Land Title Search & Property Documents

Property Title Search & Documents

Before conducting a land title search or a search for other property documents, you might want to know a few things about them.

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Charter Keck Cramer

Titles

What is a title and why do you need one?

A land title is the official and legal document that outlines the property’s ownership, as well as any associated instruments, dealings and owners corporation. Because it includes interests and restrictions on the land, it is the most essential document for property stakeholders.

What is a title useful for?

Here are some examples of how a title might be used:

How do you access a title?

A title is a public record that is made available through state land registries in Australia. Before the digital age transformed the way we access information and documents, land titles existed only in paper form, and a title search would be conducted in person at the relevant state land registry. Now, a title search can be conducted by anyone online, subject to a fee, through a select number of authorised providers. Landchecker is one of these providers.

What is a title search?

A title search is the examination of public records to determine the legal owner of a specific property. By conducting a title search, you’ll determine if there are existing easements, covenants, caveats, mortgages or other claims and liens that could delay or prevent the transfer of the property.

This process involves purchasing the official title from government land registries using identifiers such as a volume/folio, address or lot/plan number.

If you’re buying, selling or developing a property in Australia, conducting a title search is a key step to find out if there are any issues that could affect the decision to buy the property or the final amount to pay.

Aside from personally visiting government offices, title searches can also be done online through state land registry services or authorised brokers like Landchecker. This makes it easier and more convenient to retrieve a copy of the title for your property.

Title search vs Property title search vs Land title search

Title search, property title search and land title search are different terms used interchangeably when searching for property documents in Australia. These words mean the same thing, which is purchasing a title document for a property or land parcel.

How to do a title search in Australia

Title searches can be done through state land registries, which retain government records about ownership and other interests in the property. Title searches can be done for any property, and anyone can request a title search.

Here’s a quick guide on how to perform a title search in Australia:

Step 1: Select your provider

Choose between purchasing a property document via the state land registries or approved information brokers, such as Landchecker. Buying a title online through an information broker may require you to sign up for a free account.

Step 2: Choose a property identifier you’ll use to purchase the title

There are different property identifiers you can use to purchase a title. If your property is located in NSW, you can use the title reference. If it’s in VIC, you have the option to use the volume/folio, crown description, SPI or council number of the property.

Step 3: Complete and submit your application

Add all the property information needed to complete your order, such as a job reference which helps you easily find the document in your order manager.

Step 4: Receive a copy of title

The title can be delivered to your inbox in just a few minutes or within 24 hours after placing your order online.

What information you get in a title search

A title search provides you with a copy of the title, which shows details about the ownership, liens, and dealings of a property. Here are more details on the information you’ll see on a title:

Ownership details - This section lists the name(s) of the legal owner(s), it also explains the nature of the ownership, whether it’s sole ownership, joint tenants or tenancy in common.

Legal property description - the property description includes the lot and plan numbers, land description, and dealings or instruments lodged in the property.

Encumbrances, easements, covenants - Encumbrances tell you if there are interests in the property or land by someone other than the rightful owner. On the other hand, easements refer to the rights of other individuals or organisations to use part of the property or land parcel. Finally, covenants are agreements registered on a title that explain what can or cannot be done to the property.

Mortgages - A title search helps confirm if there are any registered mortgages or loans secured against the property. Mortgages grant the lender legal rights, such as selling the property if the borrower fails to repay the loan under the agreed conditions.

Restrictions - These are limitations set on a property on how it can be used or developed. Restrictions are often set by the local council or planning authorities.

Associated dealings - The search may include recent transactions or applications affecting the title, such as transfers, leases or other lodgements. The title shows the dealing numbers, which can be used to purchase a document that shows the current status of the specific dealing.

Any other common information - A title search may also help you view information on the survey plan, administrative notices from the land registry, and notation of any special conditions lodged in the title.

When You Might Need a Title Search

There are different situations where you may need a title search including:

Before buying a property

A title search helps prevent fraud before buying a property since this process helps verify the legal owner of a property. It also reveals if there are existing encumbrances, mortgages or restrictions on the property.

Checking who legally owns a property

Doing a title search helps you confirm who owns the property and ensures the seller has the authority to transfer the ownership of the property. This search also verifies if any related dealings and instruments could affect the sale.

Refinancing your property

Lenders often request a new copy of title before approving a loan. If you’re refinancing your property, it’s important to do a title search and secure an updated title and check for new liens since the last title search.

