If you own a property, are thinking about buying one, or simply want to learn more about a piece of land, obtaining a copy of the property’s title is often the first step.
A property title, sometimes called a Record of Title or Certificate of Title, is the official legal record for a property. It shows who owns the land and records important rights and restrictions that may affect it.
A current property title can show:
Many people order a title when they are:
In New Zealand, title information is maintained by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). While these records are publicly available, finding the correct title can sometimes be confusing if you do not know the title reference.
Search The Title makes the process simple. Just search using a property address and order the documents you need online.
How Long Does It Take?
Most title searches can be delivered directly to your inbox within minutes, allowing you to quickly access the information you need.
Which Search Should I Order?
For most customers, a Current Title Search is the best option. It provides the latest ownership details and registered interests affecting the property.
Ready to Get a Property Title?
Search by property address and order an official New Zealand title search online today.
One of the most common property questions in New Zealand is “How do I find out who owns a property?”
The answer is usually found by obtaining a current property title.
A property title contains the name of the registered owner and is the official legal record of ownership for the land.
People often need ownership information when:
A title search can provide much more than ownership information. It may also reveal:
It is important to understand that ownership information shown on a title reflects the registered owner recorded in New Zealand’s land records system.
What’s the Easiest Way to Find Property Ownership?
The easiest way is to search using the property’s street address and order a Current Title Search.
This provides access to the latest ownership information and other important property details.
Need to Find Out Who Owns a Property?
Search by address and order a Current Title Search online today.
A property title is one of the most important documents relating to a piece of land.
Whether you are buying property, carrying out due diligence or researching ownership, understanding what a title shows can help you make informed decisions.
A current property title can include:
Ownership Information
The title records the registered owner of the property.
Legal Description
This identifies the parcel of land and how it is legally described within New Zealand’s land records system.
Easements
An easement gives someone the right to use part of a property for a specific purpose, such as access, drainage or utilities.
Covenants
Covenants are rules or restrictions that may affect how the land can be used or developed.
Mortgages
A title may show registered mortgages and other financial interests affecting the property.
Consent Notices
These notices may impose ongoing obligations or restrictions on the land.
Other Registered Interests
A title can contain various legal interests that affect ownership or use of the property.
Why Is a Title Search Important?
A title search helps buyers, owners and investors understand important information that may affect a property before making decisions.
For this reason, reviewing the title is often one of the first steps in property due diligence.
Need to See What’s Recorded Against a Property?
Order a Current Title Search “here” and receive official title information directly to your inbox.
If you’re buying a property in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard about LIM Reports and Title Searches. Many people assume they contain the same information, but they are actually very different documents that serve different purposes.
Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions before purchasing a property.
What is a Title Search?
A Title Search provides the legal information recorded against a property.
The title is the official record of ownership and identifies important rights, restrictions and interests affecting the land.
A Current Title Search can show:
A title search is often one of the first documents reviewed during property due diligence because it helps identify legal matters that may affect ownership or use of the land.
What is a LIM Report?
A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) Report is supplied by the local council and contains information the council holds about the property.
A LIM Report may include:
A LIM helps buyers understand what the council knows about the property and whether there may be issues that require further investigation.
What’s the Difference?
The simplest way to think about it is:
A Title Search tells you about the legal ownership and interests affecting the land.
A LIM Report tells you about the council records relating to the property.
Both documents provide important information, but they answer different questions.
| Title Search | LIM Report |
|---|---|
| Shows ownership information | Shows council information |
| Identifies easements and rights of way | Shows building consent history |
| Records covenants and restrictions | Includes rates information |
| Shows mortgages and registered interests | May identify flood or hazard risks |
| Usually available quickly online | Often takes longer to obtain |
Do I Need Both?
In many property transactions, both documents are reviewed as part of due diligence.
A Title Search helps identify legal matters affecting the property, while a LIM Report provides information held by the local council.
Together, they provide a more complete picture of the property before you commit to a purchase.
Which Should I Get First?
For many buyers, a Title Search is often the quickest and most cost-effective first step.
A title can reveal important information about ownership, easements, covenants and other registered interests that may affect the property.
If the property remains of interest, a LIM Report can then provide additional information from the local council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a LIM Report show who owns a property?
No. Ownership information is generally obtained from a Current Title Search.
Does a Title Search show building consents?
No. Building consents are generally recorded by the local council and may be included in a LIM Report.
Does a Title Search show easements?
Yes. Easements and other registered interests are commonly recorded on the title.
Does a LIM Report show flood risks?
A LIM may contain information held by the council regarding flooding, erosion or other known hazards affecting the property.
Need a Title Search?
Search The Title provides access to official New Zealand title records sourced from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
Simply search by property address and order a Current Title Search online. Most searches are delivered directly to your inbox within minutes.
