The new private operator of NSW's land titles registry surreptitiously hiked some fees by 1900 per cent before it was caught and forced to amend them, Fairfax Media can reveal.

When the Berejiklian government privatised the land titles registry for $2.6 billion last year, it said prices for titling and registry services would remain affordable, with price rises capped at CPI.

The Berejiklian government leased the land titles registry for $2.6 billion, which angered surveyors and developers. Credit:Kate Geraghty

But the operator, NSW Land Registry Services (LRS) – owned mostly by First State Super and Utilities Trust Australia – reinterpreted the rules and in July started charging a lodgement fee of $141.60 for every title in a dealing, rather than for every 20 titles.

Therefore, a dealing involving 20 titles that previously cost $141.60 rose by 1900 per cent to $2832, boosting profits.