EstatePass
Property LawTorrens TitleMEDIUM

What happens if a registered proprietor under Torrens title loses their certificate of title?

Correct Answer

C) Ownership is unaffected, since title rests on the register, not the certificate.

Under the Torrens system, title comes from the register, not from any paper certificate. Losing a certificate does not affect ownership. Several states have abolished paper certificates altogether (NSW from October 2021 and Queensland from October 2019); where paper certificates still exist, a replacement can be issued on application, usually with a statutory declaration about the loss.

Answer Options
A
They lose their ownership rights until the original certificate is found or replaced.
B
They must lodge the original transfer again to be re-registered as the owner.
C
Ownership is unaffected, since title rests on the register, not the certificate.
D
The property reverts to the Crown until a replacement certificate is issued.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Ownership of Torrens land depends on registration, so it is unaffected by the loss of a paper certificate of title. The register is the record of title; a certificate was only evidence of it.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Deep Analysis of This Property Law Question

Background Knowledge for Property Law

Memory Technique

Exam Tip for Property Law

Real World Application in Property Law

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Law Questions

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

Torrens titleregistercertificate of titleparamount evidencereplacement certificate
Was this explanation helpful?

More Property Law Questions

People Also Study

Practice More AU Questions

Access 1,100+ Australian real estate practice questions and ace your Certificate IV.

Browse All AU Questions