a good system for SE. It limits how many houses and the number of instances. Like wise, I'm pretty sure there will be a monthly fee as well just in case a FC disappears and they no longer use their land. In which case, the plot will be sold reducing the amount of instances needed.

Once they get a grasp on how the servers will deal with the change they can roll out player housing which will have a great deal more load for the server.

Other games do this, they just don't tell you they're doing it.