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 step in due diligence for Kiwi home buyers. It checks the official Record of Title from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to confirm legal ownership and identify any rights or restrictions registered against the land.

The title reveals important details like the title type (e.g., Freehold, Cross Lease), easements (like shared driveways), and covenants (building rules). While anyone can order a title online, having a lawyer interpret it is essential to 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