Frequently asked questions

A title search is a current record of a parcel of land held by the relevant state or territory land registry. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may show the registered owner or interest holder, the property's legal land description and registered interests such as mortgages, caveats, easements and covenants.

The exact format varies by state or territory, but a current title search commonly includes:The registered proprietor, owner or leaseholderThe property's title reference and legal land descriptionRegistered mortgagesCaveatsEasements, covenants and other registered interestsThe status of the title at the time of the search

The terms are often used interchangeably by the public, but they are not always technically identical. Most Australian jurisdictions now maintain electronic title registers, and some no longer issue paper Certificates of Title. The current registry search is the record generally ordered when someone wants to check the current title details for a property.

Not exactly. “Title deed” is a commonly searched term, but Australian land ownership is generally recorded through state and territory Torrens title registers. A current title search provides the current registered information for the land; it is not necessarily a historic paper deed.

Title searches are commonly ordered by property buyers and owners, conveyancers, solicitors, owner-builders, developers, investors, certifiers and other professionals completing property due diligence.

You may need one to confirm who is registered on title, check the legal land description, identify registered mortgages or caveats, investigate easements or covenants, support a building or owner-builder process, or complete property due diligence.

In most cases, land title registers can be searched by members of the public for legitimate property-related purposes. Access and the information supplied remain subject to the rules of the relevant registry and applicable laws.

A title search shows the registered information held by the relevant land registry at the time of the search. It is an important ownership record, but TitleNow cannot interpret its legal effect or provide legal advice. If ownership is disputed or the record is unclear, speak with a conveyancer or property lawyer.

A standard current title search usually focuses on the current title record. If you need earlier ownership or title dealings, you may require a historical title search or additional historical documents, depending on the state or territory.

Not necessarily. A standard current title search is not a property sales-history report or valuation. Sale dates and consideration may appear in some records or related dealings, but you should not order a title search solely to obtain market-value or sales-history information.