Computerisation of titles began in 1983 and continued with imaging of plans in 1991, dealings in 1996 and the Deeds Register in 1998. The current program to bring more records online began in 2004 with two main parts:
- Digitisation of hardcopy titling records to preserve and make them accessible online
- Conversion of remaining land titles to the computerised Torrens titling system
Future projects include scanning the Old System Vendors and Purchasers Indexes, the Grant Index and Grant Register.
Digitising plans and records
NSW’s titling records and survey plans, dating back to 1792, constitute a major source of information supporting the state’s heritage. While some documents are in microfilm, many remained in paper form, making them vulnerable to damage by wear and tear, water and fire and were only accessible in person at LPI’s office in Sydney.
Scanning records and creating digital images enables LPI to transfer the paper records to State Records for archiving, in compliance with statutory obligations. It also enables the records to be delivered online improving public access.
Benefits
- long-term preservation of these important historical records
- greater availability and access
- reduced government costs in managing these records
Torrens title conversion
Most NSW land title records are held in the computerised system, but some properties remain in hard copy format, including:
- Old System titles - deeds based system inherited from England when the colony of NSW was established
- some Torrens Title properties recorded on paper folios of the Register
- some Crown land parcels
Through the conversion program, more than 166,000 additional properties have been brought into the computerised system.
Benefits
Government guaranteed title
The NSW government acts as an insurer for Torrens Title. Anyone with a Torrens Title who loses their property, or an interest in a property as a result of fraud or government error can claim compensation from the Torrens Assurance Fund. There is no government guarantee for Old System title.
Easier searching
Torrens Title records are easier to search than Old System records.
One titling system
As land comes into one titling system, there is less need for training and resourcing to manage multiple systems.
More efficient planning
Inclusion of most properties in the computerised system enables easier planning for major developments.
Better management of government land
Converting Crown land parcels to Torrens Title has enabled individual assessment of these parcels, leading to more accurate valuation of Crown lands. It also assists government agencies to identify and manage their assets.
