Property title search in New Zealand

Buying guide

Property title search in New Zealand

What is a property title? And how do you find one in NZ?

28 November 2025

Hannah Hilliam
AI

AI summary

A property title search is a crucial part of due diligence for Kiwi home buyers. It checks the official Record of Title from Toitū Te Whenua - Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), confirming legal ownership and revealing important restrictions.

The title details the property's title type and any registered interests, such as:

- Easements (e.g., shared driveways)

- Covenants (e.g., building restrictions)

While you can order a title online, a lawyer's review is vital to interpret complex legal terms and avoid costly surprises.

What you’ll learn

What is a property title search?

What information does a property title search include?

A current Record of Title typically includes:

How to do a property title search in New Zealand

Having a lawyer check over the property title can save you major headaches down the track.

Why go through your lawyer or conveyancer?

What to look out for in a title search

Property title vs LIM report: what’s the difference?

Frequently asked questions

Author

Hannah Hilliam Hannah Hilliam
Content Writer