Land owners who have 2 or more titles or 1 title with 2 or more allotments may wish to receive a reduction in rates and taxes (or as a result of building requirements) by having a single valuation assessment. Land may be either under the Real Property Act or Crown Lands Act. Two options are available.

Option 1

As stated in section 16(1) of the Valuation of Land Act 1971

The Valuer-General may, in his or her discretion, make a separate valuation of any portion of any land or may value any land conjointly with other land.

While amalgamations of assessments are at the discretion of the Valuer-General his decision will be based on well established principles.  An application for amalgamation will only be considered if;

• The land is contiguous
• The assessments are in the same ownership

All applications for amalgamation of valuation records must be in writing to the State Valuation Office GPO Box 1354 Adelaide SA 5001.

The following information should be included in the letter:

• Valuation numbers
• Address of property/postal address if different
• Contact phone number (Business/Home/Mobile)
• Lot numbers/Section numbers etc

Once the application has been considered the State Valuation Office will notify you of the decision.  If the decision is to amalgamate the assessments you will also be advised if this will take effect for the current or next financial year depending on the circumstances associated with the application

For further information, contact the State Valuation Office call centre on 1300 653 346.

Option 2

A Plan of Amalgamation may be lodged in the Lands Titles Office (LTO). Amalgamation is the reverse to a Plan of Division and involves the merging together of existing allotments to form one allotment.

Plans of Amalgamation

• Are generally drawn by a Survey or Drafting Services firm in accordance with the Manual of Survey Practice
• Must be lodged in the LTO with the appropriate application together with the duplicate Certificates of Title and prescribed fees
• Do not require planning approval

There are several criteria to be considered before amalgamation can occur, for example

• The land being amalgamated must be contiguous (no physical separation)
• Ownership and registered estates/interests must be the same
• There must only be one resultant allotment

It is suggested that you seek professional assistance from a Survey or Drafting Services firm. It is important to note that if this option of amalgamation is pursued that the applicants understand that a Plan of Division, which includes planning approval will be required to divide the land in the future.

Note: a Survey firm or Drafting Services firm may include the term 'Property Development Consultant' within their title.

For further information, contact Client Advice on 8226 3983