Application for Property Information

Every Queensland council must keep a land record for each parcel of rateable land, showing the owner's name and postal address, the land's description, valuation and the rates and charges levied, including any overdue amounts and interest (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154). Overdue rates and charges are a charge on the land (Local Government Act 2009 s 95), which is why a buyer checks the rates position before settlement. Townsville's form covers four items: a full rate and property search, a free ownership search, a free statement of rating position (only for the owner or an agent acting for the vendor), and a special water meter reading. The full search includes ownership, the property description and area, valuation, rates and water levies with arrears, interest and concessions, zoning, flood and storm tide reports, an all services plan, environmental permits and licences, trade waste approvals, planning and property notations and heritage information. Building, planning certificate and plumbing searches are applied for through separate links on council's website.

When you need it

• You are buying a dwelling or vacant land in Townsville. Council recommends the full rate and property search.
• You only need the owner's name and postal address and the real property description (ownership search).
• You are the owner, or an agent acting for the vendor, and need the current rates position (statement of rating position).
• You need the current water meter reading for settlement.

1. 1

   Payment authority

   Choose account (for TOPS account holders) or credit card and enter the amount. For credit card, give a contact name and number and a customer experience representative will call for payment.

2. 2

   Applicant details

   Give your name, company, postal address, phone and email, then sign and date.

3. 3

   Property and search return

   Enter the address, suburb, postcode and lot and plan number, your reference and the settlement date. Results go by email unless you tick post or collection.

4. 4

   Items

   Tick items 1 to 4. For building documents, planning and development certificates, as constructed drainage plans or plumbing and drainage searches, use the links the form gives to council's separate applications.

• Council only accepts search requests made on this form. Submit it by post (PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810), by email (enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au), in person, or online through Townsville Online Products and Services (TOPS).
• Payment: requests are processed once paid, unless you have an account. Council's page says you can pay by cheque, credit card, or cash or EFTPOS at the customer service centre. A 0.5% processing fee applies to Visa and Mastercard.
• Timing: council's page says property searches take 5 working days from lodgement.
• Applications cannot be cancelled or refunded once completed. Fees are printed on the form; check the current version.

• Regular users such as solicitors and conveyancers can apply for a TOPS account.
• Free information such as zones, overlays, flood maps and infrastructure maps is on Townsville Maps, but council recommends a property search for the most recent information.