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Certain aspects of an agricultural/farming lifestyle are distinct and need to be clearly understood in their own right.

Given the importance of the land to generating income, prospective buyers and vendors cannot be too careful when contemplating or undertaking a transaction.

The important features of rural conveyancing are as follows:

Disclosure and Pre-Contractual Negotiations:

Largely the onus is upon the purchaser to look out for their interests when undertaking a land transaction. While there are some obligations on behalf of the vendor that must be fulfilled, the purchaser must take care.

Pre-contractual enquiries largely concern the quality of the land that is the subject of the sale.

General information regarding a property can be acquired from Rural Lands Protection Boards and Agriculture NSW. This might include adverse matters and other notices. However in terms of more specific information, prospective purchasers should carefully inspect the property and list all relevant queries.

Other enquiries that are available regarding rural land in particular include the following:

  • Chemical Residues – The presence of chemical residues in animal and plant products can have a major impact on profitability. Prospective purchasers should check land for typical sites of chemical disposal such as pesticide storage sheds, used drums or disposal sites etc – see Stock (Chemical Residues) Act 1975
  • Livestock Diseases – Some livestock diseases might persist on contaminated land even when the property is de-stocked when sold, such as Johne’s disease and anthrax. Protection zones are declared in some parts of NSW – see Stock Diseases Act 1923
  • Plant Diseases and Pests – Vegetables, fruits, cereals and other crops can be affected by diseases. Protection zones exist in some parts of NSW such as for bunchy top bananas on the North Coast – see Plant Diseases Act 1924
  • Noxious Weeds – Legislation makes the occupier of land responsible for the control of specified weeds such as Blackberry and Bathurst burr which can invade neighbouring properties affecting productivity. After the land is sold, the new occupies may also be bound by any previous notices and may be liable for outstanding costs – see Noxious Weeds Act 1993
  • Noxious Animals and Insects – Land holders are required to actively control noxious animals such as rabbits, wild dogs and pigs – see Rural Lands Protection Act 1989

Land Use Planning

Aspects of agricultural land not governed by legislation may affect land suitability such as topography, climate, soils, water availability and natural vegetation. Infrastructure and other improvements such as road access, sheds, yards and fences, water and power supply are also important.

Vendor Statutory Disclosure

Under the terms of the Conveyancing (Sale of Land) Regulation 2000 prescribed documents are regulated.

It is essential that vendors realise how important it is to make to note whether they have received any Notices within the meaning of the Regulations pursuant to the Water Act, Stock Diseases Act, Stock (Chemical Residues) Act, Soil Conservation Act and Native Vegetation Conservation Act . If the vendor has received any of those notices and does not disclose them the result is a breach of warranty with all the consequences for either vendor or purchaser that flow from there.

Access

It is important to assess what access is legally available, especially regarding easements. It often occurs in rural conveyancing that what a vendor had always thought was legal access leading to his property was in actual fact access across a stock route or an easement running across neighbour’s land.

Water Entitlements

It is essential that water entitlements be verified. Water licences and details pertaining to details of irrigation rights detail the amount of water that can be pumped for irrigation purposes and details of bores. Water is allocated over a 12 month period and may be carried over following sale of property. In cases such as these water rights can be sold.

Minister’s Consent

A vendor must attach an application for Minister’s consent when submitting a contract for sale of land. The vendor will be responsible for lodging the Minister’s consent and pay the Minister’s consent fee.

Relevant Authorities

The local council, Land and Water Conservation, Environment Protection Authority and other Government agencies control various aspects of rural land use covering areas as diverse as development and building approval; land clearing, irrigation; and intensive livestock production.

Albury Conveyancing Service have the skill and expertise to assist you right through out the buying and selling of rural property.  Contact us now or email us with any of your queries.

DISCLAIMER

This information is provided as an overview and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. If you require further advice in relation to the above please contact us at Albury Conveyancing Service.