Quick Answer
A WA title search shows registered mortgages, caveats, and other encumbrances in the Encumbrances section. Each entry lists the type, registered dealing number, and the party who lodged it. You need to check whether the mortgage will be discharged at settlement, and order a copy of the dealing or instrument to see the full terms.
What Appears on a WA Title Search
A Western Australia title search contains several key sections:
- Land description (lot, plan/diagram number, area)
- Registered proprietor (current owner)
- Encumbrances (mortgages, caveats, easements, restrictive covenants)
- Notations (survey-strata information, mining interests)
The encumbrances section is where you find any registered mortgages. It is also where caveats and other claims appear. Any entry here stays on the title until a dealing is lodged to remove or discharge it.
How to Identify and Read Mortgages on a WA Title
When you receive a WA title search, look for the Encumbrances section. A registered mortgage will appear with:
- The word MORTGAGE or MORT followed by a dealing number
- The date of registration
- The mortgagee (lender) name
For example, an entry might read: MORTGAGE A1234567 — Registered 15/03/2023 — Big Bank Ltd
This means the registered proprietor has granted a mortgage to the named lender. The mortgage secures a loan against the property. It does not show the loan amount or terms on the title itself.
To find the loan amount and conditions, you need to order a copy of the dealing/instrument. This is the full document that was lodged to register the mortgage.
Key Questions to Answer
- Will the mortgage be discharged at settlement? Ask the vendor or their representative.
- Is there more than one mortgage? Multiple entries may indicate separate loans or refinances that have not been discharged.
- Is the dealing number recent? A very recent registration might indicate a refinance in progress.
Reading Other Encumbrances: Caveats, Mining Interests, and More
Beyond mortgages, the encumbrances section can show:
Caveats
A caveat is a warning that someone claims an interest in the property. Unlike a mortgage, a caveat prevents further dealings without the caveator's consent. If you see a caveat, you need to understand who lodged it and why. Order a copy of the caveat document to see the basis of the claim.
Easements
Rights for others to use part of the land, such as drainage or access. These are common and often benign, but check whether they affect your intended use.
Restrictive Covenants
Rules about what the owner can or cannot do with the land. Common in subdivisions and can limit building, materials, or land use.
Mining Interests
In WA, mining tenements can override surface rights. Check the notations section and, for rural properties, consider a separate mining tenement search.
Green Title vs Survey-Strata Considerations
WA has two common title types you will encounter:
Green Title
The standard freehold title. The lot is defined by a survey plan. Encumbrances are listed directly on the title. Check for any easements or covenants that might limit building or subdivision.
Survey-Strata
Common for townhouses and villas. The lot boundaries are defined by a survey-strata plan. Check the plan for common property, boundary walls, and any by-laws. Encumbrances may also appear on the parent title or the strata plan.
Rural Titles and Mining Interests
For rural properties in WA, pay close attention to:
- Mining tenements that may exist over or near the land
- Easements for utilities, stock routes, or access
- Notations about unmade roads or reserves
- Water rights and access
Mining interests in WA are a genuine risk for rural buyers. A title search alone may not show all mining tenements. Consider supplementary searches if the property is in a mineral-rich area.
When to Order Additional Documents
A title search gives you the summary. You often need more detail:
- Order a copy of the mortgage dealing/instrument if you need to know the loan amount, terms, or whether there are cross-collateralisation clauses.
- Order the survey-strata plan if the property is survey-strata and you need to see boundaries, common property, and by-laws.
- Order the deposited plan or diagram for green title lots to confirm dimensions and any easement diagrams.
- Order a caveat document to understand the nature of the claim.
Through TitleFinder, a Current Title / State Lease search is $74.50 AUD and gives you the current title information. Additional document orders can be added at checkout.
Practical Checklist
Use this list when reviewing a WA title search:
- Identify all registered proprietors and confirm they match the contract
- List every encumbrance and classify it (mortgage, caveat, easement, covenant)
- For each mortgage, confirm it will be discharged at settlement
- For each caveat, order the caveat document and investigate the claim
- Check the title type (green title or survey-strata) and order the relevant plan
- For rural titles, check notations for mining interests and consider a mining tenement search
- Verify the lot and plan numbers match the contract of sale
- Order copies of any dealing/instrument you need to review in full
Common WA Title Encumbrances
| Encumbrance type | What it means | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | Lender holds security over property | Confirm discharge at settlement |
| Caveat | Third party claims an interest | Order caveat document; investigate claim |
| Easement | Right for others to use part of the land | Check if it affects your intended use |
| Restrictive covenant | Limits what can be done with the land | Review terms; may limit building or use |
| Mining interest | Mining tenement may override surface rights | For rural land, consider mining tenement search |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a property be sold with a mortgage still on the title?
Yes. The vendor is responsible for discharging the mortgage at settlement, usually from the sale proceeds. Confirm this with the vendor's representative before settlement.
What is the difference between a mortgage and a caveat on a WA title?
A mortgage is a registered security interest, usually held by a lender. A caveat is a notice that someone claims an interest in the property; it blocks further dealings until the claim is resolved or withdrawn.
Do I need to order the mortgage instrument, or is the title search enough?
The title search shows the mortgage exists and who holds it, but not the loan amount or terms. If you need those details—for example, to check for cross-collateralisation—order a copy of the dealing/instrument.
Order the right TitleFinder document
Use this guide as a reference, then order the actual record that answers your question:
- WA Title Search — $79.90
- WA Survey Search — $85.90
- WA Document Search — $91.80
If you are unsure, start with the current title search, then add the plan or instrument if the title points to one.
Need the title search? Use the TitleFinder product links above to order the current title, plan, instrument or state-specific property record you actually need.