How property acquisition works
The property acquisition process is designed to be fair, easy to understand, and transparent. Find out what to expect at each stage if your property is being acquired.
Understanding the property acquisition process
1. Why your property may be acquired
Private properties may be acquired when the NSW Government needs property to build public infrastructure. This can include projects such as public transport, roads, schools, hospitals and parklands.
These projects help to provide services for the community and provide infrastructure for the state's growing population.
We know the property acquisition can be an emotional and stressful experience and we aim to make this process fair, transparent and easy to understand.
In some cases, the acquisition will impact only part of your property.
2. Property valuation, compensation, and agreement
Acquisition by agreement
The acquisition support team will guide you through the key stages of property valuation, compensation and agreement.
Find valuation and compensation information for:
We strongly recommend you also get your own advice from an independent valuer and lawyer.
Time
You will have at least 6 months from when you receive a Commencement Letter to reach agreement with the acquiring authority on compensation.
This timeframe may be shortened under certain circumstances. This does not happen very often. Even when it does, the acquiring authority will strive to reach an agreed outcome with you if possible.
Key stages
- Project announced
- The acquiring authority contacts you
- You meet to discuss the process
- You will receive a Commencement Letter (also called an Opening Letter)
- Valuation reports are carried out
- You will receive an offer
- Working to reach an agreement
- Agreement reached and relocation
If you cannot reach an agreement
Compulsory acquisition
If you and the acquiring authority cannot reach an agreement on compensation, the acquiring authority may compulsorily acquire your property.
Time
You will usually have 90 days after receiving a Proposed Acquisition Notice (PAN) until your property is acquired.
You need to complete a Claim for Compensation form within 60 days of receiving the Proposed Acquisition Notice.
Key stages
- You receive a Proposed Acquisition Notice
- Negotiations may continue
- Your property is acquired and an Acquisition Notice is published
- You receive a Preliminary Valuation Report
- The Valuer General determines compensation
- You receive a compensation notice
- If you don’t agree with the compensation notice, you can lodge an objection with the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Download a guide
Our property acquisition guides take you through the acquisition process step by step.
The guides are available in English, Arabic (العربية), Chinese (Simplified) (简体中文), Chinese (Traditional) 繁體中文), Greek (Ελληνικά), Hindi (हिन्दी), Italian (Italiano), Korean (한국어), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt Nam).
Help and support
Your acquisition support team will help you with any questions about the acquisition process. Contact your Personal Manager or legal representative with any specific questions about your situation.
For general information about property acquisition in NSW:
- email the Centre for Property Acquisition
- call 1300 029 146
- use the online enquiry form.
Property Acquisition Support Line
The Property Acquisition Support Line has counsellors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support your mental and emotional welfare. This service is provided free-of-charge, to residents, tenants, business owners or their staff, who are impacted by property acquisition. Call the Property Acquisition Support Line on 1300 089 551.
Find out more about the Property Acquisition Support Line service.