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General
Where is the Land Services Group?
How do I contact the Land Services Group?
What are the LTO business hours?
Where can I get copies of Certificate of Title?
What kind of property searches can I conduct?
How can I contact Lands Titles Offices interstate?
Need more information?
What is Rural Property Addressing?

Dealing with Land
Where do I purchase LTO forms?
Do I need to register my Power of Attorney?
What is a Registered Conveyancer?
Do I need a Registered Conveyancer?
What if I have lost my Certificate of Title?
Is stamp duty payable on land transactions?
What is the procedure for subdividing my land?
What are the LTO fees for subdividing land?
What are the requirements for plans to be lodged?
Where do I go if I have a fencing dispute?
What do I do if I have a boundary dispute?
What are the different parts of a Certificate of Title?


Valuation

How is the value of property determined?
What's the difference between site & capital value?
Why has the value of my property gone up / down?
How do I object to my value?
Is there a cost involved?
What does Notional Value mean?
I would like to amalgamate my assessments.

History
How do I find the value of property of years ago?
Does the Lands Titles Office provide historical searching services?

Drop and Go for Plan Lodgement
Where can I lodge plans by Drop and Go?
Where do I get a lodgement cover sheet?
Can I lodge documents with the plan?
Can I pay my fees with cash?
Can I still lodge using face to face?
When will I get my receipt and plan number?
Can I still get a plan number at lodgement?
How do I calculate my Division lodgement fees?
Where can I get more information?

Where is the Land Services Group?

The Land Services Group which includes the Lands Titles Office is situated at 101 Grenfell Street Adelaide on the corner of Wyatt Street and Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

Related Information:
Contact Us
Location and Services Times

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How do I contact the Land Services Group?

Link to Contact Us page

 

What are the Land Services Group's business hours?

Link to Location and Service Times page

 

Where can I get copies of Certificates of Title?

Copies of Certificates of Title or Register Searches can be purchased online via the Public User channel of the PropertyAssist website www.propertyassist.sa.gov.au.

A casual user can access a selection of products including:

  • Certificate of Title (available by fax or email)
  • Property and Valuation information such as ownership and plan parcel details, capital and site valuations, sale details, building details (if applicable) and a property locality map
  • Survey plan image

Users may conduct searches based on address, title reference or plan and parcel identifiers. Products can be purchased by making a secure credit card payment.

PropertyAssist is available Monday to Friday 8am-9-6pm and generally most weekends and public holidays.

Copies of most Plans and Titles are also available from the Ground Floor, Public Counter area at the Land Services Group, 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.

Related Information:
Product List
PropertyAssist

What kind of property searches can I conduct?

The records of the Lands Titles Office are open to the public and can be accessed for a fee to provide a range of property related data.

Various land information and property searches can be conducted including:

  • Ownership details
  • Sales details
  • Sales History
  • Valuation details

In order to conduct a search you will need one of the following:

  • Certificate of Title Reference
  • Name or address of the owner
  • Section Number and Hundred
  • Allotment and Plan Number
  • Valuation Number
Related Information:
Product List
Searching Lands Titles Records

How can I contact Lands Titles Offices interstate?

Please see the list below for contact details.

Australian Capital Territory
General Enquiries: (02) 6207 1923
www.actpla.act.gov.au/actlic/index.htm
Postal Address: PO Box 788, Canberra, ACT 2601
Central Office:  Ground Floor, Dame Pattie Menzies House, 16 Challis Street, Dickson ACT 2602

New South Wales
General Enquiries: (02) 9228 6666
www.lands.nsw.gov.au
Postal Address: GPO Box 15, Sydney NSW 2001
Central Office: 1 Prince Albert Road, Queen's Square, Sydney NSW 2000

Northern Territory
General Enquiries: (08) 8999 7743
www.nt.gov.au/justice/graphpages/landtitl/index.shtml
Postal Address: GPO Box 3021, Darwin NT 0801
Central Office:  Nichols Place, Cnr Cavenagh & Bennett Streets, Darwin NT 0800

