Property Searches
Request information about a property
There are several different property reports that you can request, depending on the type of information you are seeking. Some of the reports are free of charge, others you will need to pay for.
Property searches are commonly requested when buying or renovating a property. All of the reports listed below provide different information, and you may need to request multiple reports to be fully informed about a property.
Property information available for no charge on the website
Information that is freely available through Townsville Maps includes zones, overlays, infrastructure maps (e.g. water and sewer), flood maps, historical aerial photographs and real property information (lot on plan). To be sure of receiving the most recent information, we recommend that you undertake one or more of the property searches in the list below.
Information that is freely available through ePlanning includes most development applications since 2009, planning rules for properties (what developments are allowed in which localities under the planning scheme), and the current and most recent superseded planning schemes.
Standard property search report
This report provides information on a property such as rates information, property zoning, precinct and overlay information, trade waste information and infrastructure details. Council recommends this search when purchasing a dwelling or vacant land.
Building and planning record searches
| Changes to File View Charges |
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Council recently adopted its Amendment to the 2020/2021 Schedule of Fees and Charges (refer to Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes 27 January 2021). Included in this amendment were changes to the Building and Planning Records charges. These new charges will take effect as of Monday 15 February 2021. All requests received prior to this day (up until midnight Sunday 14 February) will be charged at the nominal rate. |
Council holds copies of building and planning records for most Townsville properties, which can be helpful if you are looking to buy, sell or renovate.
Note that this type of request does NOT include plumbing records for the property – you will need to request a plumbing and drainage records report if you want this information.
There are two types of building and planning records searches:
- Full building records search (Residential and Commercial/Multiple dwelling):
- Not relating to a property listing or sale: Council will find and provide access to all documentation available under legislation pertaining to a property. Council will endeavour to have documentation available to view and download within 10 working days.
- Relating to a property listing or sale: Council will find and provide access to all documentation available under legislation pertaining to a property. Council will endeavour to have documentation available to view and download within seven (7) working days.
- Information for proof of sale or listing is required for prioritisation.
- All information about the seller or buyer can be removed or redacted for privacy purposes.
- Associated fees can be found in our Schedule of Fees and Charges 2020/21 – Building and Planning Records.
- Specific document search (Residential and Commercial/Multiple dwelling): Council will find a specific type of documentation available under legislation pertaining to a property at your request (for example, Decision Notices only). Council will endeavour to have documentation available to view within 10 working days.
- Associated fees can be found in our Schedule of Fees and Charges 2020/21 – Building and Planning Records.
The building records service includes the preparation of a digital file (in PDF format) redacted in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009. A download link will be emailed to the customer that will remain valid for access to download for seven (7) working days.
Request a building and planning document search online.
Plumbing and drainage records search report
This service includes a search of Council’s electronic plumbing and drainage records with a report of the information provided to the customer.
Request a plumbing and drainage records report online or PDF.
Ownership search
This report provides name and postal address details, the property address and real property description. There is no charge for this report.
Rates statement
This report provides the current rates position for the property, including rates levied, arrears, interest and concessions to the owner of an agent acting for the vendor. This report is free of charge and will only be provided to the owner or agent acting for the vendor.
Special water meter reading
This service provides the current water meter reading, water meter number and date of read.
Planning and development certificates
Three types of planning and development certificates are available, including:
Limited planning and development certificate:
A legislative confirmation letter from Council summarising any planning scheme, state planning regulatory provisions or any plan of development that apply to the property.
Standard planning and development certificate:
The same as a limited certificate but also inclusive of all planning and development documentation that applies to the property.
Full planning and development certificate:
The same as a standard certificate but also inclusive of any infrastructure agreements, statement of applicable conditions to development approval, and advice about any prosecutions or proceedings for a prosecution under the Planning Act 2016.
For more information on planning and development certificates, read the certificates information sheet.
Request a planning and development certificate online or PDF.
How long does it take?
Property searches require 5 working days completion time from the date of lodgement.
Our aim is to provide quality customer service to our clients and every endeavour is made to supply property information by the time requested.
If you provide us with an email address, we will be able to supply your property search information by email rather than by post.
Payment of fees
Property search request fees must be paid in full prior to commencement of the searches, and cannot be cancelled once processing has commenced. You can pay by cheque, credit card, or with cash or EFTPOS at the Customer Service Centre at Council. Regular users (e.g. solicitors, conveyancing firms) can apply for a Townsville Online Products and Services (TOPS) account by downloading a credit application form. Please refer to the Schedule of fees and charges for full details of fees and charges.
