That dream home you’ve

always wanted is finally yours…

It’s been a long journey. You’re probably drained from
having been on the rollercoaster ride of buying a
property. There are the endless viewings, the elations,
the disappointments, competitors at every turn, and
maybe you’ve even been through the excitement of an
auction with that heart-stopping moment when the final
hammer came crashing down. Whichever your route,
the dream home, the one you’ve always wanted, is now
finally yours.
Congratulations! You’ve earned it! You’ve worked hard
for it!
But did you know
that almost 29%
of Australian
residences have
illegal structures*?
What would happen if the council slapped an
enforcement notice to pull down that beautiful balcony
at the back of your property because it did not comply
with council regulations?
What would happen if the third bedroom converted from
a garage turned out not to have had the appropriate
building approvals, requiring you to re-instate it as a
garage?
What would happen if the title deeds on your property
documents proved to be fraudulent?
All of the above examples and many more like them
have happened to our customers. Imagine if any of these
problems happened to your property. They might end up
causing you significant financial loss and involvement in
29% ILLEGAL*
protracted legal proceedings.
First Title is here to give you the peace of mind that your
dream home is protected against risks that affect your
ownership or your ability to occupy or use the property.

Source: Archicentre media release: Why illegal building will catch up with you, 14 June 2011, www.archicentre.com.au.
•
What Is Title Insurance?
Title Insurance is designed to provide insurance cover First Title can cover you against the above risks plus more
to protect property owners like you against the hidden, for a single one-off premium. You should discuss Title
and often complex, legal and title based problems that Insurance with your conveyancing or legal professional.
may not be apparent from traditional searches. These
problems can be very costly and could place severe
financial hardship on you and your family.
First Title provides insurance cover for many different
risks, for example:

1 
To repair or demolish illegal or unapproved
structures such as decks, pergolas or carports where
your local council issues an order to do so.

2 To rectify incorrect boundaries, for example if

you discover your garden shed or fence is on your
neighbour’s property and needs to be moved.

3 Identity theft and fraud, which could result in your

home being mortgaged without your knowledge.

4 To remove encroachments on your land, such as a

neighbour building a structure which encroaches on
your land.

Why First Title†?

First Title is an Australian general insurance company As a well-established
authorised by the Australian Prudential Regulation
Authority (APRA) and afforded an Australian Financial
insurance company, we have
the depth of understanding
EST
Services Licence, and is part of the international of the risks and problems
services division of the First American Financial associated with home ownership,
Corporation, which is listed on the New York Stock to ensure you have the best in class
Exchange (NYSE: FAF) and has a history dating back Title Insurance products.
to 1889. First Title has been providing Title Insurance
products and services to Australians since 1996.

First Title is the trading name of First American Title Insurance Company of Australia Pty Limited.
†
Examples of Customer Problems And Claims

Protection against Unapproved Structures

Shortly after one of our clients moved into their new As soon as the council issued their notice, our clients
home, they found their land flooded every time it rained. contacted us. We obtained council approval for a
Upon further investigation, it was found that this was new retaining wall and quotes from local builders to
caused by their 20-year-old retaining wall not allowing demolish and rebuild it. We paid all the direct and
for drainage. Worse still, the previous owner had built associated costs, saving the owners around $50,000.
the retaining wall without council approval and did not
comply with council requirements. A council notice
was issued to our clients to demolish and rebuild the
retaining wall.

Incorrect Boundaries
Soon after moving into her new home one of our clients
was told by a neighbour that the boundary lines of her
property were inaccurate. This was not discovered
during the conveyancing process as boundary surveys
are not typically obtained when buying property. Our
client called us to resolve the issue.
We obtained a new survey which showed that nearly all
the boundaries on our client’s land were inaccurate,
some in her favour and some not. We paid for her
boundary lines to be corrected, saving the owners
approximately $25,000.

Protection from Property Fraudsters

The Canberra Times newspaper reported that overseas Pursuing compensation for fraud, especially overseas,
fraudsters had sold a Canberra home while the owner can be a very expensive. With a Title Insurance policy
was living overseas in South Africa^. The owner only from First Title in place, the above homeowners would
discovered the fraud after she contacted her property have received comprehensive protection against the
manager to question why rental payments had stopped. losses caused by the fraud
The issue was so serious, the ACT police issued a
warning, with their spokeswoman urging “homeowners
residing overseas or travelling overseas for a lengthy
period to establish robust protocols that protect and
confirm their bona fides.”

”Police probe Macgregor property scam” Natasha Boddy, The Canberra Times, 23 July 2014.
^
Here’s what our clients are saying about us
“Dear Felicity (Claims Counsel, First Title),
We have just received the original council building
certificate and would like to thank you very much for
your prompt and fastidious response to our claim.
Our experience with First Title and your choice of
builders has been very satisfying and we would highly
recommend Title Insurance. Your own professionalism
and courteous manner made it a pleasure to deal with
you. Thank you. Yours sincerely.
Tim & Maureen Moretti”
“Dear George (Underwriting Manager, First Title)
My sincere thanks for your recent help with our
purchase of a block of land.
You quickly sorted out the best type of Title Insurance
policy to cover our requirements and you explained the
precise detail in such an easy-to-understand manner.
Your friendly and professional service has given me and
my wife complete peace of mind that your policy insures
us against everything that we need to cover.
We will shortly start building our final retirement home
and it was extremely important to us that we had your
complete assurance that any potential problems would
be covered. The paperwork was straightforward and
your efficient and helpful service from beginning to end
was excellent.
Thank you for your very much appreciated assistance.
Grahame & Diane Buchanan – Mt Martha, Victoria”

So protect you and your family today from the varied

and often hidden risks that can threaten the ownership
of your dream home by talking to your conveyancing or
legal professional.
Alternatively, you can visit our website at
www.firsttitle.com.au
or speak to the First Title
Customer Service Team on 1300 362 178

This material is intended to provide general information only. For specific coverage, conditions
and exclusions please refer to the policy terms and conditions. Premium is payable in full
on policy issuance. Some products/services may vary by State. Prices and products
offered are subject to change without notice. ©2015 First American Title Insurance
Company of Australia Pty Limited ABN: 64 075 279 908 – all rights reserved.
AFSL no: 263876 CBR2012100101