The Preliminary Examination service provides an initial examination and assessment of deposited, strata or community plans against lodgment and registration requirements before plans are formally lodged with NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS).
A Preliminary Examination provides assurance to all parties to the development that the plans are ready for formal lodgment, allowing parties to address any errors or issues before the plans are formally lodged and examined by NSW LRS
This can reduce the likelihood of legal or survey requisitions during the lodgment process, resulting in smoother plan examination and registration for all parties involved in the property development, including homeowners, developers, surveyors, solicitors and conveyancers.
A Preliminary Examination is often carried out at the same time as the plans are presented to local council, consent authorities and/or certifiers for subdivision approval (i.e. when the parcel layout is complete and the development is awaiting approval).
Benefits
The benefits of the Preliminary Examination service include:
- Advance written notice of any issues with survey or title that will require amendment or revision before the plan can be registered.
- An opportunity to address errors and issues before the plan is formally lodged, reducing the chance of delays in its examination and registration.
- Reducing the likelihood of requests for further legal or surveying information after the plan is lodged.
- Determining whether the plan is ready for lodgment concurrently with (rather than after) obtaining input and approval from local council, consent authorities, and other parties. This is particularly useful for complex plans.
- A NSW LRS representative will assist with understanding any issues or errors identified by the Preliminary Examination and how they can be addressed.
Some matters are beyond the control of NSW LRS and may not be addressed by a Preliminary Examination. Find out more about these matters in the RG’s Guidelines.
Fees
A regulated fee is payable for the NSW LRS Preliminary Examination service. For details of those fees, see the Titling and Plan Services section of the NSW LRS Fees webpage.
Submitting plans using the Preliminary Examination service
The Registrar General's Guidelines set out information needed to submit a plan using the Preliminary Examination service. You can submit plans for the Preliminary Examination service online using ePlan or in person at the NSW LRS Customer Service Counter. The plan submitted for a Preliminary Examination must be the final version of the plan scheme.
Find out more
To learn how our Preliminary Examination service could benefit you and your customers read our Preliminary Examination service brochure or email NSW LRS today.
Electronic signing and witnessing
For any enquiries regarding the functionality in these new forms please contact NSW LRS on +61 2 8776 3575 or 1300 396 076 or DigitalPlans@nswlrs.com.au.