Not All Titles Are the Same
Most conveyancing advice assumes a straightforward freehold title, but cross-lease and unit title properties need extra checks. With a cross-lease, you own an undivided share of the freehold land jointly with your neighbours, plus a leasehold interest in your specific dwelling shown on a "flats plan." A unit title instead gives you ownership of your unit plus compulsory membership of a body corporate that manages the shared building and grounds.
Both structures involve shared responsibilities that a standard freehold purchase doesn't, so your conveyancer needs to dig a little deeper than usual.
Cross-Lease
Unit Title
Freehold
A cross-lease title can become "defective" if a dwelling's footprint has changed without the flats plan being updated — a costly, surveyor-and-Council-involved fix.
Extra Checks for These Title Types
Beyond the standard title search and LIM, these are worth confirming.
Flats plan accuracy
Confirm the registered flats plan still matches the building's actual footprint, especially after past renovations.
Consent for alterations
Check whether any changes to your unit or shared areas required, and received, consent from other owners.
Body corporate records
For unit titles, review body corporate minutes, levies and any planned maintenance costs.
Insurance arrangements
Confirm how building insurance is arranged and shared across the other owners.
Quick Summary
- Cross-lease: shared land ownership defined by a flats plan; watch for defective titles.
- Unit title: individual unit ownership plus body corporate levies and rules.
- Extra diligence: check flats plan accuracy, consents and body corporate records.