Registered Mortgage
Last reviewed 13 June 2026 by Nick Lim, finance broker (FBAA).
Registered Mortgage is a mortgage recorded on the property's title at the land titles office, giving the lender a legally enforceable security interest with a clear ranking. Under Australia's Torrens title system the mortgage is lodged at the state land titles office, and its date of registration sets its priority. Registration is what fixes whether a loan is a first mortgage or a second mortgage, and it gives stronger powers than an unregistered charge or a caveat loan.
Why Registered Mortgage Matters
Registration is what makes a mortgage enforceable and sets its priority, so it is central to how secured lending works.
- Recorded on the property title at the land registry
- Fixes the loan's ranking as first or second
- Stronger powers than an unregistered charge or caveat loan
- Standard for bank and commercial property lending
- Protects the lender's claim if the property is sold
Common Features of Registered Mortgage
- Lodged and recorded at the state land titles office
- Shows on a title search
- Ranks by order of registration under Torrens title
- Gives a power of sale on default
- Used for a first mortgage or second mortgage
Official reference: moneysmart.gov.au
What is a registered mortgage?
A mortgage recorded on the property title, giving the lender an enforceable, ranked security interest.
Why register a mortgage?
Registration fixes the lender's priority and gives stronger enforcement powers than an unregistered charge.
Registered mortgage vs caveat?
A registered mortgage is stronger and ranked; a caveat loan only warns others of an interest and is often a short-term step.
How do I know if a mortgage is first or second?
By its order of registration on title, which sets whether it is a first mortgage or second mortgage.
Does a registered mortgage give a power of sale?
Yes, on default the lender can usually exercise a power of sale under the registered mortgage.