Deeds

Description

Deeds were the main original record of property ownership before the land titles system. Very little land still remains in the deeds system. Searchers can start with a current title and track ownership back to the original deed using prior reference numbers or access the Deeds Indexes via the known legal description.

Please note: we are not able to copy records in Deed Books because of the size and fragility of the record. Find out about viewing original land records. Alternatively, if you want someone else to do your search, you can contact a search agent (get help with land record research).

Research & ordering

You can make an appointment to view an original deed if you have the deeds book and folio reference number (see below). Read more about viewing original land records.

If you don't have the required information to make an appointment, you may need help with land record research.

Deeds book & folio reference

• Start from a current title (computer register). If the deeds reference is not shown (eg D.I. 3 folio), then work backwards using the prior title references until you find the reference.

• If the land still retains its description as used in the deeds system it can be accessed directly using the deeds indexes. Please note that there are no Hawke's Bay deeds records available as they were lost in the 1931 earthquake.

• Some deeds records are stored outside their region (eg South Auckland in Auckland).