Why Do I Need to Consolidate My Land?
If you're planning a development and the council has told you to "consolidate your lots", you're probably wondering what that actually means, and why it's necessary.
What is Land Consolidation?
Land consolidation is the process of legally combining two or more separate land titles into a single lot. You’ll end up with one block of land, on one title.
It’s often a behind-the-scenes step in the development process, but it’s important and required in many cases before you can get a construction certificate or occupation certificate.
Why does Council require it?
There are a few key reasons councils insist on land consolidation:
Planning compliance – Councils want to ensure the development sits within one legal lot, not straddling boundaries. This is to do with the Building Code of Australia.
Infrastructure and services – It can be easier to manage utilities, drainage, and access on one lot.
Strata schemes – Council will generally require consolidation to occur before a strata plan is registered.
In short: councils don’t like buildings built straddling two lots.
When might you be asked to consolidate?
You may be required to consolidate land titles if you own two or more neighbouring lots and are developing across them, for example: if you’re building structures that span multiple lots.
What’s involved in the consolidation process?
Survey and plan preparation
A Registered Surveyor (like us) prepares a plan of consolidation to define the new consolidated lot. A consolidation plan can also be used to create easements, restrictions on the use of land, or positive covenants (if they are required by council as part of your development).Lodgement with NSW Land Registry Services
Once signed by interested parties, the plan is lodged to NSW Land Registry Services. Once registered, you’ll receive a new title for the combined lots.
How we can help
At Robertson Surveying, we can guide you through the entire process from start to finish. We’ve assisted clients across Newcastle and the Hunter Region with land consolidation.
We’ll review any relevant development consent conditions, prepare your plan of consolidation, and advise on the creation of any easements if required. Once complete and signed by the owners/mortgagee, we’ll lodge the plan and deal with NSW Land Registry Services to get you a new title.
Get in touch with our Registered Surveyor early so you don’t get stuck later on.
