Quick Answer
When reading a WA title search for refinance, confirm the registered proprietor matches the borrower, identify all registered encumbrances (existing mortgages, caveats, restrictive covenants), verify the title type (green, survey-strata, or strata), and check for mining interests or other burdens that could affect the lender's security. A Current Title search through TitleFinder gives you the live register view for $74.50 AUD.
What Appears on a WA Title Search
A Western Australia title search reflects the current state of official property records at the time of ordering. For refinance checks, read three sections carefully: the property description, the registered proprietor, and the encumbrances.
The property description confirms the lot number, plan number, and title type. The registered proprietor lists the legal owner or owners. The encumbrances section is where most refinance risk sits—this is where mortgages, caveats, easements, restrictive covenants, and mining interests appear.
Title Types and Why They Matter for Refinance
WA has three main freehold title types. Each changes how a lender assesses security.
| Title Type | What It Covers | Refinance Risk Note |
|---|---|---|
| Green title | Freestanding lot with no shared common property | Lowest risk for lenders. No strata company involvement. Verify boundaries with a deposited plan if needed. |
| Survey-strata | Lot within a survey-strata plan; may have common property areas | Check for by-laws and strata company obligations. Order the strata plan to confirm common property boundaries. |
| Strata title | Unit within a strata scheme with common property and a strata company | Order strata records separately. Check for unpaid levies, by-law breaches, and building insurance compliance. |
How to Read Title Encumbrances WA
Encumbrances are registered burdens on the title. Your lender wants to know what ranks ahead of their new mortgage and what restrictions apply to the property.
Mortgages
The existing registered mortgage appears as an encumbrance. When refinancing, this mortgage gets discharged and replaced by the new lender's mortgage. Check that the mortgage details match the current loan. If multiple mortgages appear, note their registration order—priority goes to earlier registrations.
Caveats
A caveat is a statutory warning that someone claims an interest in the property. Any active caveat must be addressed before settlement. Common caveats include those lodged by previous purchasers, judgment creditors, or parties with equitable interests. Order a copy of the caveat document to understand the claim and determine whether it can be withdrawn or must be dealt with legally.
Easements and Restrictive Covenants
Easements grant rights over the property—drainage, rights of way, and services are typical in WA. Check whether easements affect the building envelope or usable land area. Restrictive covenants limit what the owner can do: single dwelling covenants, building material restrictions, and setback requirements are common in WA subdivisions. Lenders review these to confirm the property use aligns with loan terms.
Mining Interests
WA is unique in Australia for the prevalence of mining-related interests on property titles. Mining leases, prospecting licences, and mining reservations can appear even on residential titles. Under WA law, certain minerals remain Crown property, and historical mining registrations may affect surface rights. Check the encumbrances section for any reference to mining tenements. If present, order a copy of the mining instrument to assess whether it impacts the property value or lender security.
Rural Title Considerations
Rural and pastoral properties in WA carry additional refinance checks. Rural titles often have older survey plans, water rights, and encumbrances related to stock routes, government reserves, or mining. When refinancing a rural property:
- Order the deposited plan to verify boundaries and any plan notations
- Check for water licences and rights registered on title
- Review any government resumption or reservation notations
- Confirm access rights via road easements if the property lacks street frontage
Refinance Title Check Checklist
- Order a Current Title search ($74.50 AUD through TitleFinder) to get the live register view
- Verify the registered proprietor matches the borrower's full legal name
- Identify all encumbrances—mortgages, caveats, easements, covenants, mining interests
- Confirm the title type (green, survey-strata, strata) and order additional plans if required
- For survey-strata or strata titles, order the relevant plan and strata records
- Check for any unregistered dealings or pending applications noted on the title
- Order copies of individual encumbrance documents where the register entry alone lacks detail
- Confirm existing mortgage details match the loan being refinanced
- Ensure no caveats remain that would block registration of the new mortgage
- For rural titles, review boundary plans, water rights, and access easements
When to Order Supporting Documents
The title search tells you what encumbrances exist, but not always the full terms. Order copies of individual registered instruments when:
- A caveat appears and you need to understand the claimed interest
- A restrictive covenant needs review for building or use restrictions
- A mining interest requires assessment of its effect on the property
- The lender requires the full terms of an existing mortgage for discharge
For strata and survey-strata titles, also order the deposited plan or strata plan to confirm lot boundaries, common property, and any plan notations that affect the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "green title" mean on a WA property search?
A green title in WA is a standard freehold title for a freestanding lot with no shared common property. It is the simplest title type for lenders to assess because there is no strata company or common property involvement.
Can I refinance with a caveat on the title?
A caveat blocks registration of new dealings on the title, including a new mortgage. You must either have the caveat withdrawn by the caveator or apply to have it removed before the new mortgage can be registered. Order a copy of the caveat document first to understand the claim.
Do mining interests affect residential property refinance in WA?
Yes. Mining leases, prospecting licences, and Crown mineral reservations can appear on residential titles in WA. Even dormant or historical mining interests may require lender attention. Order a copy of any registered mining instrument to assess its impact before proceeding with refinance.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your specific refinance, consult your conveyancer or solicitor.
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.
