What Is a Notice of Acquisition in Victoria? Why It Matters After Settlement

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What Is a Notice of Acquisition?

A Notice of Acquisition (NOA) is a statutory notice that must be lodged when land changes ownership in Victoria.

It:

  • Notifies government and statutory authorities of the change in ownership

  • Ensures future correspondence (e.g. rates, land tax, water) is sent to the correct owner

  • Forms part of the post-settlement process in every land transaction

Lodging this notice is a mandatory requirement under Section 42A of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).

Who Receives the Notice of Acquisition?

Once lodged, the NOA is automatically forwarded to:

  • The local council (for municipal rates)

  • The water authority (for usage and service charges)

  • The State Revenue Office (SRO) (for land tax and duty purposes)

  • Any relevant owners corporation (in strata or apartment buildings)

This ensures your name is recorded as the new ratepayer and property owner in all public-facing databases.

What Information Is Included?

The Notice of Acquisition contains:

  • The name and address of the new owner

  • The property address and land description (title reference, volume and folio)

  • The date of acquisition (usually the settlement date)

  • The assessed consideration or market value of the property

It also includes the details of the conveyancer or legal representative who prepared it.

Why Does It Matter?

Without a properly lodged NOA:

  • Authorities will continue sending bills and notices to the previous owner

  • The new owner may miss critical rate or water notices

  • The SRO may issue land tax assessments based on outdated records

  • You may incur late fees or unpaid notices without realising it

At Victorian Property Settlements, we ensure this process is completed promptly after settlement, so you don't have to worry about notices going to the wrong person.

Do You Need to Lodge It Yourself?

No. When you engage Victorian Property Settlements, we:

  • Automatically lodge the NOA via the PEXA workspace or Land Use Victoria

  • Ensure the data is correct and matches your contract

  • Provide confirmation that it’s been completed

  • Make sure your council and water records update without delay

Special Cases: When Extra Care Is Needed

Extra care is required where:

  • The property is being transferred into a trust or SMSF

  • The property is subdivided or newly titled land

  • The purchaser’s mailing address is not the property address

We ensure these notices include the correct postal contact address to avoid any confusion with councils or the SRO.

David Dawn’s Advice to Purchasers

“You’ve paid for the property—make sure the right people know it. A Notice of Acquisition isn’t optional, and it protects you from getting blamed for someone else’s unpaid rates or charges.”

Final Thoughts

Settlement may be complete—but the paperwork continues behind the scenes. A properly prepared and lodged Notice of Acquisition is essential to protect your ownership rights, avoid delays, and ensure you stay informed on future property obligations.

Need Trusted Guidance from Start to Finish?

Victorian Property Settlements – Handling every detail for over 25 years.
📍 Frankston | 📞 03 9783 0111 | ✉️ david@quick32.com
🌐 www.victorianpropertysettlements.com.au