Queensland
General Enquiries: (07) 3405 6900
www.nrm.qld.gov.au
Postal Address: GPO Box 2454 Brisbane Q 4001
Central Office: Mineral House, 41 George Street, Brisbane Q 4000

Tasmania
General Enquiries: (03) 6233 3506
www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ThemeNodes/SSKA-4X33TR?open
Postal Address: GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Central Office: 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7001

Victoria
General Enquiries: (03) 9603 5444
www.landexchange.vic.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 500, East Melbourne  Victoria  3002
Central Office:  283 Queen Street, Melvourne Victoria 3000

Western Australia
General Enquiries: (08) 9273 7044
www.landgate.com.au
Postal Address: GPO Box 2222, Midland, Western Australia 6056
Central Office:  1 Midland Square, Midland, Western Australia 6056

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DEALING WITH LAND

Where do I purchase LTO forms?

All forms are available from the Government Legislation Outlet, 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide or can be downloaded from the Forms Online area of this web site.
Customer Service Centres: http://www.service.sa.gov.au/aboutus.asp#servicecentre
Online Shop:  http://www.shop.service.sa.gov.au
Phone: 13 23 24
E-mail: servicesa@saugov.sa.gov.au

Related Information:
LTO Forms Online

Do I need to register my Power of Attorney?

You do not have to register your Power of Attorney. Once it is completed it is a legal document and able to be used. However before your attorney(s) can register a dealing with your house or land, the power of attorney must be deposited at the Lands Titles Office. There is a fee associated with the deposit.

Related Information:
Schedule of Fees and Services

Power of Attorney Kits may be purchased through the Government Legislation Outlet, 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide and from Service SA Customer Service Centres.
Customer Service Centres: http://www.service.sa.gov.au/aboutus.asp#servicecentre
Online Shop:  http://www.shop.service.sa.gov.au
Postal Address: GPO Box 1707, Adelaide 5000
Phone:
13 23 24
E-mail: servicesa@saugov.sa.gov.au

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What is a Registered Conveyancer?

Formerly a Licensed Land Broker, a conveyancer is a person who is registered under the Conveyancers Act 1994 to prepare documentation, advise and represent you in the preparation and settlement of your land transaction.

Do I need a Registered Conveyancer?

Can I prepare my land dealings?

You are entitled to prepare your own documentation. However the task may prove complex and therefore we recommend that you seek the assistance of a Registered Conveyancer or Solicitor.

Before you embark on preparing your own land dealing you need to consider the following points:

  • The Lands Titles Office does not prepare documentation on behalf of clients.
  • Do you understand the requirements of the Real Property Act and other laws which will impact on your transaction?
  • Are you aware of the requirements of other agencies that may need to be involved in your transaction?

What if I have lost my Certificate of Title?

A new certificate of title can be issued to replace a lost title. Given the complexity of this application you should engage the services of a Registered Conveyancer or Solicitor. The Lands Titles Office does not prepare forms on your behalf.

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Is stamp duty payable on land transactions?

Stamp Duty is payable on many documents involving land transactions. For further information please contact Stamp Duties, RevenueSA.

Telephone: (08) 8226 3750.
Address: State Administration Centre
200 Victoria Square (East)
Adelaide 5000
Internet: http://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/

What is the procedure for subdividing my land?

The procedure for subdividing land involves the following steps.

  • Consult your local council, as they are the planning authority and can advise on issues such as area requirements, zoning, compliance with council requirements etc.
  • Prepare a proposal plan to be lodged with the Development Assessment Commission (DAC) showing the proposed new allotments. It is recommended that a licensed surveyor or experienced plan drafter be engaged to prepare the plan.
  • DAC will contact various statutory authorities and the council to identify all requirements. Once these have been satisfied DAC approval is given.
  • A copy of the DAC approval together with a survey or plan prepared to the requirements of the Registrar-General must then be lodged in the Lands Titles Office within 12 months.
  • In most cases, it will be necessary to engage the services of a Registered Conveyancer of Solicitor to prepare the documents that must be lodged in the Lands Titles Office with the plan.
  • The plan or survey and associated documents are examined to ensure legal compliance. Once this is completed the plan is deposited and new Certificates of Title are issued.
Related Information:
Subdividing Land

What are the LTO fees for subdividing land?

