In New South Wales (NSW), the fees for a land title search typically depend on the type of search you are conducting and the provider you use. Below is an outline of the typical fees involved in a land title search in NSW.
1. Land Title Search via NSW Land Registry Services (LRS)
The NSW Land Registry Services is the government agency responsible for maintaining land and property records in the state. If you conduct a title search through their services, the fees are standardised.
Standard Fees for a Land Title Search:
- Title Search (Property Title Information):
- $14.00 (for standard title search)
- This search provides information about the ownership of a property, the title details, and any interests (such as mortgages or leases) attached to the property.
- Title Search with Full Historical Information:
- $19.00 (for a full document search)
- This includes not only ownership details but also additional historical information related to the property, such as previous transactions and any documents registered on the title.
- Plan Search (if you need to see the property’s boundaries, diagrams, or related plans):
- $14.00 for a standard plan search.
- This can be useful for checking property boundaries or subdivision plans.
- Property Certificates (to verify details such as zoning, easements, and land descriptions):
- $24.00 for a land and property certificate from the LRS. This document provides comprehensive property details, including ownership, zoning, easements, and any legal interests affecting the land.
2. Other Fees
If you need to obtain documents related to the title, such as historical documents or older deeds, you may incur additional charges:
- Document Retrieval Fees:
- $15.00 – $20.00 per document (this applies to retrieving old land documents or historical records).
- This fee covers the retrieval of more detailed documents related to the property, such as past sale records, which are not part of a basic title search.
3. Title Search Fees Through Other Providers
If you go through a title company or a legal professional (like a conveyancer or solicitor), the fees could be higher due to the additional service or consultancy provided. Title companies often bundle the search with title insurance or provide additional legal advice. Here’s what you might expect:
- Title Search by Conveyancer or Solicitor:
- Fees for a title search conducted by a conveyancer or solicitor generally range from $50 to $150. This fee often includes the service charge for their time and expertise in reviewing the title and any associated legal matters.
- Title Insurance:
- If you purchase title insurance, this will be an additional cost (typically between $100 and $300), which provides protection against any potential title defects that may be discovered later.
4. Online Providers and Search Platforms
There are also third-party providers that offer land title searches online. These services may charge a convenience fee on top of the standard government rates, but they can sometimes offer faster results and additional tools to help interpret the title information.
- Online Title Search Providers: Fees range from $20 to $50, depending on the level of service and detail you require.
Conclusion
The cost of a land title search in NSW generally ranges from $14 to $24 when using the official NSW Land Registry Services, depending on the level of information you require. If you use a conveyancer or a third-party service, the fees could be higher, especially if additional services such as legal advice or title insurance are included. For a straightforward title search, going directly through the NSW Land Registry Services is typically the most cost-effective option.
