When purchasing a property, due diligence is critical, but what happens when it isn’t enough? What happens when due diligence doesn’t uncover everything? In this episode, we tackle situations where hidden risks and undetected issues surface after the deal is done. From illegal building works to encroachments and zoning complications, we explore how title insurance steps in to protect homeowners from the unexpected.

Paul Watkins from Stewart Title Insurance joins us to explain what title insurance is and why it’s so important. Unlike the usual home and contents insurance, title insurance covers issues with your property’s title—things like unapproved structures, council building notices, or disputes about boundaries. Paul walks us through how these risks work and shares some examples of how they’ve caused major headaches for property buyers.

We also talk about what happens when councils issue building notices, often for things the new owners didn’t even know about, like an unapproved retaining wall or a deck. We talk about the steps you might have to take—like showing cause or applying for retrospective approvals—and why it’s often not as straightforward as you’d hope. And the kicker? These issues don’t just disappear because you weren’t the one who caused them.

If you’ve ever wondered about the risks you take on when buying a property—or if you’ve already come across something unexpected—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Understanding title insurance could be the difference between a smooth experience and a costly, time-consuming mess.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:22 - Meighan’s special house of the week

03:21 - Who is Paul Watkins?

03:34 - What is title insurance?

06:21 - Does title insurance cover injuries caused by unapproved structural failures?

08:16 - What buyers should know about building notices on purchased properties

13:40 - Rules of title insurance on unapproved or illegally built structures

14:32 - What is a GIPA?

18:01 - Does title insurance cover issues like missing certifications?

26:46 - How title insurance can address gaps in the due diligence process

40:05 - Does title insurance apply to strata property owners?

47:11 - Does title insurance cover unapproved flooring in strata apartments?

49:24 - How much does title insurance typically cost?

51:59 - Why title insurance is valuable, even for experienced property buyers

55:12 - What steps should buyers take to secure title insurance?

57:14 - What Paul wishes he knew as a first home buyer

About Our Guest:

Paul Watkins oversees the Underwriting and Legal Departments at Stewart Title, managing policy development, regulatory compliance, claims, and corporate legal matters. With a focus on building a knowledgeable and responsive team, he ensures efficient and ethical handling of title insurance and claims. Before joining Stewart in 2004, Paul gained extensive experience in insurance, property conveyancing, and development through private practice. He frequently presents on real estate topics and has contributed to Australian legal publications on title insurance. A finalist for “Insurance Lawyer of the Year” in 2019, Paul holds degrees in Law (Hons) and Social Sciences from the University of Canberra and is admitted as a solicitor in multiple Australian jurisdictions.

Connect with Paul Watkins:

• Stewart Title Insurance Australia https://www.stewartau.com/
• LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-watkins-39223936

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

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