C of O, Governor’s Consent, Gazette: what each one actually gives you

Buyers often ask which title is “best”. The more useful question is which title fits the land in front of you, and what it lets you do next.

Certificate of Occupancy

The state's grant of a right of occupancy over a specific parcel, for a term of years. It is the cleanest starting point, and the one lenders are most comfortable with.

Governor's Consent

Where land already under a C of O changes hands, the transfer needs the Governor's consent to be valid. A deal that skips it leaves the buyer holding an unperfected interest.

Registered Gazette

Publishes land excised from government acquisition back to a community. It establishes the community's right to deal in the land, which is why gazette land is often cheaper and often earlier-stage.

Government Allocation

Land allocated by a state scheme, typically with a letter of allocation that later converts. The conversion path matters more than the letter.

Whatever the type, verification asks the same two questions: is the document genuine and registrable, and does it describe the land you are standing on?