Quick Answer
A property title search WA confirms exactly what you are buying before settlement. It reveals the registered owner, encumbrances, caveats, and whether the property is a green title or survey-strata. Ordering the title through TitleFinder for $74.50 AUD gives you the official property records needed to verify the contract and avoid inheriting another party's debts, restrictions, or unresolved boundary issues.
Why Pre-Settlement Due Diligence Matters
Between signing the contract and settlement day, buyers must verify that the property's legal status matches the sale terms. A title search Western Australia pulls the current register and any associated documents. Skipping this step means you accept the risk of hidden caveats, unresolved mining interests, or incorrect boundaries. Solid property due diligence WA relies on checking the title at two stages: immediately after signing and again a few days prior to settlement to catch any last-minute registrations.
The Pre-Settlement Buyer Checklist
When you receive the title document, work through this checklist to verify the legal status of the property:
- Verify the registered proprietor: The name on the title must match the vendor on the contract of sale. Any discrepancy requires an explanation before settlement.
- Identify encumbrances and mortgages: Check for registered mortgages. The vendor must discharge these at settlement. Confirm the discharge process is underway.
- Check for caveats: A caveat indicates a third party claims an interest in the land. You must understand who lodged it and ensure the vendor removes it before or at settlement.
- Review easements: Note the type and location of any easements (e.g., drainage, right of way). Order the plan to see exactly where they fall on the property.
- Confirm title type: Identify whether the property is a green title or survey-strata, as this dictates boundary responsibilities and common property.
- Check for restrictive covenants: Look for any conditions limiting land use, building materials, or subdivisions.
- Look for mining interests: Check the title and official property records for any registered mining leases or Crown reservations over minerals.
Understanding WA Title Types
WA property titles fall into distinct categories. Knowing the difference dictates what you must check on the plan.
| Title Type | What it Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Green Title (Freehold) | Standard freehold ownership with no common property. The owner holds the lot entirely. | Verify easements. Check boundary fences against the deposited plan to ensure no encroachments. |
| Survey-Strata | Land is subdivided into survey-strata lots, but common property may exist (e.g., driveways). | Identify common property boundaries. Check for strata by-laws that might restrict building or parking. |
| State Lease | The owner holds a leasehold interest from the Crown for a set term. | Verify the lease expiry date, remaining term, and any specific use conditions or rent reviews. |
Local Risk Notes for WA Titles
Mining Interests
WA properties, particularly in regional and rural areas, are subject to mining tenements. While a standard title search shows registered interests affecting the land, the Crown often reserves the right to minerals. For rural titles, verify whether a mining lease overlaps the property and understand your surface rights versus the miner's rights before settlement.
Caveats
A caveat is a statutory injunction preventing further dealings on the title. If a caveat appears on your title search, do not proceed to settlement without understanding the claimant's interest. The vendor must arrange for its withdrawal or removal; otherwise, you risk inheriting the dispute.
Rural Titles
Rural and regional titles frequently carry legacy issues. Look for old easements for water, electricity, or stock routes that may not be physically obvious. Rural titles often have larger boundaries, so ordering the survey plan is essential to verify fence lines match the registered boundaries.
When to Order Plans and Dealings
The title register only provides summary text. To conduct thorough property due diligence WA, you must order the supporting documents when the title references them:
- Order the Deposited Plan / Strata Plan: If the title references a plan number, order it. The plan shows lot dimensions, easement locations, and common property. You need this to confirm physical boundaries match legal boundaries.
- Order Dealings / Instruments: If the title lists a specific mortgage, covenant, or caveat, order the dealing document. The dealing contains the full terms and conditions. You cannot assess the impact of a restrictive covenant just by reading the register entry.
- Order the State Lease Document: If the property is a State Lease, the current title / State Lease search through TitleFinder ($74.50 AUD) provides the register details, but you will need the full lease document to review specific covenants and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a green title and a survey-strata title in WA?
A green title is standard freehold land with no shared common property. A survey-strata divides land into separate lots but can include shared common property like driveways or gardens, which may require contributions from lot owners.
Do mining interests appear on a property title search WA?
Registered mining leases and Crown reservations over minerals appear in official property records. However, some mining exploration licences or unregistered interests may require a separate search of the relevant mining registry to fully assess regional property risks.
When should I order a title search before settlement?
Order an initial title search immediately after signing the contract to identify issues during the cooling-off or condition period. Order a final search a few days before settlement to ensure no new caveats, mortgages, or writs were registered between contract signing and settlement day.
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.