A deposited plan (DP) is an official legal document that defines the legal boundaries and features of a parcel of land. Deposited plans are required whenever a new land parcel is created, such as through subdivision, or when an existing parcel is to be used for a specific purpose like an easement or lease. They provide a clear, legally recognized record of property boundaries and features, which is essential for a range of activities including buying/selling, development, legal disputes, and mortgage lending.
Deposited plans are identified by a unique “DP” number and are prepared by registered surveyors, then lodged and registered with the state’s land registry. They serve as a foundational document for understanding and managing property rights and obligations.
Key Components of a Deposited Plan Include:
- Measurements of the property’s size and shape, including the length, width, and area of each lot
- Details of physical and unseen boundaries, such as survey marks, fences, roads, and natural features
- Subdivision information, including lot numbers and dimensions
- Easements, resumptions, or other restrictions affecting the land
How do Deposited Plans Differ from Strata Plans
Deposited plans focus on defining the legal boundaries of individual land parcels, while strata plans are used to subdivide and manage multi-unit properties with shared common areas. Deposited plans and strata plans are two distinct types of land plans in Australia, with the following key differences:
Deposited Plans
- Deposited plans define the legal boundaries and features of a single parcel of land, often depicting a subdivision of a larger property.
- They provide detailed measurements, dimensions, and descriptions of the land boundaries, survey marks, and any physical features like fences, roads, or buildings.
- Deposited plans are required whenever a new land parcel is created, such as through subdivision, or when an existing parcel needs to be legally defined for a specific purpose like an easement or lease.
Strata Plans
- Strata plans are used to legally document multi-unit properties or buildings, defining the boundaries of individual lots or units as well as the common property areas.
- They outline the three-dimensional space and boundaries of each strata lot, as well as the shared common areas owned collectively by the owners’ corporation.
- Strata plans are essential for establishing ownership, management responsibilities, and regulations within a strata scheme, which can include apartments, townhouses, commercial/retail spaces, and other multi-unit developments.
The Main Components of a Deposited Plan
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Lot Boundaries and Dimensions
The deposited plan defines the precise legal boundaries of each lot or parcel of land, including the length, width, and total area measurements.
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Physical and Unseen Boundaries
The plan details any physical features like fences, roads, buildings, as well as unseen boundaries such as survey marks that delineate the property lines.
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Lot Numbers
Each individual lot or parcel is assigned a unique lot number for identification purposes.
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Easements, Resumptions, and Restrictions
The deposited plan records any easements, land resumptions, or other legal restrictions affecting the property.
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DP Number
Every deposited plan is assigned a unique “DP” identification number, such as DP 896528, which is used to reference the plan.
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Surveyor Details
Deposited plans are prepared and certified by registered land surveyors.
