What Is a Property Title Search and When Might You Need One?

A property title search is a search of the relevant land-title register for a particular parcel of land. It is commonly used to check the registered owner, identify the legal land description and review registered interests recorded against the title at the time represented by the search.

When might you need one?

Common reasons include buying or selling property, refinancing, checking ownership, investigating an easement or covenant, preparing for building or renovation work, researching a property issue, or finding the title reference needed to obtain another registered document.

What may appear on the result?

The exact format varies by jurisdiction, but common information includes the registered proprietor, title or folio identifier, lot and plan details and references to registered dealings. A short notation is not necessarily the complete wording of the underlying instrument.

What should you do with a dealing reference?

If an easement, covenant, mortgage, caveat or other entry points to a separate registered instrument, obtain that document when its detailed terms matter. Legal interpretation should come from a conveyancer or solicitor.

Frequently asked questions

Does a title search prove where my fence should be?

No. A cadastral surveyor is needed to re-establish a legal boundary on the ground.

Can it show easements?

It may record or refer to registered easements, but another instrument or plan may contain the full details.

Limits of the search

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.