Practical reference guide
Canberra title search: what to check before you rely on the property
A Canberra title search is useful when it helps you make a decision: can this seller sell, what interests are registered, and what extra document should you order next? This guide keeps it practical for Crown leasehold houses, unit titled apartments and properties with lease purpose clauses.
Quick answer
Start with a ACT Certificate of Title ($69.90) to confirm the current registered details. If the title mentions an easement, covenant, lease, caveat, strata/common property or plan reference, order the supporting plan or document as the next step. Do not stop at the price or the title name — the useful part is knowing which record answers your question.
Order the right document
Which TitleFinder product matches this check?
Use the article as a reference, then order the actual record below when you need evidence for a purchase, conveyancing file, council check or due-diligence review.
ACT Certificate of Title
Start here to confirm the current registered owner, title reference and registered interests.
$69.90 · Order this document
ACT Deposited Plan
Use this when the physical plan, lot boundaries, strata plan or access layout matters.
$85.90 · Order this document
ACT Instrument
Use this when you need the registered dealing/instrument behind an easement, covenant, lease or caveat.
$91.80 · Order this document
Not sure which document fits? Start with the current title search, then add the plan or instrument if the title points to one.
Use this as a real checklist, not SEO confetti
- Confirm the property identity: address, lot/plan, title reference and tenure type.
- Confirm the registered owner: make sure the seller or contracting party matches the current record.
- Read registered interests: mortgages, caveats, leases, easements, covenants or restrictions.
- Decide what is missing: if the title points to a plan or dealing, order that document instead of guessing.
- Compare against contract material: the title, plan, contract and disclosure documents should tell the same story.
Canberra-specific risks worth checking
In Canberra, the lease is not background paperwork. It is the core document that defines what the property actually is.
- Crown lease terms and expiry details
- lease purpose clauses and variations
- unit plan/common property interests
- registered instruments affecting use
| Risk area | What to look for | Useful next step |
|---|---|---|
| Crown | Crown lease terms and expiry details | Check the title first; add plan/instrument if the interest needs detail. |
| Lease | lease purpose clauses and variations | Check the title first; add plan/instrument if the interest needs detail. |
| Unit | unit plan/common property interests | Check the title first; add plan/instrument if the interest needs detail. |
| Registered | registered instruments affecting use | Check the title first; add plan/instrument if the interest needs detail. |
What the current title search is good for
The title search is the starting record. It is best for ownership, title reference, tenure type and registered interests. It is not a building inspection, flood report, planning certificate or legal advice. Treat it as the index that tells you what else deserves attention.
When to order another document
- Plan needed: when you need lot boundaries, strata layout, survey information or access context.
- Instrument/dealing needed: when an easement, lease, covenant, mortgage, transfer or other registered interest needs the actual wording.
- History needed: when an older interest, chain of title or pre-current-title issue matters.
Before you rely on the result
Save the ordered document with the property address, lot/plan details and date ordered. If it is for a purchase, send the title and any supporting plan/instrument to your conveyancer before the contract becomes unconditional.
FAQs
Is a Canberra title search enough before buying?
No. It is the first check. It confirms registered title details, but you may also need planning, building, flood, body corporate/strata or contract-specific checks.
Which document should I order first?
Start with the current title search for the relevant state. Add a plan or dealing instrument when the title refers to something you need to understand in detail.
Can TitleFinder help outside Queensland?
Yes. TitleFinder has products for NSW, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT as well as Queensland. Use the state-specific product links above so you order the right record.