Preparing legal documents

Having a good understanding of the title is crucial when preparing legal documents to avoid disputes and expensive litigation.

Development or planning applications

A title search is critical for property professionals who need to accurately confirm the land boundaries, easements and restrictions that may affect the development or planning phase.

Property due diligence

A title search is crucial when doing due diligence to help assess the value and potential risks when buying or selling a property. It also helps understand a property’s legal status to ensure the development or sale goes smoothly.

Checking for easements or restrictions

Checking for easements or restrictions before buying or selling a property can be done by conducting a title search. The result gives you a copy of the title, which shows if there are existing easements or restrictions against the property.

Titles by State: What you need, what you get

See below for each state:

Name of document

Details included on title

Details required to conduct a title search through Landchecker (you just need one listed)

In Vic, a Register Search Statement (Title) includes:

Land description

Registered proprietor

Encumbrances, caveats and notices

Diagram location

Activity in the last 125 days

Administrative notices

You can search by:

Address

Council Number

Crown Description

Lot/ Plan

SPI

Volume/ Folio

Individual Owners

Company Owners

In NSW, a Title (or Certificate of Title) includes:

Land description

Ownership details

Dealings

You can search by:

Address

Lot/Plan

Title Reference

Individual Owners

Company Owners

In QLD, a Title includes:

Land description

Type of ownership

Registered owner details and associated dealings

Easements, encumbrances and interests- all associated registered dealings

Administrative advices

Unregistered dealings

You can search by:

Address

Lot/Plan

In SA, a Title (or Certificate of Title)  includes:

Land description

Type of ownership

Registered proprietor

Last sale details

Easements

Encumbrances

Dealings

You can search by:

Address

How much does it cost to purchase a title through Landchecker?

At Landchecker, we ensure our titles and documents are competitively priced - and easy to purchase -  for our customers’ benefit. Prices vary slightly depending on state. See below.

Titles

Effective from 01 July 2025. Prices inc. GST.

Interested in bulk orders?

Landchecker offers competitively priced bulk title and document orders, reach out to our friendly sales team here to discuss your requirements. Simply supply a list of addresses you require titles for - job references and invoice terms are also available.

Searching and Purchasing

How do you search for a title or doc through Landchecker?

There are two ways to do this, and both are simple and seamless within the app:

You can either:

In map view, enter your address into the search bar, or click on the property on the map. Then select the ‘Documents’ tab which appears in the property information panel. And select the relevant document from the list.

Or:

Click on the Document Searches tab in the app navigation bar (next to Map tab). Select the state, then search by the dropdown criteria options for that state (eg. address or volume/folio).

How do you purchase a title or doc through Landchecker?

Once you have selected your title / doc (see above steps),  simply add your selected item to your shopping cart, and go to checkout.

How quickly do you get your title or doc once purchased?

It’s made Instantly available to you, so you can download it straight away.

Other Documents

Apart from titles, what other documents can you purchase through Landchecker?

Here is a comprehensive list of all the documents you can purchase through Landchecker. Prices vary depending on state. Document names might vary depending on the state, and some documents are only applicable or available for certain states.

Property Document Searches

Company Searches

Designed For Businesses

Order any property documents relating to your subject property directly from the Landchecker map.

Instantly receive titles by email or view documents in the Order Manager.

Assign a Job Reference to each search for invoicing purposes.

Assign permissions per user.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a title search?

A title search is the process of reviewing public records to confirm property ownership and identify any existing claims or liens on the property.

What information does a title search include?

Title searches include ownership details, property descriptions, encumbrances, easements, covenants, mortgages, restrictions, and dealings.

How do I request a title search?

You can request a title search from state government websites or an authorised information broker.

How much does a title search cost?

A title search costs between AUD $16 to AUD $100 depending on the state.

Do I need to own the property to request a title search?

No, you do not need to own the property to request a title search.

What’s the difference between a Land Title and a Certificate of Title?

Land title and certificate of title can be used interchangeably. You may see it called a certificate of title in some states like NSW or simply title register in others like Victoria. While the terminology vary between states, they all have the same purpose which is showing who owns the property and any encumbrances, mortgages, or caveats registered against it.

How long does it take to receive a title search?

It takes a few minutes or less than 24 hours to receive the results of a title search. The timeframe varies depending on the state and the availability from the relevant land registry.