In this paper, a fractional-order land model with Holling-II type transformation rate and time delay is investigated. First of all, the variable-order fractional derivative is defined in the Caputo type. Second, by applying time delay as the bifurcation parameter, some criteria to determine the stability and Hopf bifurcation of the model are presented. It turns out that the time delay can drive the model to be oscillatory, even when its steady state is stable. Finally, one numerical example is proposed to justify the validity of theoretical analysis. These results may provide insights to the development of a reasonable strategy to control land-use change.