Title Guide For New Home Builders

When you buy land in Australia, you take on a legal form of ownership known as a property title. The type of title determines what you own, how you maintain it and which rules apply when building. 

For new detached homes, including those built with Eden Brae Homes, the two most relevant title types are Torrens Title and Community Title. Strata Titles are generally used for apartments and attached dwellings, so they are not used for new standalone homes. 

Let’s break down what a Torrens Title means, what a Strata Title is and what a Community Title is. Understanding the key differences between Community Title, and Torrens Title can also assist you in determining what type of title your land holds before you proceed to build your dream home with Eden Brae Homes. 
 

What is a Torrens Title?

If you’re wondering what a Torrens Title means, a Torrens Title is the classic setup in Australia. Under this title, you own both the land and the home outright. You have full control over your block, the boundaries, the garden and any structures you choose to add. 

This title type is typical for traditional house and land packages, knockdown rebuilds and new homes on standard residential streets. 

Because you own the whole property, you’re responsible for all maintenance, from fencing to landscaping. You also have the freedom to renovate or extend your home, provided you meet local council requirements. 

Many buyers compare Community Title to Torrens Title when choosing land. Torrens Title is the most straightforward option because there are no shared areas and no ongoing fees to manage common property.  

 
What is a Community Title?

To best understand a Community Title, you could consider that it sits somewhere between Torrens and Strata. Community Title applies to land that includes private lots as well as shared spaces. You still own your block and your home, just as you would under a Torrens Title, the difference is that everyone in the community also shares ownership of certain facilities. 

These shared areas may include private parks, landscaped reserves, internal roads, tennis courts, barbecue areas or community halls. A community association manages these spaces and owners contribute through regular levies. The association may also set design guidelines to maintain a consistent look throughout the estate. These can cover facades, fencing, landscaping and sometimes colour schemes. 

Community Title is increasingly common in modern estates that offer resident-only amenities. If you plan to build in one of these areas, your home design may need to follow estate-specific requirements in addition to your council’s planning rules. 
 
People often compare Community Title vs Strata Title because both involve shared facilities. 
 

What is a Strata Title?

When comparing Torrens Title vs Strata Title or Community Title vs Strata Title, the key point to know is that Strata includes shared ownership of the land and building structure, whereas Torrens and Community Titles give you full ownership of your individual home and block. Strata Title is used for apartments, townhouses and other forms of attached housing.  

Community schemes may feel similar to strata because both involve shared facilities, but the ownership and building requirements differ significantly.  
 
It’s important to note that Strata Title is included here for context only. Since Eden Brae Homes builds detached homes, you will not be building on Strata Title land. 
 

How Your Property Title Affects Your Building Plans 

Knowing your title type early on helps you choose the right home design and understand the building process. 
 

1. Land Ownership 

Torrens Title offers the greatest flexibility. You can typically choose any Eden Brae home design that fits your block size and council rules. 
Community Title still allows you to build a detached home, but you may need to follow design guidelines set by the community association. 

2. Approvals 

Torrens Title approvals go through your local council or certifier. 
Community Title approvals can require sign-off from the community association as well as your council.

3. Maintenance and Ongoing Costs 

Torrens Title owners maintain everything on their own property. 
Community Title owners pay levies to support the shared facilities within the estate.

4. Lifestyle Considerations 

If you want full independence and maximum control, Torrens Title is ideal. 
If you like the idea of shared green spaces or private resident facilities without maintaining them yourself, a Community Title estate may suit you. 
 

Torrens Title vs Strata Title vs Community Title 

Since many buyers search for comparisons between Community Title vs Torrens Title vs Strata Title, below is a simple summary. 

• Torrens Title
  You own your land and home outright, with no shared facilities and no ongoing levies. 
   
• Community Title
  You own your block and home, plus shared ownership of community facilities. Design guidelines and levies usually apply. 
   
• Strata Title
  Means ownership of a lot plus shared ownership of common property. Eden Brae Homes doesn’t build on Strata Title land. 

All three can offer great living options. The right choice depends on the lifestyle you want and how much responsibility you want to take on. 
 

Choosing the Right Title for Your New Home 

When you purchase land for your Eden Brae home, knowing its title type helps you avoid surprises later. It influences what you own, which rules apply and how your building approvals will work. 

If you’re unsure whether Community Title, Strata Title or Torrens Title applies to your block, we can help you understand your land contract and guide you through the requirements. 
 
To explore our home designs in person, visit one of our display homes or browse our range of house and land packages, and we’ll help you to create a home you’ll love.