What is a title search?
A title search is a search of the Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) database that reveals important information about a property including who owns it, any mortgages, and any restrictions or rights that affect it.
We conduct title searches as part of our due diligence process when you are buying a property. This is one of the first things we do after you make an offer.
What we look for
- Ownership: Confirming the seller actually owns the property
- Mortgages: Any existing mortgages that must be discharged
- Easements: Rights others have over the property
- Covenants: Often restrictions on what you can do, but sometimes promises to do something and/or obligations to do something (e.g. maintain your home or join a residents' association)
- Caveats: Claims by third parties that will need to be resolved by the sellers before settlement
Why this matters
Issues found in the title search may affect your decision to proceed or may need to be addressed before settlement. We'll explain what we find and what it means for you.
Questions about title searches? Call us on 06 835 7394.
How we help
We search the title and report back on anything registered that you should know about before buying.