To help you make an informed decision about buying or selling land in the Shoalhaven, here's a few tips.
Please note: This information does not constitute legal advice. In making a decision to buy or sell land, you should seek and be guided by independent legal and professional advice.
Check the title of the land to see if there are any restrictions, easements or covenants over the land and what effect they have. Usually, this information will be contained within a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate.
A Section 10.7 Planning Certificate provides information on how the land may be used and restrictions on its development (e.g. flooding, bushfire, coastal hazards)
A Section 10.7 Planning Certificate must be attached to a contract for the sale of the land.
Council offers a number of mapping tools that include land information such as zoning, flood zones, bushfire prone areas, coastal hazards and other land use and environmental considerations.
View online mapping tools
The Local Environmental Plan (LEP) will give you information on what each zoning code means, and what land uses or activities are permissible or prohibited within that zone, including if its possible to subdivide the land or not.
The Development Control Plan (DCP) will provide you with detailed design and planning guidelines that support the planning controls in the LEP, including guidelines around tree clearing and consideration of threatened species.
The Contributions Plan will give you information on what monetary contributions will be required for certain development.
There are numerous parcels of land in Shoalhaven on which you are not able to build a house. Certain rural, residential and environmental land needs to demonstrate that a dwelling entitlement exists.
Consider rates and water/sewer charges.