Related Information:
Fees Calculator
Schedule of Fees and Services

What are the requirements for plans to be lodged?

Click on the link below to download a check list.
           Drop and Go Checklist

Where do I go if I have a fencing dispute?

or a strata, community or right of way dispute?

These disputes should be directed to a Mediation Service or the courts. Please see list below for further details. The Lands Titles Office does not arbitrate on such issues. You may also wish to engage the services of a Solicitor.

Community Mediation Service, Norwood
110 The Parade, Norwood 5067   Ph. 8362 1199

Western Mediation Service
19 Green St, Brompton 5007   Ph. 8340 1982

Noarlunga Community Mediation Service
40 Beach Road, Christies Beach 5165   Ph. 8384 5222

Legal Services Commission pamphlet - Fences and the Law

What do I do if I have a boundary dispute?

Eg. encroachment and fencing?

By law, only licensed surveyors can determine the positions of property boundaries. If you need to know the location of your boundary contact a licensed surveyor. Licensed Surveyors are listed in the Yellow Pages.

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What are the different parts of a Certificate of Title?

The Certificate of Title has several components. They include:

  • Title reference, which consists of a Volume and Folio number.
  • Ownership details, which states the owners name, address, mode of holding and the interest held in the land.
  • Legal land description
  • Easements and rights of way effecting the land.
  • Encumbrances effecting the land.eg. mortgage, lease and encumbrance.

There are also Registrar-General's notes which may affect the Certificate of Title including references to unregistered documents and unapproved plans.

Need more information?

Link to Brochures and Fact Sheets page.

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Valuation

How is the value of property determined?

Under the Valuation of Land Act, 1971 the Valuer-General currently re-values every property in South Australia every year. Sales of all property types are analysed to determine market movements, if any. This analysis of sales happens throughout the year and occurs both for Site (land) values and Capital (improved) values. Different market movements can occur among varying property types and locations.

A property database, central to the valuation process, is kept of all properties within the state and is updated each year. The database includes information on land use (such as residential, commercial, industrial) and the physical details of the land and improvements (such as building size, construction and condition).

This information is updated regularly with changes identified from a range of sources, including development approval information from Councils and manual inspection programs by valuation field staff.

Your property value is then calculated by comparing the property data for your property to that of similar properties, which have sold with adjustments being made for any differences.

Residential

The revaluation process is a mass appraisal that relies upon the property database and is based on sales of comparable properties.

Commercial/Industrial

Sales and rental data is analysed prior to each revaluation. The values are determined based on this analysis.

Improvements, which are fixed to the land as well as improvements to the land itself are assessed in the Capital Value. Machinery, plant, equipment and items not fixed to the land are not regarded as improvements for rating and taxing purposes.

The value of a business is not included in the assessed Capital Value.

Rural

The value of rural property is determined from sales of properties of similar size and quality in the area or in an area of comparable location, allowing for break up of land types, yields/stocking rates, rainfall averages, water systems, disabilities associated with the property and a range of other relevant factors.

Whats the difference between site & capital value?

Site value and capital value are defined in the Valuation of Land Act 1971 . In essence the "site value" is the value of the land excluding structural improvements while the "capital value" is the value of the land including improvements.

Why has the value of my property gone up / down?

All properties in the state are re-valued annually. The value of your property is determined from the sale of comparable properties and may vary from year to year to reflect the property market at the date of valuation. Different market movements can occur among varying property types and locations. Valuations may also alter due to new development undertaken on a property such as a new dwelling or a building addition.

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How do I object to my value?

If you believe the valuation of your property is incorrect in comparison to sales of similar properties in you area you should lodge an objection with the State Valuation Office.

Related Information:
Objecting to a Property Value

Is there a cost involved in objecting to a property value?

There is no fee charged to lodge an objection.

