Section 7 searches

What is a Section 7 Search?

Searches provide information on a particular property. They can only be ordered by or on behalf of a person who has an interest in land within the area.

For the purposes of ordering a Search, the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 187) states that a person has an interest in land if and only if that person is:

  • the owner of a registered estate or interest in the land

  • an occupier of the land

  • a person who has entered or declares to the Council that he or she proposes to enter into a contract to purchase the land or

  • a mortgagee or prospective mortgagee of the land.

A full Section 7 Search consists of three components:

Rates

A rates certificate is generated which shows rates levied for this financial year and outstanding rates due.

Environmental health

The specific property is checked against the contaminated land register to identify whether any relevant notices have been issued.

Development services

A search is done on previous applications to check whether there are any continuing conditions. A copy of the indemnity insurance (if available) is attached and any encumbrances, Land Management Agreements or current notices issued for that particular property are indicated on the search.

Online

Step 1.Get your paperwork in order

Searches must include a copy of the Certificate of Title in order for Council to process the search request. 

A certificate of title is an official record of land ownership in South Australia. Contact South Australian Integrate Land Information System for any questions relating to land and property titles in South Australia.

What else does the customer need in order to complete the online request

Step 2.How long does it take?

Using the online portal is the quickest and easiest way to request a Section 7 Search. Council has up to 8 working days from the date the payment is received to complete a search. 

Urgent searches will be given priority but Council will not guarantee a 24 hour turnaround. Additional fees apply.

Step 3.Fees and Payment options

When you use our online eService portal to request your Section 7 search, you will be asked for payment. We accept Visa or Mastercard payments.

 Search Type

Fee 

Rates Only 

 $35.00

Full Section 7 Search

 $60.00

Full Section 7 Search - Urgent

 $72.25

 

Step 4.Register or Log in to our Online eServices portal

Existing users

If you have previously registered for our Online eService portal

Sign in here

New users

If you have not used our eService

Register here 

New users will be contacted via email to confirm registration after which you can submit new requests online.

Need help?

If you have any questions or need help registering for our online eServices portal call us.

08 8372 5111

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

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