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Home › Property Value › How Do I Find Out When a House Was Built in Australia?
If you’ve ever wondered “How old is my house?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or just curious, knowing when a property was built can be very useful. The build year affects insurance, renovation approvals, heritage checks, and even buyer confidence when you’re preparing to sell.
In this guide, we’ll cover the easiest ways to find out when a house was built in Australia from checking official documents to searching property databases, plus state-by-state tips.
Key Takeaways Knowing when a house was built matters for selling, buyer confidence, insurance, renovation approvals, and heritage restrictions. Start with free sources such as your contract of sale, council building records, and rates notices, they often contain the build year. Paid options like CoreLogic RP Data and Landata provide authoritative and detailed reports, which are especially valuable for buyers and sellers. State-based land registries (NSW LRS, Landata VIC, Titles QLD, Landgate WA, etc.) hold official records, but processes and fees vary. If records are missing, clues in the home’s architecture, fittings, and materials or help from a valuer, inspector, or historical archives can reveal the age. For sellers, confirming the build year builds buyer trust and can support a stronger property valuation. For buyers, double-checking the year built ensures you’re aware of potential maintenance, insurance costs, or heritage obligations. Combining multiple sources (free documents, government databases, and professional reports) gives the most accurate picture of your home’s age.
Key Takeaways
The year a house was built isn’t just a piece of trivia, it can have real financial, legal, and practical impacts. Whether you’re an owner, buyer, or seller, understanding the build year helps you make better decisions.
Buyers want to know how old a house is because it gives them clues about the condition, materials, and potential maintenance. For example, a home built in the 1950s may have strong hardwood framing, but it could also need rewiring. If you’re selling, providing an accurate build year upfront builds trust. It shows buyers you’re transparent and may even support a higher valuation.
A buyer walking through a property will often ask, “When was this built?” A clear answer backed by records can give them peace of mind. Without it, they may worry about hidden issues or hesitate to make an offer.
Insurance companies usually ask for the year of construction when quoting premiums. This is because older houses often carry higher risks, for example, outdated plumbing can cause leaks or old wiring can increase fire hazards. The build year helps insurers set fair premiums and determine what cover is available.
Councils often need to know the original build year when you apply for major renovations. If your home is more than a certain age, additional approvals or building standards may apply. For example, asbestos was commonly used up until the 1980s. A council may require safety checks before granting permission to renovate.
If a property is old enough, it may fall under heritage protection laws. This means you might not be allowed to make certain changes to the exterior, or you may need special approvals before doing so. Knowing the exact age helps you understand whether restrictions might apply and avoids nasty surprises mid-renovation.
Different eras of houses come with their own quirks. A 1970s brick veneer home may need roof tile replacements by now, while a 1990s property might be approaching a kitchen or bathroom upgrade cycle. Knowing the age helps owners budget and plan for future repairs.
In short, the build year of a house is more than just a number. It shapes how much your property is worth, what insurance you can get, what you’re allowed to do with renovations, and how buyers view your home when it’s time to sell.
There are several reliable ways to confirm the build year of your house. Some are free, others involve a small cost.
When a property is sold, the contract of sale and title often contain details about the house, including the build year. If you purchased the property, review your original paperwork. For buyers, the seller’s solicitor or conveyancer may provide this.
Your local council keeps records of building approvals and development applications. You can:
Keep in mind, some councils charge a small fee to retrieve older records.
Each state has its own land and property services:
Professional property data platforms like CoreLogic’s RP Data and Pricefinder often include the year a home was built. These are subscription-based and used by real estate agents and valuers, but you can request a property report from an agent.
For sellers, this can be part of preparing your home for sale. See our guide on choosing the best real estate agent.
Sometimes your annual rates notice includes the year built or the age of improvements (such as extensions). These details vary by council but are worth checking before paying for other searches.
When trying to find out when a house was built, you’ll notice that some methods are free while others involve a cost. The best option for you depends on why you need the information and how accurate it needs to be.
These are the first places most people should look, as they often provide enough detail without any cost:
These free options are often enough for homeowners who are just curious or want a rough idea of the age of their house.
If free searches don’t provide a clear answer, or you need official records for legal or financial reasons, paid options are available:
It depends on your situation:
Free methods are a great first step, but they may not always be accurate or up to date. Paid options, while costing a little, provide an official record that’s more reliable, especially if you’re selling, buying, or making big changes to the property.
If records are missing or unclear, the home itself can provide strong hints:
If you’re unsure, a building inspector or valuer can give a professional estimate.
Property and land records in Australia are managed at the state level, which means the process varies depending on where your home is located. Here’s a closer look at what to expect in each state and territory:
For most states, the fastest path is to start with your local council, then move on to the state’s official land registry if you need more detail.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the records just don’t exist or they’re incomplete. This is especially common with very old houses or rural properties. If this happens, don’t panic. There are still ways to estimate the build year:
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If one method doesn’t work, combine several. For example:
Finding out when your house was built doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with free options like your council records, rates notice, or sale contract. If you need more detail, state databases and property data platforms like CoreLogic can provide official confirmation.
For sellers, getting this right builds buyer trust and helps secure a better sale price. If you’re preparing to sell, consider booking a property valuation to get a complete picture of your home’s value, age, and features.
See our full guide on how to get the most accurate property value estimate for the next step.
Not always. Some titles include the year built, but often you’ll need to check council records or property databases.
Try state databases, a CoreLogic report, or contact a valuer or building inspector.
Check the state heritage register, historical societies, or libraries. Heritage homes often have detailed archives.
It affects insurance, renovations, heritage restrictions, and gives buyers confidence when you sell.
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