About the Centre for Property Acquisition
We help communities across NSW understand the property acquisition process, provide impacted people with access to support services, and work with acquiring authorities to promote fair, transparent, and consistent practices.
Some NSW and Australian Government authorities, state-owned corporations and local councils are able to compulsorily acquire privately owned property for public purposes. These are known as acquiring authorities.
Our role
The CPA provides a central, whole-of-government function to improve property acquisition practices and support a consistent approach across NSW.
It supports acquiring authorities promote fair, transparent and consistent property acquisition practices through policy, guidance, training and performance monitoring.
This helps build confidence in the acquisition process while supporting the delivery of essential infrastructure and services for NSW communities.
The Centre also provides information, resources and support services to help communities understand the acquisition process and their rights.
The Centre for Property Acquisition is part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Our principles
We understand the property acquisition process can be an emotional and stressful experience.
We aim to support those impacted by property acquisition through ensuring fair, transparent, and consistent practices.
Property acquisition in NSW is driven by 10 guiding principles for property acquisitions.
Standards and minimum requirements
The Property Acquisition Standards are the core directions that all acquiring authorities should follow.
See the standards and minimum requirements.
The Just Terms Act
All NSW acquiring authorities are also required to comply with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.
Access to information
To promote open, accountable, fair and effective government in NSW, members of the public have a right to access government information.
The Centre for Property Acquisition will release information without the need for a formal application where possible. Contact us to begin.
You can formally request information by submitting an access application form.
As the Centre for Property Acquisition sits within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, refer to the Department's website for further details on accessing information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
Get in touch
For general information about property acquisition in NSW:
- email the Centre for Property Acquisition
- call 1300 029 146
- use the online enquiry form.
How 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.
Valuations and compensation
Find out about how your property will be valued, how to engage your own valuer, and what other types of compensation may be available to you.