A title search for an Australia-based buyer examines at least thirty years of ownership history, encumbrances, revenue and municipal records, approvals, RERA registration and litigation. We inspect the records in India and send a written report so you know the risks before any money leaves your Australian account. You do not need to sign or apostille anything for the search.
- Document route
- Australian notary public, then apostille from DFAT
- Time difference
- Australia is 2h30 (Perth) to 5h30 (Sydney and Melbourne in summer) ahead of IST
- Search period
- At least 30 years
- Key record
- Encumbrance certificate
Title Search & Due Diligence from Australia: how it works
After you email the seller's papers, our team obtains certified copies from the sub-registrar and revenue offices, checks court databases and, for new projects, the builder's RERA filings, approved plans and any project loan. For resale flats, we check the society's records and dues. Where the seller inherited the property, we confirm that every heir has joined or released their share. Results are discussed on a call scheduled for your evening in Australia.
The written report lists each document in the title chain and every defect with a practical cure. If you proceed, we draft an agreement that ties payment to the seller correcting defects, and we can complete the purchase through a power of attorney you sign in Australia. Money should be transferred from Australia or your NRE account by bank transfer, never in cash, so the investment is repatriable later.
What clients in Australia should know
- Australia's Torrens title system guarantees ownership through a central register; India has no such guarantee, which is why independent title checks matter so much.
- If you borrow from an Indian bank, the bank's legal opinion is not a substitute for your own report.
- Foreign property owned by Australian residents may have capital gains consequences in Australia on sale; keep the purchase records.
Step by step from Australia
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Australia, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Australia
Australian notary public, then apostille from DFAT
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Australia where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Australia. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Title Search & Due Diligence, or see all services for clients in Australia and the NRI Property Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Australia
Why is a thirty-year search needed?
Indian title is proved by the chain of deeds, not by a state-guaranteed register, and older defects can still surface.
How long does the report take?
Usually two to three weeks.
Can you also handle the registration?
Yes, through a power of attorney you sign before an Australian notary with a DFAT apostille.