Introduction
A property title search is one of the most important due diligence steps in any Queensland property transaction. Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing, confirming the legal status of a property ensures you know exactly who owns it, what interests exist over it, and whether there are any hidden risks attached to the title.
Under the Property Law Act 2023, title searches are a core requirement within the Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) framework effective 1 August 2025. This means sellers must ensure accurate and verified information is obtained early, before the buyer signs a contract.
This is where SearchX becomes valuable. Instead of manually sourcing title details from multiple platforms and risking delays, SearchX streamlines property searches and documentation into one place, reducing risk and improving contract readiness.
What is a Property Title Search?
A property title search is an official record extracted from the Queensland Titles Register. It confirms:
Current legal ownership
Lot and plan description
Registered mortgages
Easements
Caveats
Covenants or restrictions on use
This information forms the core legal foundation of the property transaction. It ensures all parties understand exactly what is being purchased.
When and Why to Conduct a Title Search?
A title search should be conducted:
Before listing a property for sale
Before signing a contract to buy
When applying for finance or refinancing
When verifying whether restrictions or interests exist over land
For sellers, title accuracy is essential to comply with the new disclosure regime. For buyers, it protects against future disputes, undisclosed third-party rights, or unexpected financial obligations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Title Search
Gather property information
Prepare the property’s lot and plan number (found on existing contract documents or rates notices).Choose how to obtain the search
Through Titles Queensland online
Through your solicitor or conveyancer
Via platforms such as SearchX (streamlined property search ordering)
Access the Titles Queensland portal
You can order a title search online through the official state registry.Pay fees
Title search fees vary depending on the search type selected.Download and review
You will receive a digital PDF showing all registered information.
Using SearchX, this same search sits inside your broader document collection for the transaction, meaning sellers, buyers, and their legal representatives can manage every required search in one place instead of navigating multiple independent systems.
How to Review a Title Search
When reviewing the title:
Confirm the owner listed is correct
Ensure the legal description matches the property intended for sale
Identify any registered mortgages
Look for easements or access agreements
Check for caveats that may block or delay settlement
Any item on this search can directly impact contract conditions, settlement timeframes, valuation, and finance approval.
What to Do If Issues Are Found
If encumbrances or caveats appear:
Seek direction and legal interpretation from your solicitor
Contact relevant parties to arrange releases or withdrawals
Resolve all interests before settlement where possible
SearchX assists here by keeping all search outputs organised and accessible, which supports quicker legal review and reduces chances of missed encumbrances during disclosure.
Why Title Searches Matter for Seller Disclosure Compliance
From 1 August 2025, sellers in Queensland must provide accurate property search information before the buyer signs. A title search is mandatory evidence supporting the Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2). If a seller provides incorrect or missing information, the buyer may terminate, even late in the process.
By using SearchX to centralise and manage property searches early, both sellers and conveyancers can reduce the risk of non-compliance, prevent delays, and move toward contract signing with confidence.
Conclusion
A property title search is a fundamental component of property due diligence and disclosure in Queensland. It verifies ownership, identifies restrictions, and protects all parties involved in the transaction.
Instead of manually sourcing these records, SearchX simplifies compliance by centralising property searches and document collection into a single controlled workflow, making disclosure preparation faster, more accurate, and legally safeguarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a property title search and why is it important?
A property title search is a process that verifies ownership, uncovers any restrictions or encumbrances on a property, and ensures all necessary information is disclosed prior to a real estate transaction. It is a crucial step for protecting all parties involved.
How does SearchX simplify the property title search process?
SearchX centralises property searches and document collection into a single controlled workflow. This makes the process faster, more accurate, and legally safeguarded by streamlining compliance and disclosure preparation.
Can SearchX be used for other property-related due diligence tasks?
Yes, SearchX is designed to assist with various property-related due diligence tasks by enabling users to manage searches and documentation efficiently in one place.
What risks are associated with not conducting a property title search?
Failure to perform a property title search can lead to undisclosed ownership issues, unknown encumbrances, or legal disputes that can significantly delay or jeopardize a property transaction.
Is SearchX suitable for both buyers and sellers?
Yes, both buyers and sellers can benefit from using SearchX to ensure compliance, transparency, and a legally safeguarded transaction process.