The Role of Title Searches in Queensland Conveyancing
If you have ever bought or sold property in Queensland, your solicitor or conveyancer will have ordered title searches as part of the conveyancing process. But what exactly are they looking for, and why are these searches so critical?
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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.
What Happens During Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. In Queensland, this involves contract signing, due diligence searches, finance approval, and settlement. Title searches are conducted at multiple points to protect both buyer and seller.
Pre-Contract Searches
Before signing a contract, a prudent buyer will order a current title search to verify the seller is the registered owner, the lot and plan description is correct, all encumbrances are identified, and there are no unexpected interests. This initial search costs just $74.50 AUD through TitleFinder.
Pre-Settlement Searches
Just before settlement, your conveyancer orders a fresh title search confirming nothing has changed since the contract was signed. They check for new caveats, additional mortgages, any dealings lodged that could affect the transfer, and court orders affecting the property.
Common Issues Found in Pre-Settlement Searches
Unresolved Caveats
A caveat is a notice registered on a title by someone claiming an interest in the property. Common reasons include unpaid builder claims, family law disputes, or unregistered interests from prior dealings. If a caveat exists at settlement, the seller must arrange for its removal.
Outstanding Mortgages
The seller's existing mortgage must be discharged at or before settlement. The pre-settlement search confirms the mortgage is still registered and your conveyancer coordinates with the seller's bank for simultaneous discharge and transfer.
New Easements or Dealings
Occasionally, a new easement or dealing may be registered between contract and settlement. These need assessment for their impact on the purchase.
Supporting Documents
A title search tells you what is registered, but not the full details. Your conveyancer may also order:
- Dealing Instruments ($91.80 AUD): The legal documents behind each registered interest
- Survey Plans ($85.90 AUD): Property boundaries, easement locations, and dimensions
- Historical Title Searches ($86.50 AUD): Previous ownership and past dealings
- Images of Pre-1994 Certificates ($76.90 AUD): Original paper certificate information
Why DIY Title Searches Are Popular
Services like TitleFinder make it easy for anyone to order official Queensland title documents. This helps property investors conducting preliminary due diligence, developers assessing subdivision potential, homeowners checking their title before renovations, and neighbours investigating easements or boundaries.
How to Order
Visit titlefinder.com.au, select your document type, provide the title reference or lot and plan number, and receive your official document by email. Prices start at $74.50 AUD for a Current Title Search.
The Bottom Line
Pre-settlement title searches are your last line of defence before committing to one of the largest financial decisions of your life. Search smarter. Buy with confidence. Start with TitleFinder.