Certificate of Title vs Property Deed: What Is the Difference?

Sep 17

2 min read

“Certificate of Title” and “property deed” are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they should not automatically be treated as the same legal concept in Australia.

Certificate of Title

In Torrens-title systems, the land register records the registered ownership and interests affecting the parcel. The customer-facing title document or search result reflects information from that register, with terminology varying by jurisdiction.

Property deed

“Deed” can refer to a legal instrument, and older deeds-based land systems have historical significance. For a modern Torrens-title property, asking for the “deed” may not identify the current title-search product you actually need.

What should you order?

If your goal is to check current registered ownership or interests, start with the current title-search product for the property's jurisdiction. If the title refers to another registered instrument, obtain that instrument separately where its terms matter.

Frequently asked questions

Should I ask for the deed when buying property in Australia?

For current Torrens-title information, identify the current title-search product rather than assuming “deed” is the correct term.

Can an old deed replace a current title search?

Not where you need the current registered position.

A title search is not a complete due-diligence report and does not establish a physical boundary on the ground. Separate planning, council, survey or legal enquiries may be needed depending on your purpose.

Related guides

What Is a Certificate of Title? · Paper and Electronic Property Titles

Certificate of Title vs property deed in Australia, explaining the difference between a land title record and a legal deed or instrument

Official sources

Titles Queensland · NSW Land Registry Services · Land.Vic · Landgate · Land Services SA · Service Tasmania · Access Canberra · Northern Territory Land Titles Office. Last reviewed: 8 September 2026.

A title search reports information recorded in the relevant land-title register at the time represented by the search. Later dealings may change the register.

Title Now is an independent property-document ordering service. It is not a government department, land registry, law firm, conveyancing practice or surveying business. This information is general and does not constitute legal, conveyancing, planning or surveying advice.