If you’re involved in buying, selling, or researching property in New South Wales, you’ve likely encountered the term “Deposited Plan”—but what exactly does it mean, and why does it matter? Let’s unpack the concept and explore how these plans fit into the legal and logistical fabric of property ownership.
The basics: What is a Deposited Plan?
A Deposited Plan (DP) is a formal legal document that outlines the precise boundaries, dimensions, and location of a parcel of land. Registered with NSW Land Registry Services, it serves as an official map that defines how land is subdivided or consolidated.
These plans are typically drawn up by licensed surveyors and submitted for registration when land is:
- Subdivided into separate lots
- Consolidated from multiple titles
- Redescribed to reflect boundary changes
Each DP is assigned a unique number (e.g., DP 123456) and becomes a permanent part of the NSW land titling system.
Why are Deposited Plans important?
Think of a deposited plan as the DNA of land titles in NSW. It’s the foundational document that supports:
- Accurate property identification – The lot and DP number listed on a property title link back to a specific deposited plan
- Property boundaries – DPs establish legal boundaries and dimensions that are crucial in disputes, developments, and renovations
- Land development – Every time land is subdivided for housing or rezoned for commercial use, a DP must be lodged and approved
Without a DP, land parcels would have no formal definition, making ownership unclear and development unmanageable
How do Deposited Plans relate to other land documents?
Deposited plans are part of a broader ecosystem of documents used to define, manage, and transact land. Some closely related terms include:
- Title Certificates – These cite the DP number to legally describe a property
- Strata Plans – A subtype of deposited plan used when land is divided into lots and shared spaces (e.g. apartment buildings)
- Covenants, Easements, and Restrictions – These often appear on deposited plans as notations, showing rights of access or building limitations
Where to find Deposited Plans
You can access deposited plans through:
- NSW Land Registry Services
- InfoTrackGO’s online property reports
- Conveyancers and solicitors who assist in property transactions
They’re frequently included in contract for sale documents and form part of the due diligence process for buyers.
How to order from InfoTrackGO
Ordering a Deposited Plan through InfoTrackGO is quick, straightforward, and doesn’t require a subscription. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit www.infotrackgo.com.au
- Search by Address or Title Reference
Enter the property address, title reference, or lot and plan number in the search bar - Select the Property
Choose the correct listing from the search results - Choose the Documents You Need
Tick “Deposited Plan” from the available reports (you can also add titles, zoning certificates, dealings, and more) - Add to Cart & Checkout
Pay securely online—no account or login required - Receive Your Documents Instantly
Your reports are emailed to you and also available for immediate download on the confirmation page
With InfoTrackGO, you can get the documents you need in minutes—ideal for homebuyers, investors, builders, and legal professionals.
Q&A: common questions about Deposited Plans
Q: Is a Deposited Plan the same as a title?
A: Not quite. A deposited plan outlines the boundaries and lot arrangement of land. The title is the legal record of ownership, which refers back to the deposited plan for the physical details.
Q: How do I find the DP number for a property?
Q: Can one Deposited Plan include multiple lots?
Q: What’s the difference between a DP and an SP (Strata Plan)?
Q: Do Deposited Plans show zoning or building restrictions?
A: Not directly. However, deposited plans may reference easements, restrictions, or covenants, which can affect land use. For zoning information, you’ll need a separate zoning certificate or planning report.
Final thoughts
While they might not be as exciting as a new listing or renovation plan, deposited plans are quietly powerful. They underpin the certainty, legality, and function of land ownership in NSW. Whether you’re a buyer, developer, legal professional or simply curious about your land, understanding deposited plans equips you to navigate property with confidence.
Looking to uncover more about a property you’re interested in? Start with a title search, deposited plan download, or zoning report on InfoTrackGO—and take the guesswork out of the ground beneath your feet.
