Torrens title
From Australian law (from South Australia, 1858)
Property
What it means
A system where the register of land is the title. If a person is registered as owner, the register is conclusive, and the state guarantees it. You do not need to trace past dealings to prove a title.
Why it travels badly
In a deeds system, the records only prove that a document was lodged. Whether the seller really owns the land depends on the chain of documents behind it, which a buyer must check, or insure against. Title registration with a state guarantee works differently. The same word, 'registration', means different things in each.
How other systems say it
Torrens title
Introduced by Sir Robert Torrens in South Australia in 1858 and now used across Australia.
Torrens-based land registration
Registered owners have 'indefeasible' title, subject to exceptions set out in the statute.
Grundbuch (§ 892 BGB)
A register with public faith: a buyer who relies in good faith on the register is protected.
United States
recording of deeds, with title insurance
Most states record deeds and rely on title insurance to cover defects. A few states have Torrens systems for some land.
Tip for translators and students
Translate 'registration' carefully. 'Registering a deed' and 'registering a title' are different acts with different effects.
Related: Real rights and personal rights, Adverse possession and usucapion, Fee simple and ownership
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
TheLawToKnow Tools’s glossary is an educational overview of the main differences between legal systems. It is not legal advice.
