Quick Answer
When you read a Western Australian title search, focus on the registered proprietor, encumbrances, and caveats. Caveats act as warning signs that someone else claims an interest in the property. Always cross-reference the title with the deposited plan and check for specific local risks like green title restrictions, survey-strata by-laws, mining interests, and rural conditions.
Key Sections of a WA Title Search
Knowing how to read title search WA documents starts with understanding the layout of the official property records. The title contains several distinct sections that answer specific questions about the property.
- Registered Proprietor: Confirms who currently owns the property. Check that the names match the seller on the contract of sale.
- Estate and Land Description: Shows the lot number, plan number, and estate type (usually fee simple). This tells you exactly what parcel of land is being sold.
- Encumbrances: Lists any burdens on the land, such as mortgages, easements, restrictive covenants, and caveats.
- Notations: Shows administrative interests or unregistered dealings that might affect the property, such as heritage listings or contaminated site warnings.
Understanding Caveats on WA Property Titles
Caveats property title Western Australia documents serve as a formal warning. A caveat prevents the registrar from registering certain dealings without giving the caveator notice. Essentially, it tells you someone else claims an interest in the property and wants to be informed before any transfer occurs.
Common Types of Caveats in WA
- Equitable Mortgage Caveat: A lender has provided funds but has not yet registered a formal mortgage on the title.
- Agreement for Sale Caveat: A purchaser who has signed a contract but is not yet the registered proprietor has protected their position.
- Builder’s Caveat: Registered by a builder or contractor owed money for work on the property.
If you see a caveat, do not proceed until you understand the claim. You may need to order the underlying instrument or dealing to read the full details. Through TitleFinder, a Current Title / State Lease search is $74.50 AUD, which will show if any caveats are currently registered.
Local WA Title Risks to Check
WA property titles carry specific risks depending on the title type and location.
Green Title
A green title indicates a single, independent lot without shared common property. While often preferred by buyers because they lack strata levies, you must still check for easements or restrictive covenants that limit land use, such as drainage easements or building envelopes.
Survey-Strata Titles
Survey-strata titles allow for common property, like shared driveways, but do not always have the built-structure boundaries of a standard strata title. Check the by-laws and any common property liabilities to understand your maintenance obligations.
Mining Interests
In WA, the Crown retains mineral rights. Titles may be subject to mining leases or prospecting licences. Always check the title encumbrances WA section for any mining reservations or active mining tenements that overlap the property, as this can affect surface land use.
Rural Titles
Rural properties often carry encumbrances related to water rights, stock routes, or environmental covenants. Check for easements granting access across the land or restricting clearing. Fences may also not align with the registered boundaries.
When to Order Supporting Documents
The title search is only part of the picture. You will often need to order additional documents to understand the full scope of title encumbrances WA.
- Deposited Plan or Strata Plan: Order this to see lot dimensions, easement locations, and common property boundaries. This answers questions about exactly where boundaries lie.
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Dealings or Instruments: If the title lists
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.