Last updated: 20 August, 2026 The Importance of a Certificate of Title in Property Transactions In New South Wales, the term Certificate of Title is still commonly used when discussing property ownership. However, the way property titles are recorded has changed significantly. Historically, a Certificate of Title was a physical document relating to a parcel of Torrens Title land. It recorded important information about the property and was generally held by the registered owner or, where the property was mortgaged, the mortgagee. Paper Certificates of Title were abolished in NSW on 11 October 2021. NSW Land Registry Services no longer issues paper Certificates of Title, and existing paper certificates no longer have legal effect as title documents. Today, the NSW Torrens Title Register is the authoritative record of ownership and registered interests affecting Torrens Title land. Property ownership is recorded electronically on the NSW Torrens Title Register. A current Title Search can be used to identify the registered proprietor and registered interests affecting the property. What Does a Property Title Show in NSW? A property’s title contains important information about the land and the interests registered against it. A current Title Search may show information including: The registered proprietor or proprietors; The property’s title reference and land description; Registered mortgages; Easements; Covenants or restrictions; Caveats; and Other registered dealings affecting the land. This information can be important when buying a property, as a registered interest may affect the use, ownership or future transfer of the land. A conveyancer or solicitor can review the title information as part of the conveyancing process and explain any matters that may require further investigation. Importance of the Property Title When Buying or Selling Although there is no longer a physical Certificate of Title, checking the property’s title remains an important part of a conveyancing transaction. For a purchaser, the title can help confirm who is registered as the owner of the property and identify registered interests that may affect the land. For a seller, the title information is used when preparing the Contract for Sale and completing the documentation required to transfer ownership to the purchaser. When property changes ownership, the relevant transfer documents are lodged electronically so that the NSW Torrens Title Register can be updated to record the new registered proprietor. You can learn more about this process on our transferring property page. Certificates of Title and Electronic Settlements The move to electronic conveyancing means that NSW property transactions no longer require a physical Certificate of Title to be handed over at settlement. Most NSW property dealings are now lodged electronically through an approved Electronic Lodgment Network by an authorised subscriber, such as a licensed conveyancer, solicitor or participating financial institution. Electronic settlement allows the parties involved in a transaction to coordinate land registry documents, settlement funds and lodgment electronically. Once a property transfer is registered, the Torrens Title Register is updated to reflect the new ownership. A purchaser does not receive a new paper Certificate of Title following settlement. What Happens if I Still Have an Old Certificate of Title? Some property owners may still have an old paper Certificate of Title stored with their personal documents. You do not need to apply for a replacement simply because the paper Certificate has been abolished. However, the old document no longer has legal effect as a Certificate of Title. If you need current information about the property, a Title Search should be obtained rather than relying on an old paper certificate. Similarly, if you are preparing to sell a property, you no longer need to locate the original paper Certificate of Title before settlement. Your conveyancer or solicitor can obtain the current title information and prepare the electronic documents required for the transaction. Why is a Title Search Important When Buying Property? Reviewing the title is particularly important before purchasing property because ownership is only one part of the information recorded on the register. For example, an easement may provide another party with rights over part of the property, while a covenant or restriction may affect how the land can be used. A caveat may indicate that another person claims an interest in the property. The significance of these interests depends on the particular property and transaction. As part of the property buying process, your conveyancer or solicitor can review the title and other relevant documents, explain issues that may affect the property and advise you before the transaction proceeds. If you are buying, selling or transferring property in Sydney, our Sydney conveyancers can assist with title searches, contract reviews, property transfers and settlement. If you have any further questions in this regard, please contact us to discuss. ABOUT CHRISTINE BASSETT: Christine is a licensed conveyancer and Justice of the Peace at Coutts’ Narellan office. She is highly efficient and is able to assist clients with matters concerning the sale and purchase of residential and commercial property, retirement village contracts, put & call options and family transfers. Christine communicates clearly with her clients, thoroughly walking them through every stage of the buying and selling process to ensure that their experience is as stress free as possible. She also makes a point of being available to her clients, when they need her, throughout the entirety of their matter. For further information please don’t hesitate to contact: Christine Bassett Licensed Conveyancer & JP christine@couttslegal.com.au 1300 268 887 Contact Campbelltown Lawyers today. This blog is merely general and non specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever in relation to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you. Tags:Certificate of TitleConveyancingProperty Law Contact Us