What is a title search?

A title search is an extract of information from the Titles Registry on any real property. The title search will contain information on who the owner is, when it was last transferred, title reference details, encumbrance details, etc. The title search is an important search because it is a simple and quick, yet powerful tool to help you determine in the first instance whether the property is right for you.

It is important to order this title search at the beginning of a conveyance because you wouldn’t want to waste time and effort in having gone through the process, only to find out that the seller doesn’t actually own the property in their own name, or that there are encumbrances on the property that prevent you from doing what you wanted to do. For example, a title search can reveal whether there is a caveat on the property lodged by a disgruntled seller’s ex-wife that you must contend with as a buyer. If you are buying a property with the intention of moving into the property within two months, finding out halfway through that there is pending litigation on the property that is going to delay your conveyance might be a tad bit frustrating. Hence, it is important that you engage your conveyancing lawyer to check on the title early on.