A Torrens title townhouse is a townhouse where you own the building and the land it sits on outright, on its own title, with no owners corporation or strata levies. It looks like a strata townhouse from the street, but you make your own decisions about the property and you cover your own building insurance and maintenance. They’re increasingly common in newer Hills District and north-west suburbs such as Kellyville and Box Hill.
How is Torrens title different from strata title?
With strata title, you own your “lot” (generally the inside of your home), while the common property — often the roof, external walls, driveways and gardens — is owned together by all owners through the owners corporation. Owners pay levies into shared funds, and everyone follows the scheme’s by-laws.
With Torrens title, there’s no common property to share. Your block of land and everything on it is yours, recorded on its own title with NSW Land Registry Services. There are no strata meetings or levies, and you don’t need the owners corporation’s approval to paint, renovate or landscape (council rules and any covenants on the title still apply).
There’s also a middle option you’ll see in some new estates: community title, where homes sit on their own lots but share things like private roads, parks or facilities, with a community association and fees to match. It pays to check which one you’re looking at, as the listing photos won’t tell you.
What are the pros and cons for buyers?
The big drawcards are control and cost. Without strata levies, your ongoing costs are usually simpler, and you can make changes to your home without a committee vote. Many buyers also like owning the land, which is a big part of why Torrens title townhouses appeal to owner-occupiers and investors alike.
The trade-off is responsibility. You arrange and pay for your own building insurance, and repairs to the roof, gutters and exterior are on you rather than shared. Because townhouses often share a wall with a neighbour, it’s also worth knowing what’s recorded on the title — easements and covenants can cover things like shared walls, drainage or access — so you know who looks after what.
What should I check before buying one?
We always suggest asking your solicitor or conveyancer to walk you through the contract for sale, in particular:
- The title search and plan — to confirm it really is Torrens title and not strata or community title.
- Easements and restrictions — anything affecting shared walls, driveways, drainage or what you can build.
- Building and pest inspection — especially important when you’re solely responsible for the structure.
- Insurance — get a building insurance quote early so it’s in your budget.
If the property is strata, the NSW Government’s strata buying guide is a good place to start for the extra checks involved, like reviewing the owners corporation’s records.
Where will I find Torrens title townhouses in the Hills District?
You’ll mostly see them in newer and growing areas, where developers have subdivided larger blocks into smaller Torrens lots. Kellyville, Box Hill, Rouse Hill and Schofields are good examples. If you’re weighing up townhouse living, have a look at our Kellyville suburb profile and Box Hill suburb profile to get a feel for each area, and chat to our team about what’s coming up.
Quick answers
Is a Torrens title townhouse better than strata?
Neither is better for everyone. Torrens title gives you more control and no levies, while strata shares the cost and work of maintaining common areas — it depends on how hands-on you want to be.
Do I pay strata fees on a Torrens title townhouse?
No. There’s no owners corporation, so there are no strata levies, though you still pay council rates and water, and your own insurance and maintenance.
Can I renovate a Torrens title townhouse without approval?
You won’t need an owners corporation’s approval, but council approval may still be needed for some work, and any covenants or easements on the title must be followed.
Thinking about selling your townhouse, or wondering how title type affects what buyers will pay? Book a free market appraisal with the Guardian team.
Sources: NSW Government, Buying a strata property and Strata living guide; NSW Registrar General, Community schemes. This is general information, not legal advice.