On 11 October 2021, the Real Property Amendment (Certificates of Title) Act 2021 commenced, which abolished the Certificates of Title (CTs) and the control of the right to deal (CoRD) framework. All existing CTs have been cancelled and CTs will no longer be issued. Existing CTs will not need to be produced, and CoRD holder consent will not be required, for a dealing or plan to be registered. All existing Guidelines subject to this change are currently being reviewed and will be updated to reflect these changes. For further information regarding the abolition of CTs, please see https://www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au/property-and-conveyancing/eConveyancing/abolition-of-certificates-of-title

Encroachments

In some case the building which is the subject of the strata scheme may encroach on the adjoining land. The surveyor must indicate the details of the encroachment in the certificate. The extent and nature of the encroachment must be indicated on the location plan.

  • If the encroachment is over a public place, which includes a road, public reserve or drainage reserve it must be accepted in the Strata Certificate.
  • If the encroachment is over private land an appropriate easement to permit it to remain must be created by a plan of survey and the creating instrument indicated in the surveyors certificate.

It is possible for the internal walls of a building to extend beyond the parcel boundaries this may be with a balcony or a bay window. The plan must show the lot boundary as a thin line and have connection from the part of the building inside the parcel to establish its position. If it is intended that the part of the land inside the building but outside the parcel boundary is intended for the use of the adjoining lot the plan should have an appropriate notation, see section 39 Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and clause item 3(g) of schedule 12 of the Lodgment Rules.

Example

The part of the first floor which encroaches over the parcel boundary is for the exclusive use of the adjoining lot. The provisions of the act apply to this area other than those relating to ownership and certificate of title.