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NSW Lands Historical Title or Water Access Licence (WAL) Search

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What information will I get from an Historical Title Search?

A Historical Title Search lists the modifications to a computer folio/title, providing a list of dealings and/or previous titles.

How far back does the information in Historical Searches go?

The Historical Title Search contains information on a title since computer folios were created in 1986. Historical information before 1986 can only be found on a manual title. These titles are usually available on microfiche and would need to be ordered over the counter at NSW Land Registry Services.

What is the correct format for a Title Reference?

A Title Reference can be either a lot/(section)/plan or a volume-folio number, as shown by the following examples of property descriptions and corresponding title references.

Lots/(Section) Plan

The section number is optional, and each number is separated by a forward slash (/)

Scenario Example
Lot 1 on DP23456 1/23546
Lot 7 Section 12 on Deposited Plan 6789 7/12/6789
Common property on Strata Plan 3456 CP/SP3456
Lot 23 on Strata Plan 3456 23/SP3456 or 23.3456
Lot 1 on Strata Plan 1/SP1 or 1.1

Volume/Folio Number

The volume and folio numbers are separated by a hyphen (-)

Scenario Example
Volume Number 1 on Folio Number 1 1-1
Volume Number 1234 on Folio Number 12 1234-12

What does AC in front of the volume/folio mean?

This prefix identifies a consolidated title. When the same owners own consecutive lots (titles) on one or more plans, all lots are consolidated into one title. Multiple individual titles exist under the parent consolidated title. The AC does not form part of the title reference.

Why is the Historical Water Access Licence Search available on the Historical Title Search page?

NSW Land Registry Services has provided a register for water access licences in NSW. The water access licences are handled the same way in many respects as the land titles. For multi-searches, a combination of land and water searches may be entered.

What is a Water Access Licence (WAL)?

A WAL defines the access rights that the holder has to obtain water from a water course. WALs are handled the same way in many respects as land titles. The WAL Register began on 1 July 2004 under the Water Management Act 2000 and is maintained by the NSW Land Registry Services on behalf of the Minister administering the Water Management Act 2000. A full description is held on the Water Access Licence Search FAQ.

What information will I get from a Historical WAL Search?

A Historical Water Access Licence search lists transfers of ownership, mortgages, charges, caveats and related transactions. You must search all of the transactions registered on the WAL folio to establish if they are legal and form an unbroken "chain of title", similar to transactions affecting Old System land registered in the General Register of Deeds. The Historical Title or Water Access Licence (WAL) Search for the WAL folio provides the list of transactions.

How far back does the information on Historical Water Access Licence Searches go?

Enter the characters "WAL" followed by the relevant 1 to 8 digits, as shown by the following examples: WAL123, WAL12345678. The search contains information on WALs since they were integrated into the computer folios on 1 July 2004. The WAL Register began with WALs associated with the 36 existing water-sharing plans, comprising approximately 8000 licences. As other water sharing plans are developed, water access licences covered by those plans will be added to the WAL Register.

What is the correct format for a WAL Reference?

Enter the characters "WAL" followed by the relevant 1 to 8 digits, as shown by the following examples: WAL123, WAL12345678.

How will I receive my result?

The result of a search is displayed immediately and stored in your Confirm Inbox. An additional copy may be emailed to you if you select this option when you conduct your search.To access your Inbox, follow the links in the CITEC Confirm header. You can revisit this result any time within 28 days without incurring an extra cost. For more information on how to use the Inbox, see the Confirm Inbox FAQ.