A substantial part of the land occupied by the University is Crown land, issued under either a deed of grant or as a designated reserve, with the University Council being the trustee. The University may from time to time acquire further land, that because of the conditions of acquisition, would remain freehold.
However, it is the practice of the University, that under normal circumstances, when it acquires land in freehold it surrenders this to the Crown and has it annexed to the existing reserve, so that the acquired land enjoys the same status as the remainder of the University land.
Approval to purchase property is granted by Council, although Council has delegated authority to the Vice-Chancellor to commit funds within approved budgetary limits.