For a planning application you need a copy of the title. I recommend getting it yourself – it costs about $25 and will take 5 -10 minutes. You can pay a third party up to $115 if you want!:

1. Click on this link to the LANDATA website.
2. Under “Title History Search”, click ‘ORDER NOW’.
3. Follow the instructions to search for the property and click ‘Next’.
4. If correct, click ‘Confirm Property Details’.
5. In the first section “Title Certificates”, select:

• • ‘Register Search Statement‘ (Copy of Title); and 
  • any ‘Electronic Instrument’ if it is a ‘Covenant‘ or ‘Agreement‘; and
  • ‘Copy of Plan‘.

Mortgage, Caveat and Transfer are not required for a VicSmart planning application.

If you just want one or some of the documents, you do not have to get the them again – ie just order the ones you need.

6. Follow the prompts to a register LANDATA account and pay for the copy of title by credit card.
7. The title documents will be emailed to you as individual PDF attachments.

LANDATA charges fees for providing these documents, usually around $25-$30 per property. Here’s an example certificate search displaying LANDATA charges.

You will find the formal land description details under the heading ‘Land description’ at the top of the ‘Register Search Statement’ PDF.

As well as describing the land, the ‘Register Search Statement’ will identify any encumbrances (such as a ‘Covenant’ or ‘Section 173 Agreement’), caveats and notices .

Note: Most councils require a copy that is less than 90 days old, a few require a copy less than 30 days old.”