The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

4.6.8.10 Defining land adjacent to the principal home

Summary

This topic discusses:

  • the definition of the term 'adjacent land'
  • usage of the term
  • assessing adjacent land under the private land use test (4.6.8.40), and
  • assessing adjacent land under the extended land use test (4.6.8.50).

Definition of adjacent land

The term adjacent land describes the land surrounding the principal home that is held under the same title document.

Act reference: SSAct section 11A Principal home …, section 11A(11) Definition of title document

Usage

The term adjacent land applies to land assessed under the private land use test, OR from 1 January 2007, for age pensioners and CP recipients of age pension age, the extended land use test.

Act reference: SSAct section 11A(3) Private land use test, section 11A(6) Extended land use test

Assessing adjacent land under the private land use test

The maximum amount of land adjacent to the principal home that can be exempted under the private land use test is 2 hectares.

If the principal home is a dwelling-house, the land adjacent must be:

  • held on the same title document, and
  • must be used PRIMARILY for private or domestic purposes.

If the principal home is a flat or home unit - a garage or storeroom, the land adjacent must be used PRIMARILY for private or domestic purposes in association with the flat or home unit.

Act reference: SSAct section 11A Principal home …, section 11A(1)(a) if the principal home is a dwelling-house …, section 11A(1)(b) if the principal home is a flat or home unit …, section 11A(3) Private land use test

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.6.8.40 Private land use test

Assessing adjacent land under the extended land use test

From 1 January 2007 the maximum amount of land adjacent to the dwelling-house that can be exempted under the extended land use test is all land on the same title document as the income support recipient's principal home.

Act reference: SSAct section 11A(1)(a) if the principal home is a dwelling-house …, section 11A(6) Extended land use test, section 11A(11) Definition of title document

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.6.8.50 General Provisions for the Extended Land Use Test

Last reviewed: