] To add to Jack's post: I fear that your confusion arises because you've been misinformed. A title had nothing to do with any property ownership. You could have penniless Viscounts and wealthy commoners (as is Mr Darcy).

Thanks for the clarification -- I was certainly aware that there were wealthy landowners alongside landed nobility -- but truly was confused on the multiple title aspect -- I had always read it along the lines of 'the Viscount assumed the title of Lord ___" which I think is where my confusion arose.

Kind of you to assist in my further understanding.