Burial is becoming less common these days due to the costs associated with purchasing burial plots. The costs vary from cemetery to cemetery but the cost is significant regardless. There are a number of things to consider before deciding to bury.
In NSW, the land used for a burial site is not owned by the deceased person or their family. Rather, the holder of the burial site purchases an “internment right” for Government or privately-owned land, and then has the legal right to bury the remains of a deceased person in that place.
The NSW Government introduced regulations to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 in 2018, to enable cemeteries and crematoriums throughout NSW to offer “renewable internment rights” to only lease burial plots? The leases are available for a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 99 years, after which time the family has an option to renew the lease or risk having the remains of their loved one removed from the burial site.
The cost of a burial plot varies dramatically depending on a number of factors, including:
Cemetery location
Specific cemetery
Plot location within cemetery
Type of burial plot
Style of burial plot
Term of internment
Extra inclusions
Due to so many varying factors, it is difficult to estimate the cost. However, it is likely to cost between $9,500 to $20,000 or more for a burial plot, especially in Sydney.
It is advisable to purchase the burial plot first for a number of reasons, Firstly the price of burial plots continue to increase in price due to limited availability of land. Preplanning early is a good idea as it can save you money. Secondly, buying the burial plot first ensures that you purchase a coffin or casket that will fit the burial plot. This avoids any issues before the burial.
There are many cemeteries in NSW. It is worthwhile to research a few cemeteries and then to contact them directly. You can book an appointment with one of their sale consultants to see what each cemetery has to offer.
Yes, graves are filled in the same day as the burial. This ensures safety all round.
If you wish to transfer or sell your burial plot to someone else, you will need to discuss this with the cemetery as each cemetery has its own policies.
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