However, if you are dissatisfied with the objection decision you may, within 21 days, seek a review of the valuation by an independent valuer who will review the valuation evidence.   Review Application forms are available from the State Valuation Office.   A fee is charged for this review.

If the independent valuer determines that the value should be varied by an amount of greater than 10% of the Valuer-General's valuation then that value will be adopted. The fee will be refunded in this instance.
Related Information:
Objecting to a Property Value

What does Notional Value mean?

And how does it affect my value?

Notional value is a concessional value where the value determined ignores the higher use potential of the property.

Valuations are generally based on the highest and best potential use of a property.   In the case of a single house on a land parcel with potential to be divided for home units, consideration is given to the value the land would achieve if sold for unit development.

However, subject to eligibility criteria, there are instances where valuations made for rating and taxing purposes have regard to the 'actual use' of the property, disregarding any higher potential use.   These valuations are known as “notional values”.

To qualify for a “notional value” the property must be used solely as the owner's principal place of residence (home), or is genuinely used for the business of primary production.

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I would like to amalgamate my assessments.

What do I need to do?

All requests for amalgamation or division of valuation records must be in writing to the State Valuation Office.

The following information should be included in the letter:

  •   Address of property/postal address if different.
  •   Phone number (Business/Home/Mobile)
  •   Lot numbers/Section numbers etc.

The State Valuation Office will consider the request and forward notification of the decision.

Assessment amalgamations or divisions will generally take effect from the next financial year.

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History

How do I find the value of property of years ago?

Historical valuation records are available through the State Valuation Office.

Related Information:
Product List
Contact Us

In order to obtain this information you will need to nominate the financial year(s) you are looking to search and either the address or the Certificate of Title reference for the property.

Method of payment for products and searches is by credit card only if ordering via the Customer Service Centre on 1300 653 345 or cash or cheque if ordering in person at the Lands Titles Office.

Does the Lands Titles Office provide historical searching services?

Eg. Searching land previously owned by ancestors.

The Lands Titles Office cannot conduct historical searches on behalf of clients, however, we can provide assistance to members of the public who attend this office to search historical information. Alternatively clients may wish to engage the services of a "Searching Service" (listed in the South Australian Yellow Pages) to conduct the search on their behalf.

Related Information:
Searching Family History

Drop and Go for Plan Lodgement

Where can I lodge plans by Drop and Go?

Plans being lodged by "Drop and Go" can only be lodged at the Plan Lodgement counter, First Floor, Land Services Group. Remember to have your lodgement cover sheet already prepared, as there are no facilities on the first floor to print these.

Where do I get a lodgement cover sheet?

Lodgement cover sheets are the same used for documents and are available on the Ground Floor self-help area or via the Internet at http://www.landservices.sa.gov.au/ under Online Services, Document Lodgement. To ensure successful scanning of the barcode, cover sheets should only be printed on a laser printer.

Can I lodge documents with the plan?

Yes, you can lodge any documents in series with the plan. Remember once the plan has been lodged any following documentation must be lodged via the ground floor drop and go.

Can I pay my fees with cash?

Plans being lodged using cash must be done using Face to Face as the Land Services Group office does not take responsibility for the money until a receipt is issued. Documents will need to be taken to the ground floor to be receipted.

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Can I still lodge using face to face?

Yes, there will still be staff on hand to help you with all the usual enquires including plan lodgement or to assist you with Drop and Go.

When will I get my receipt and plan number?

In most circumstances a receipt with the plan number shown on it will be placed in your LTO Box the following day or sent by mail

How to search for a newly lodged plan number in PropertyAssist

Can I still get a plan number at lodgement?

If you urgently require a plan number, a staff member will be able to allocate one to you.

How do I calculate my Division lodgement fees?

The Fee Calculator allows you to calculate LTO lodgement fees for division documents and plans.

Where can I get more information?

Ask any of the staff at the First Floor Counter or contact Division Support Section on 8226 3860.


 
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URL: http://www.landservices.sa.gov.au
Last Modified: 12/06/2008 08:40:44
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