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Changing ownership

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Find out the process for updating property records if you’re buying, selling or transferring property to family.

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About changing property ownership details

When you buy, sell or gift land or property, there are steps involved in updating the ownership records. A change of ownership is made official by a transfer of a title. 

A transfer of title must be lodged with Titles Queensland and is usually done by a solicitor or conveyancer.

Titles Queensland notifies Council of changes to ownership. We update our records, including account information for rates.

Information for buyers

If you’re buying a property, the process for changing ownership records starts after settlement. You’ll need to complete a Transfer of Land form, which your solicitor or conveyancer will lodge with Titles Queensland. 

Once lodged, there’s no need to contact Council directly.  

We adjust our records after receiving official notification from Titles Queensland.

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Note

Your first rates notice will include a one-off rate account and services establishment fee. You can apply for a fee exemption.

Check if you're eligible for the fee exemption.

Information for sellers

You don’t need to contact Council to update the ownership details when you sell a property.

We update our records after receiving official notification from Titles Queensland. 

We use the new owner’s mailing address for the property’s: 

  • rates account
  • permits
  • licences.
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Keep your details up to date 

If you're moving out of a property you own, you can update your mailing address with Council. 

To update your details, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.

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Building plans and documents

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Rates and payments

Transfer, add or remove a name from a property title

To transfer ownership of a property to family members, you’ll need to register the title change with Titles Queensland. This applies even if there’s no money changing hands. 

This includes: 

  • transferring property to your spouse (wife, husband or de facto) 
  • gifting property to your children or other family members 
  • selling property to a family member at a discount 
  • removing a name from the property title (e.g. in the event of death). 

We recommend you seek legal advice when transferring a property title, for your own due diligence.

You can also remove or change a name on a property title with Titles Queensland.

Learn more by visiting Titles Queensland.

Frequently asked questions

The property buyer is responsible for notifying Titles Queensland about the change of land or property ownership. This is usually done by a solicitor or conveyancer.

You’ll know that Council has been notified of new property ownership when you receive your first rates notice. 

To transfer a property title between family members, you need to register the transfer with Titles Queensland. Before starting the registration process, make sure you have all the required information and supporting documents. You can register the transfer yourself, but it’s advised that you seek legal support. To learn more, visit Titles Queensland.

If your lodgement meets all the requirements, title registration with Titles Queensland takes 3 to 5 workdays.

If you’ve sold your property, you don’t need to do anything to change the name on Council rates. Titles Queensland will let us know about the transfer of the property title and the next rates notice will go to the new owner.