Property Searches

Buying or selling property is often one of the largest financial decisions people make.

Council property searches provide access to important information about a property, including planning requirements, approvals, flood risk, and rates or water charges. 

Checking this information before you buy, sell or develop can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs and issues later. 

Which property search do I need?

Use the guide below to help you choose the right search for your situation. 

If you are buying or selling a property 

You may need: 

  • a Planning and Development Certificate – to understand planning controls (overlays and zoning), infrastructure charges and development approvals. 

  • a Rates and Water Search – to check rates, water charges and any outstanding balances 

  • a Flood or Storm Surge Certificate – to understand flood or storm surge levels, including where minimum floor levels apply. 

Your solicitor or conveyancer can advise which searches are required for a contract. 

Not sure which search applies? 

Council staff can help guide you before you apply. Call (07) 4776 4600 for advice. 

Property buying and selling search forms

Use the forms below to request property search information:

Details about each search type are explained below.

Town planning search

Planning and Development Certificates types and timeframes 

  • Limited Certificate – Five business days 

  • Standard Certificate – 10 business days 

  • Full Certificate – 30 business days 

For further information as to what contents each certificate type includes, please see Schedule 23, Section 71, of the Planning Regulation 2017, Content of planning and development certificates for full detail. 

Rates and water search

A Rates and Water Search provides financial information about a property, including: 

  • current rates and water charges 

  • any arrears or outstanding interest 

  • water usage balances 

You may also request a water meter reading, taken on a specific date. 

How do I apply for a rates and water search? 

How to apply 

  1. Download the Application for Property, Water and Building Data form to complete it 

  1. Submit the form to Council 

  1. Pay the applicable fees 

What is included? 

  • inspection of Council records only 

  • information provided as at the date of inspection 

  • optional water meter reading (if connected) 

How long does it take? 

  • Standard search: Five business days 

  • Urgent search (on request): Two business days 

Providing an email address allows results to be delivered faster than by post. 

Payment information 

  • applications must be paid in full before processing 

  • applications cannot be cancelled once processing has started 

Payment options are available here. 

 

Outstanding search request

Most rate searches are completed within five (5) business days. 

Delays may occur if: 

  • the property is newly created, or 

  • the land has been recently subdivided 

If you have not received your search after five business days: 

Flood and storm surge search

Flood and Storm Surge Certificates provide important information when building or developing land. 

A 100‑Year Flood Certificate or Storm Surge Certificate outlines: 

  • flood and storm surge levels; and 

  • minimum habitable floor levels under the Planning Scheme. 

This information may be required by: 

  • building certifiers; 

  • designers and engineers; or 

  • insurers.  

Contact us

For help with property searches or applications: 

Visit us 
25 Lannercost Street 
Ingham QLD 4850 

Write to us 
PO Box 366 
Ingham QLD 4850 

Call us 
(07) 4776 4600 

Email: council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au  

Back to top