Quick Answer
A Western Australia title search identifies a property using a lot number and a plan number. The lot number tells you which parcel within a plan, and the plan number tells you which registered plan defines that parcel's boundaries and subdivision type. Together they tell you whether you hold a green title, strata, or survey-strata lot, and they flag which encumbrances — caveats, mining interests, easements — you need to check before committing to a purchase.
Lot and Plan Identifiers on a WA Title
Every WA title search references a lot number and a plan number. These are not arbitrary labels. They tell you exactly how the land was subdivided and what type of tenure applies.
Lot Numbers
The lot number identifies a specific parcel within a registered plan. On a WA title it appears as "Lot 123" or simply "123." In rural areas, you may see "Location" numbers instead — for example, "Location 4567." These are older cadastral identifiers common on rural and pastoral titles. If you see a location number rather than a lot number, the parcel was likely defined before modern deposited plan numbering was introduced.
Plan Numbers and Types
The plan number tells you which registered plan defines the lot boundaries and what kind of subdivision created it. Common WA plan types include:
- Deposited Plan (DP) — standard freehold subdivision. Usually indicates a green title lot with independent boundaries and no strata company.
- Strata Plan (SP) — a strata-titled property. The lot is part of a scheme with common property managed by a strata company.
- Survey-Strata Plan (SSP) — a hybrid. Boundaries are surveyed like a green title, but common property such as driveways may be managed by a strata company.
- Crown Grant — original grant from the Crown, often seen on older rural titles. These may predate the deposited plan system.
The plan type prefix is your first signal about what kind of property you are dealing with and what additional checks to run.
Green Title, Strata and Survey-Strata Compared
| Title Type | Plan Prefix | What It Means | Key Risk to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green title | DP or none | Freehold lot with surveyed boundaries. No strata company. | Easements, restrictive covenants, and mining interests on the title. |
| Strata | SP | Lot within a strata scheme. Common property shared with other lot owners. | By-laws, unit entitlements, and strata company financial records. |
| Survey-strata | SSP | Surveyed lot boundaries with potential common property areas. | Common property obligations plus standard green title encumbrances. |
Title Encumbrances WA: What to Look For
Once you have identified the lot and plan, check the encumbrances section of the title. This is where WA-specific risks appear.
Caveats
A caveat is a registered claim by a third party asserting an interest in the property. If a caveat appears on the title, the caveator must be served before the property can be transferred. Always check who lodged the caveat and what interest they claim. A caveat can delay or block settlement.
Mining Interests
Western Australia carries a unique risk: mining tenements. A mining lease or exploration licence may be registered over rural, regional, or even peri-urban land. Check the title for mining-related encumbrances. For rural purchases, also order a separate search of mining tenement records. A mining interest does not prevent you from buying the property, but it grants the holder specific rights to access and use the land for mining purposes — rights that may affect your use and enjoyment.
Easements and Restrictive Covenants
Easements grant another party a right over part of your land — for drainage, access, or utility services. Restrictive covenants limit what you can do on the land, such as restricting dwellings to single residential use. Both appear in the encumbrances section. Read them carefully before assuming you can subdivide, renovate, or use the land as intended.
Rural Title Considerations
Rural WA titles may reference "Location" or "Crown Grant" identifiers instead of standard lot/plan numbers. Older titles might also reference cancelled or superseded certificate of title numbers. If the title has not been converted to the current folio identifier system, order a current title search to confirm no encumbrances were lost in the conversion. Rural titles are also more likely to carry water rights, grazing licences, or mining-related encumbrances that urban buyers may not expect.
Checklist: Verifying Your WA Title Search
- Confirm the lot number matches the property you intend to buy.
- Confirm the plan number matches the deposited, strata, or survey-strata plan on file.
- Identify the plan type prefix to determine green title, strata, or survey-strata.
- Read every encumbrance listed. Note caveats, easements, restrictive covenants, and mining interests.
- For strata or survey-strata: order the strata plan to check unit entitlements and common property boundaries.
- For rural titles: verify "Location" or "Crown Grant" identifiers correspond to the correct parcel.
- Cross-check the folio identifier against the certificate of title number for consistency.
- Order additional documents — such as the deposited plan or a dealing — if encumbrances reference instruments not reproduced in the title search.
When to Order Additional Documents
A title search gives you the current registered proprietor and a list of all encumbrances, but it does not reproduce the full text of every instrument. If the title lists an easement, caveat, or restrictive covenant, order the relevant dealing or instrument to read its full terms. If the property is strata or survey-strata, order the strata plan to see unit boundaries, common property, and by-laws. For rural titles with mining interests, order the mining tenement search separately.
A Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder costs $74.50 AUD and provides the folio details, registered proprietor, and all encumbrances. You can then decide which additional documents to order based on what the title reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lot number and a location number in WA?
A lot number is the standard identifier for a parcel in a deposited plan, strata plan, or survey-strata plan. A location number is an older cadastral reference used on some rural and pastoral titles. Both identify a specific parcel, but location numbers may require a separate plan search to confirm exact boundaries.
Can a mining interest stop me from using my property in WA?
A mining interest does not prevent you from buying the property, but it grants the holder rights to access and use the land for mining-related purposes. Read the full terms of any mining lease or exploration licence on the title to understand what rights the holder has and how they affect your intended use.
How do I know if I need the strata plan or deposited plan as well?
If the title search shows an SP or SSP plan prefix, order the strata plan to check unit boundaries, common property, and by-laws. For DP plan prefixes, order the deposited plan if you need to see easement diagrams or lot dimensions. The title search lists all encumbrances but does not reproduce the plan diagrams or the full text of every 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.