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

Plans requiring subdivision certificate

Definitions of 'subdivision' are set out in section 6.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and section 195(1) Conveyancing Act 1919. The powers and responsibilities of a consent authority are set out in section 6.5(3) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

It is the policy of NSW LRS that any plan that creates new boundaries for separate use or occupation constitutes a subdivision of the existing parcel. In this regard a 'plan of subdivision' includes any plan which:

  • shows the division of an existing lot or lots into 2 or more new lots
  • dedicates an existing lot as public road under section 9 Roads Act 1993 or as public reserve or drainage reserve under section 49 Local Government Act 1993
  • dedicates new road and/or road widening to the public, with a residue parcel
  • shows a subdivision for lease purposes. If the lease (including any option for renewal) is for 5 years or less, subdivision consent is not required provided a statement is added to the Administration Sheet, see Plans exempt from subdivision certificate
  • shows a subdivision for lease of a caravan park or mobile home estate under section 23H Conveyancing Act 1919
  • shows the acquisition of parcels where the land is already owned by the resuming authority
  • shows the division of land held under perpetual lease, including a Western Division Perpetual Leasehold Title see Crown Land Management Act 2016 or
  • shows any other division of the existing parcel(s) into 2 or more new parcels.

NOTE: The plan purpose in the Subdivision Certificate must be 'Subdivision' or 'New Road'. Any other purpose will attract a requisition by NSW LRS. However, the plan heading panel may be more descriptive of the plan purpose and refer to 'Subdivision of .....for Leasehold Purposes' or similar description.

NOTE: The towns of Silverton, Taltingan, Milparinka and Tibooburra located within the Unincorporated area of the Western Division have no local council. Authority for these towns lies with Crown Lands. A Subdivision Certificate is not required for these areas unless the parcel(s) of land subject to the proposed subdivision is subject to an existing Crown lease.

NOTE: 'Boundary adjustment' plans (other than those referred to in the Community Land Development Act 1989) may not require development approval by a consent authority, however, a council or certifier is obliged to complete a 'Subdivision Certificate' evidencing the plan was considered and accepted as to the new boundaries. The reason for the plans acceptance as a 'boundary adjustment' subdivision is not required.

All NSW legislation can be accessed at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/