You've ordered your Queensland title search—now what? For many people, a title search document can look confusing at first glance. Legal references, dealing numbers, and unfamiliar terminology can make it hard to know what's important and what's routine.
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.
Current Title / State Lease
Start here to confirm the current registered owner, title reference and registered interests.
$74.50 · Order this document
Image of Survey Plan (SP/RP)
Add the plan if boundaries, lot layout, easements or strata/common property matter.
$85.90 · 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.
This guide walks you through every section of a Queensland title search, explaining what each element means in plain English.
Overview: What You're Looking At
A Queensland title search (officially called a "Title Search" or "Title Reference Search") is a document extracted from Queensland's official land titles registry. It provides a snapshot of all registered information about a specific property at the time of the search.
The document typically contains these key sections:
1. Title reference
2. Registered owner(s)
3. Land description
4. Registered interests (encumbrances)
5. Search details
Let's walk through each one.
Section 1: Title Reference
At the top of your title search, you'll see the title reference number. This is the unique identifier for this particular title in Queensland's land registry.
Example: `50012345` What it means: Every property in Queensland has a unique title reference. This number is used for all official dealings with the property—transfers, mortgages, and council applications all reference this number. What to check: Make sure the title reference matches the property you intended to search. If you're buying a property, confirm this matches the title reference in the contract of sale.Section 2: Registered Owner(s)
This section shows who legally owns the property.
What you'll see:Ownership Types Explained
Sole owner: One person or entity owns the entire property. Joint tenants: Two or more owners who each own an equal, undivided share. If one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s)—this is called "right of survivorship." Tenants in common: Two or more owners who each own a specific share (not necessarily equal). Each owner can deal with their share independently—sell it, mortgage it, or leave it in their will. What to check:Section 3: Land Description
This section describes the physical property using its legal description.
What you'll see:Plan Types Explained
SP (Survey Plan): Modern survey plan—most properties since the 1990s. RP (Registered Plan): Older survey plan format—common for established properties. BUP (Building Units Plan): Strata title (units, apartments, townhouses). GTP (Group Titles Plan): Older strata format, now superseded but still referenced. CP (Crown Plan): Government land or original crown grants. What to check:Section 4: Registered Interests (Encumbrances)
This is often the most important section for buyers and investors. It lists everything registered against the title that affects the property.
Mortgages
What you'll see: "Mortgage No. 7XXXXX to [Bank Name]" What it means: The property is security for a loan. This is normal—most properties have at least one mortgage. What to check: Mortgages are discharged (removed) at settlement when you buy the property. Your conveyancer handles this. The existence of a mortgage is not a concern for buyers.Easements
What you'll see: "Easement No. 7XXXXX [type] in favour of [party]" What it means: Someone else has specific rights over part of the property. Common types include:Caveats
What you'll see: "Caveat No. 7XXXXX by [Name]" What it means: Someone is claiming an interest in the property that hasn't been formally registered as ownership. Common reasons include:Covenants
What you'll see: "Covenant No. 7XXXXX" What it means: Restrictions on what you can do with the property. Common in newer estates:Administrative Advices
What you'll see: "Administrative Advice No. 7XXXXX – [Type]" What it means: A government notice affecting the property:Section 5: Search Details
The bottom of the document shows:
Common Questions When Reading Your Title Search
"There are multiple easements—is that bad?"
Not necessarily. Most properties have at least one or two easements (usually for utilities). Multiple easements are common and routine. The key question is whether they affect your intended use of the property. Check their locations on the survey plan.
"The title shows a mortgage—should I be worried?"
No. Mortgages are standard on most properties. They'll be discharged when the property settles. This is your conveyancer's responsibility.
"I see a caveat—what do I do?"
Don't panic, but do investigate. Caveats can be legitimate (like a buyer's deposit caveat during a pending sale) or concerning (like a dispute over ownership). Ask the selling agent and your conveyancer to explain.
"The land area seems smaller than I expected"
The title search shows the registered area, which is the legal measurement. This may differ slightly from marketing materials or your visual impression. For precise boundaries, refer to the survey plan.
"I don't see a building on the title—is that normal?"
Yes. Title searches show land ownership and registered interests—not buildings. Buildings are shown on survey plans and council records. The title confirms you own the land; council records confirm what's built on it.
When to Get Professional Help
While this guide helps you understand your title search, always have your conveyancer or solicitor review it as part of any property transaction. They can:
Need a Title Search to Read?
Start with the document. Order your title search and use this guide to understand exactly what your property's title reveals.
✓ Clear, official Queensland land title records
✓ Fast delivery (~2 hours)
✓ Use this guide to understand your results
✓ Expert support if you need help
*Title Finder is an independent, privately operated service providing title searches sourced from Queensland land title records. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any Queensland government authority.*
