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Finding land title information

A title search shows the current information held in the Victorian Register of land, the official record for ownership of land in Victoria at the time the search is made.

Examples of when a title search is required include buying and selling property or getting a loan from a bank.

The Register is made up of individual digital records called folios. For each folio there is a certificate of title, which may be paper or electronic. Read more about the Victorian Register of land.

When you do a title search, you will receive a register search statement that includes:

  • the current registered proprietors’ names and addresses
  • a land description
  • any encumbrances, including mortgages, caveats, covenants and notices
  • a diagram location or source (where to find the sketch of the property).

You can also do an instrument search to obtain copies of information on recorded or registered documents including plans, covenants, planning agreements and any encumbrance relating to your title.

There are alert services that can let you know when something happens on a title.

Titles information and alert services are supplied by LANDATA® or authorised information brokers, visit:

We recommend searching the Register of land well before you begin any land transaction.

Conducting an online title search of the Register will allow you to see the most up-to-date record for your land. If the certificate of title is electronic, the record will also show who currently manages the certificate of title.

We highly recommend you consult a Licensed Conveyancer or Australian Legal Practitioner for help.

Title and property boundaries

The diagram location or source document gives an indication of boundary dimensions. However, these boundaries are not guaranteed. Only a Licensed Surveyor can determine the actual location of your property boundaries. The diagram may also show whether an easement affects the property.

Dimensions of common suburban properties are generally shown with a street frontage and connecting distance to a street corner.

Strata and multi-level developments often include height and depth. It is not uncommon for parcels of land in rural areas to include a reference to a river or creek when describing a boundary.

Changing property or title boundaries can be very complex. You will need a Licensed Surveyor and, in most instances, a lawyer.

Plans and surveys

There are many types of plans you can search for online.

Historical survey plans and field notes are held at Public Record Office Victoria.

Parish plans define the positions and dimensions of all Crown allotments within a parish. You can search and view parish plans online through LANDATA® or an authorised information broker.

Plans of subdivision depict the break-up of a piece of freehold land, showing parcels of land (commonly called lots) that can be sold separately.

If you know the plan of subdivision number, you can easily search for a plan online for a fee through LANDATA® or an authorised information broker.

Survey plans and abstracts of field records are certified by Licensed Surveyors and show a summary of information used by a surveyor to establish the boundaries and dimensions of a piece of land.

These plans commonly show reference marks, building boundaries, fencing and measurement notations.

Historical plans and aerial photos

A collection of historical plans dating from 1837 is available online at Public Record Office Victoria.

Historical aerial photos from the 1930s to the 1990s are available from LANDATA®.

Central Plan Office

The Central Plan Office is Victoria's virtual storeroom for State Government surveys and plans, as referred to in Victorian legislation.

The Surveyor-General of Victoria, under the Survey Co-ordination Act 1958, has responsibility for plans held by the Central Plan Office. All plans are protected by Crown copyright.

To view Central Plan Office plans, go to LANDATA®.

Page last updated: 14/05/24