How to Read a Property Title Search Result

A property title search can look technical, but it becomes easier to read when you break it into a few parts: the title identifier, land description, registered proprietor and the interests or dealings recorded against the land.

1. Confirm the title or folio identifier

Check that the reference matches the property you intended to search. Do not rely only on the street address.

2. Read the land description

Look for the lot and plan or other legal parcel description. This connects the title to the registered land parcel.

3. Check the registered proprietor

The proprietor section records the person, people or entity registered as owner at the time represented by the search.

4. Review interests and dealing references

Mortgages, easements, covenants, caveats, leases, notices or other interests may be listed depending on the title. A dealing number is often a pointer to another registered document, not the full wording of that document.

5. Follow references that matter

If your question depends on the terms of an easement, covenant or other interest, obtain the referenced instrument or plan rather than trying to interpret a short notation in isolation.

Frequently asked questions

What should I read first?

Confirm the title identifier and legal land description.

What does a dealing number mean?

It commonly points to a separate registered document.

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.

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.