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, providing the official Record of Title from Toitū Te Whenua - Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). This document confirms legal ownership and details any rights or restrictions affecting the land.

Key details to check include:

- Easements (e.g., shared driveways)

- Covenants (building or land use rules)

- Encumbrances (mortgages or caveats)

While you can order a title online, having a lawyer review it is essential to interpret complex legal terms and identify potential risks.

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