Strata Title vs Torrens Title: What’s the Difference?

If you’re buying a property in New South Wales, you’ll likely come across the terms Strata Title and Torrens Title. While both are legal ways of owning property, they’re quite different in how ownership works and it’s important to understand what you’re buying into.

Here’s an easy-to-understand guide that explains the difference between Strata Title and Torrens Title, so you can make an informed decision.

What is Strata Title?

Strata Title is used when you buy a unit, apartment, townhouse, or villa in a shared complex. When you buy a strata property, you own your individual unit and share ownership of common property with other owners in the building.

With a Strata Title, you:

• Own your unit or lot (the inside of your apartment/townhouse)

• Share ownership of common areas like gardens, lifts, driveways, hallways, swimming pools, and roofs

• Pay strata levies to a body corporate (also called an Owners Corporation) to manage and maintain common property

• Must follow the by-laws (rules) set by the strata scheme

• May need permission for renovations, pets, or certain activities

Example: If you buy a unit in an apartment building, you’ll own the inside of your unit, but things like the hallway, roof, and building structure are shared. You and other owners contribute to the upkeep through regular fees.

What is Torrens Title?

Torrens Title is the most common and traditional form of property ownership in Australia. It usually applies to freestanding houses on their own block of land.

With a Torrens Title, you:

• Own the entire piece of land and the building on it

• Are fully responsible for maintaining the property

• Don’t share ownership of any part of the land or house

• Don’t pay strata fees or follow any body corporate rules

Example: If you buy a standalone house on a suburban block, you’ll own the land, house, backyard, and driveway outright. You can usually renovate or extend without needing approval (subject to council regulations).

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Strata Title	Torrens Title
Ownership	Your unit + shared common property	Entire house + land
Ongoing Fees	Yes – strata levies	No strata levies
Maintenance	Shared responsibility for common areas	Full responsibility for house & land
Renovations	May require approval from the Owners Corporation	Usually only council approval needed
By-Laws	Must follow strata rules	No by-laws (subject to local laws)

Which One Should You Choose?

That depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.

Choose Strata Title if:

✔ You want low-maintenance living✔ You prefer a shared community-style complex✔ You’re buying an apartment, unit or townhouse

Choose Torrens Title if:

✔ You want full control of your property✔ You don’t want to pay ongoing levies✔ You’re buying a freestanding house or land

Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Buying

Before you buy a property, make sure you understand the type of title it has—because it affects your rights, responsibilities, and costs.

At SL Conveyancing, we help buyers review contracts, understand what’s included, and navigate any title type with confidence.

📞 Buying your next property? Contact SL Conveyancing for expert advice and smooth, stress-free service from contract to settlement.