An Individual Conservation Property is privately owned land that has been carefully selected for its ecological value. Often the properties have undergone restoration work and are protected by a conservation covenant or other legal agreements that include ongoing management plans.

By purchasing a conservation property, you become a steward of a unique part of Australia’s natural landscape, helping to protect threatened species and restore ecosystems while enjoying the beauty and privacy of your own property.

Sometimes. Some Cassinia Properties have stewardship management contracts, with annual payments available following the implementation of a site specific environmental management plan. When the property is still in the contract period, annual payments are paid to the new owner.

To find out whether a property has stewardship payments available, please view the individual property page.

Properties may also have the rights over biodiversity credits generated on a property included in the purchase. The management and sale of these would become the responsibility of the owner.

A conservation covenant is a legal agreement placed on the property title that permanently protects its conservation values. It stays with the land even if ownership changes.

Cassinia Environmental partners with Trust for Nature (TfN) for covenants on our properties. 

For you as a landowner, this means committing to manage the property in line with its conservation objectives – with the support of TfN and Cassinia Environmental when needed.

These covenants are tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each property, outlining management actions that must be undertaken, such as pest control, habitat restoration, or the protection of threatened species.

For more information on conservation covenants, click here.

It varies. Most properties include a designated ‘Domestic Area’ where you can build a house and associated infrastructure (subject to normal council planning approvals). The remainder of the land is managed for conservation.

The Domestic Area is a small portion of the property, outside the covenant, where you can build and maintain your dwelling, garden, sheds, and other domestic infrastructure. Beyond this area, land use is focused on conservation and must align with the property’s management plan.

Domestic Areas vary between properties. See an individual property page for site-specific information on a property's domestic area size and restrictions.

No prior experience is required, just a passion for nature and a willingness to learn. Many landowners come from non-conservation backgrounds. 

Cassinia provides a comprehensive handover at the time of sale, equipping you with important information about the property's ecological values, management practices and any endangered species present. This ensures you're set up with the knowledge needed to begin your stewardship with confidence.

You’ll be expected to undertake or oversee activities that protect and enhance the property, such as controlling weeds, managing pests, and monitoring biodiversity. These tasks are outlined in the conservation agreements attached to your property, which provide a clear roadmap for caring for your land.

In practical terms, you must use and manage the land (within the designated protected area) in a manner consistent with its conservation objectives. Restrictions may include to not:

• Remove or destroy any native plants, nor introduce any non native plants;
• Collect firewood or other naturally occurring materials (such as rock, soil or stone)
• Use recreational vehicles off formed tracks which disturb vegetation and the soil;
• Keep livestock or allow domestic animals to enter;
• Construct or place any structure, store materials, apply fertiliser or alter water flow;
• Allow the establishment and/or spread of pest animals or high threat weeds

Management requirements vary depending on the property’s condition, size, and season. As a guide, Cassinia’s experience suggests around 8 hours per month is a realistic commitment for landowners managing covenanted properties.

Yes. At the time of purchase, you will receive a comprehensive handover to ensure you are equipped to steward your property.

For properties protected by a Trust for Nature conservation covenant, ongoing support and guidance is available from Trust for Nature to help landowners manage the property in accordance with the Management Plan.

Legal agreements registered to the land title, such as a Trust for Nature conservation covenant or BushBroker agreement, remain with the land regardless of the owner

This means any future owner must also honour the conservation commitments and ensures your efforts to protect the landscape endure for generations to come.

By managing your property for conservation, you’re protecting critical habitats, creating wildlife corridors, and helping threatened species survive and thrive. Collectively, these properties reconnect fragmented landscapes and play a vital role in restoring Australia’s biodiversity.

Take a look at an individual property page to see what protected flora and fauna you may encounter (and help protect!) on a given property.

Most properties in Victoria attract land tax, however conservation properties may be exempt which can be a major, unique benefit for landowners.

"From the 2024 land tax year, land is exempt if it is protected by a conservation covenant which is registered on title, being a voluntary, legal agreement made between a private landowner and Trust for Nature to permanently conserve land. The exemption applies to the area of land which is protected by the covenant."*

This exemption is in place by the Victorian government to recognise your role in protecting biodiversity, offering ongoing savings and added value for your property.

In addition, some local councils may offer partial or full rate rebates on covenanted land. These rebates vary, so we recommend checking directly with your local council to confirm eligibility.

Read more on land tax here. If you have any questions on specific properties please speak with your solicitor or conveyancer

*Source: SRO Victoria: Land tax - frequently asked questions