The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) processes Crown road purchase applications under provisions in the Roads Act 1993.
This table outlines approximate timeframes for the statutory processes, starting from the date the department commences the application, not from the date of receipt.
Applicants should be aware that the timeframes below are an estimate only. They do not include time to negotiate a resolution for affected parties or other unforeseeable delays.
Steps | Estimated timeframe | Description |
---|---|---|
Department commences application | 1 week | Initial investigation of the road purchase application |
Detailed investigation | 4 weeks | Assessment including property ownership, access, Crown road status Preparation for advertisement and referencing documents and diagrams |
Notification of proposal to sell Crown road | 6 weeks | This timeframe includes the 28-day submission period |
Submission assessment^ | 6 weeks | Consider submissions and contact affected parties for further information if required |
Decision | 4 weeks | Decision by the delegate of the minister administering the Crown Lands Management Act 2016 to dispose (sell) or retain the Crown road |
Agreement to purchase Crown road | 4 weeks | This timeframe allows the applicant to consider and respond to the agreement before returning the signed contract for sale |
Invoice for road purchase | 4 weeks | The applicant receives an invoice that must be paid within 4 weeks, and pays Stamp Duty* directly to Revenue NSW |
Drawing, approval and lodgement of plan | 3 weeks | This timeframe will extend where a survey plan is required or where easement documents require signatures of affected parties |
Plan registration* | 3–4 weeks | This timeframe may change and is dependent on NSW Land Registry Services processes |
Transfer form | 2–4 weeks | This timeframe allows the applicant to receive, sign and return the transfer form |
Registration of transfer of ownership* | 4–6 weeks | This timeframe may change and is dependent on NSW Land Registry Services processes |
Statutory process complete | 41–46 weeks (10–11 months) |
Processing times are an estimate and are affected by mediation of submissions
* Processing times are an estimate and are affected by response timeframes from external agencies and third parties