Quick Answer
Road reservations on a Western Australia property title indicate that a portion of the land may be required for current or future road infrastructure. They appear as encumbrances or notifications on the official property records and can restrict what you build, subdivide, or develop on that portion of the site.
Understanding Road Reservations on WA Titles
When you receive a title search for a Western Australia property, the document will list any registered encumbrances. A road reservation is one of the most common entries that buyers overlook during due diligence. It does not mean the road has been built—it means the right exists to use that land for a road at some point.
On the title, look for wording such as "road reservation" or references to specific planning instruments that designate land for road widening, realignment, or new thoroughfares. The entry will typically reference a deposited plan or diagram number that shows the exact position and width of the reservation.
You should always request the referenced plan to see the physical extent of the reservation. The title text alone will not show you which corner or boundary strip is affected.
Practical Checklist: What to Verify
- Check the encumbrances section of the title for any road reservation or right-of-way entries
- Order the deposited plan or diagram referenced in the reservation entry to map the affected area
- Confirm whether the reservation overlaps your proposed building envelope or subdivision layout
- Review whether the reservation is active (road constructed) or passive (reserved for future use)
- Check for any compensation or acquisition provisions related to the reservation
- Cross-reference the reservation against local planning schemes to confirm current road plans
- For survey-strata titles, check whether the reservation runs through common property or a specific lot
Green Title vs Survey-Strata: How Road Reservations Apply
Road reservations affect different title types in different ways. Use this comparison to understand what to look for:
| Feature | Green Title | Survey-Strata Title |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation visibility | Appears directly on the individual certificate of title | May appear on the strata plan or individual lot title |
| Common property impact | Not applicable—single lot with no shared areas | Reservation may run through common property, affecting all lot owners |
| Subdivision risk | Reservation can block or complicate future subdivision | Existing survey-strata may already account for reservations in lot boundaries |
| Boundary certainty | Clear boundaries unless reservation creates ambiguity | Boundaries defined by survey plan; check if reservation overlaps lot or common property |
Other Title Encumbrances to Check in WA
Mining Interests
Western Australia's mining legislation allows third parties to register mining tenements or interests over private land. These entries appear on the title and can grant exploration or extraction rights that override some surface land uses. Always check whether a mining interest affects the property before committing to a purchase, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Caveats
A caveat is a statutory warning that another party claims an interest in the land. Caveats block certain dealings until they are withdrawn or lapse. If you see a caveat on the title, order the supporting instrument to understand who lodged it and what interest they claim. Do not assume a caveat will simply disappear at settlement.
Rural Titles
Rural and pastoral titles in WA often carry additional encumbrances, including stock routes, water rights, easements for fencing, and broader road reservations that reflect historical land division patterns. The title may also reference crown leases or conditional purchase conditions that impose ongoing obligations. Order any referenced lease or dealing to confirm whether conditions remain enforceable.
When to Order Additional Documents
A current title search gives you the register entries, but it will not include the full text of every encumbrance. In these situations, order the supporting document:
- Road reservation plan: Request the deposited plan or diagram to see the reservation's physical extent on the site
- Mining interest instrument: Order the dealing or instrument that registered the mining tenement to confirm its scope and duration
- Caveat instrument: Request the caveat document to identify the caveator, the claimed interest, and any conditions
- Easement or restrictive covenant document: Order the instrument to read the full terms, including maintenance obligations or use restrictions
- Crown lease: For state leasehold properties, order the lease document to check rent review dates, permitted use clauses, and improvement requirements
You can order a Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder for $74.50 AUD. If the title references additional documents, order those separately to complete your due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a road reservation mean the government will definitely build a road?
No. A reservation registers the right to use the land for a road in the future. Many reservations sit dormant for decades. However, the reservation remains enforceable, so you cannot build permanent structures on the affected strip without risk.
Can I remove a road reservation from a WA title?
Removing a road reservation typically requires the reservation holder to formally release or amend it. This is not something a buyer can action unilaterally. If a reservation materially affects the property, discuss options with your conveyancer before proceeding.
Are road reservations shown on the title for survey-strata lots?
They can be. On a survey-strata title, check both the individual lot title and the survey-strata plan. A reservation may affect common property, a specific lot, or a portion that straddles both. Always review the plan alongside the title text.
Always verify title information against the official property records before making purchase or development decisions. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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.
