If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Australia, chances are you’ve come across the terms Strata Title and Torrens Title. But what do they really mean? And how do they affect your conveyancing process?
Don’t worry—we’re here to explain everything in simple, easy-to-follow language. Whether you’re buying an apartment or a freestanding home, understanding your title type is essential for a smooth and legal property transfer.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It begins once your offer is accepted and ends on settlement day, when the keys are handed over and your name is registered on the property title.
A licensed conveyancer or solicitor manages this process, ensuring all documents are in order, searches are completed, and legal requirements are met—so you can buy with confidence.
See more: How Family Law Experts Sydney Can Help Your Case
Why Conveyancing Matters in Home Buying
Conveyancing protects your rights as a buyer and helps you avoid legal risks like:
- Purchasing a property with existing debts or disputes
- Overlooking important contract terms
- Failing to meet key dates (like cooling-off or settlement deadlines)
- Misunderstanding ownership types—like Strata vs Torrens
That last point is especially important because your title type directly impacts your legal rights, responsibilities, and what you actually own.
Strata Title vs Torrens Title: What’s the Difference?
Now let’s break down the two most common types of property titles in Australia.
🏢 What Is a Strata Title?
A Strata Title applies to properties that share common areas—like apartments, units, and townhouses in a complex.
When you buy a strata-titled property:
- You own your individual unit (inside walls only)
- You share ownership of common areas (e.g., gardens, hallways, lifts)
- You become part of an owners corporation (also called a body corporate)
- You pay strata fees to cover maintenance and insurance
🏠 What Is a Torrens Title?
A Torrens Title is the most common type of property ownership in Australia, especially for stand-alone homes.
When you buy a Torrens-titled property:
- You own the land and the building outright
- You are solely responsible for maintenance, repairs, and insurance
- There are no shared areas or strata levies
- You deal only with your local council—not an owners corporation
Key Stages of the Conveyancing Process (for Both Titles)
Whether you’re buying Strata or Torrens, the conveyancing process typically follows these steps:
1. Pre-Contract Stage
- Your conveyancer reviews the contract
- For strata: They’ll also review the owners corporation certificate and financials
2. Exchange of Contracts
- Both parties sign the agreement
- A deposit (usually 10%) is paid
- The contract becomes legally binding
3. Cooling-Off Period
- A short window (2–5 business days) where you can withdraw, depending on state law
4. Pre-Settlement
- Title searches and council checks
- Final property inspection
- Mortgage and transfer documents prepared
5. Settlement Day
- Legal property transfer is completed
- You receive the keys and become the official owner
🔍 Note: Strata buyers often need to review more documents (e.g., AGM minutes, insurance policies, special levies) during conveyancing.
What Documents Are Involved in Conveyancing?
Here’s what your conveyancer will handle:
- Contract of Sale
- Certificate of Title (Strata or Torrens)
- Section 32 (VIC) / Vendor Disclosure
- Transfer of Land Form
- Mortgage documents (if applicable)
- Strata Documents (for Strata Title only):
- Owners corporation certificate
- Strata plan and bylaws
- Financial statements and meeting minutes
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
Typically, the conveyancing process takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on:
- Title type (strata may require more review time)
- Lender response times
- How quickly documents are signed and returned
- Whether any legal issues arise
🕒 Tip: Always ask your conveyancer for a clear timeline upfront.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Conveyancing
Whether buying a Strata or Torrens property, avoid these slip-ups:
- ❌ Not reviewing strata documents thoroughly
- ❌ Overlooking shared maintenance or special levies (Strata)
- ❌ Forgetting to confirm title type before making an offer
- ❌ Choosing a conveyancer unfamiliar with strata properties
- ❌ Not understanding what’s actually included in your title (land, car space, storage)
Choosing the Right Conveyancer
Your conveyancer should:
- Understand the differences between Strata and Torrens Titles
- Help you review all ownership and contract documents
- Explain complex terms in simple language
- Keep you updated throughout the conveyancing process
✅ Ask Questions Like:
- “What do I own with this title?”
- “Are there any special levies or issues in the strata scheme?”
- “Will I need to share insurance or maintenance costs?”
Final Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
- 🧾 Always ask what type of title the property has
- 🔍 Review all strata documents if applicable
- 📋 Get pre-approval before signing any contract
- 📞 Stay in touch with your conveyancer throughout the process
- 🧠 Don’t assume all titles give the same rights—read the fine print!
Conclusion: Know Your Title Before You Sign
Whether you’re buying an apartment under a Strata Title or a stand-alone house with a Torrens Title, knowing the difference is crucial. It shapes your ownership rights, responsibilities, and long-term costs.
🎯 Need help understanding your title before buying?
Leave your questions in the comments or speak to a licensed conveyancer today. The right advice now can save you thousands—and a whole lot of stress—later.