Certificates

Certificates identify the current heritage status of a property and are available to all members of the public.

How can I find out if a particular place is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register?

If you want to find this out for interest, you can search online for a property by its name and/or address in the Victorian Heritage Register found on the Victorian Heritage Database. If it is a registered property, the record will appear with a Victorian Heritage Register number, for example H1234.

If you need to determine heritage status for legal purposes, such as conveyancing, you can apply for a heritage certificate to identify the current status of the property, not only whether or not it is registered, but also whether it has been nominated or is being considered.

Will a Heritage Certificate show me ALL heritage matters affecting a property?

Not always. Many places are protected at the local level under the heritage overlay to the relevant planning scheme. A heritage certificate will not reveal local government heritage interest in a property. You should check with the relevant council or you could check online at Planning Maps Online.

Can I apply for a Heritage Certificate online?

Yes, simply follow Heritage Certificates Online.

You will need enough details to identify the property in question (address, title particulars), and you will need a credit card to make the payment of $25.

In most cases your certificate will be available to download immediately. In a very few cases it might need to be processed manually and may take a few days.

What if I don’t want to apply online?

You can apply directly to Heritage Victoria for a certificate which will be posted to you within 10 business days (excluding postage time).

You will need to obtain and fill in a Heritage certificate application form. Or you may use the standard Property Inquiry Application form available at all local government offices.

The application form must be accompanied by a copy of the Certificate of Title and title plan and a cheque made out to Heritage Victoria for the sum of $25.

When filling in the application form, make sure that all of the applicable details are completed, otherwise the application may have to be returned to you for more information.

You should retain a copy of the completed application form for your records.
If you are enquiring about more than one property, a separate application form and fee must be submitted for each individual property.

Certificates will be issued within 10 working days (excluding postage time).

What does a heritage certificate tell me?

It answers all the following questions about a place or object

• Is it on the Victorian Heritage Register?
• If it is not on the Register, has an application been made to put it on?
• Is it currently under consideration for inclusion on the Register?
• Is it subject to an Interim Protection Order?
• Is the place included in the Heritage Inventory of places and objects of potential archaeological significance?
• Is there a repair order in force for a place or object already on the Register?
• Is there an Order of the Supreme Court in force to remedy or restrain a breach of the Heritage Act 1995?)
• Is it within a World Heritage Environs Area?
  
  

Certificate inquiry form (32Kb PDF)