Quick Answer
To read a title search in WA, confirm the registered proprietor matches the seller, identify the tenure type (green title, survey-strata, or strata), check the encumbrances section for caveats and covenants, and review any Crown reservations for mining interests. Ordering a Current Title search through TitleFinder for $74.50 AUD gives you the official property records required for auction due diligence property title Western Australia.
What the WA Title Search Shows
A Western Australian title search is the primary document for identifying property ownership and restrictions. When you order a Current Title search, you receive the current official property records reflecting the present state of the register. The document contains three main data points: the registered proprietor (owner), the property description (lot, plan, tenure), and any registered interests (title encumbrances WA).
Before bidding at auction, you must verify that the name of the registered proprietor matches the vendor on the contract of sale. Any mismatch requires immediate clarification. You must also note any dealings or instruments listed in the registered interests section, as these remain attached to the land after settlement.
Identifying Property Tenure Types
WA property titles specify the tenure type, which dictates land use and shared obligations. Understanding the tenure is a core part of learning how to read title search WA documents correctly.
Green Title
A green title indicates survey-vested freehold. This is the most straightforward tenure, representing a single standalone lot with no common property or shared structures. However, even green titles can carry restrictive covenants or easements for drainage and access that limit what you can build on the land.
Survey-Strata
A survey-strata title looks similar to a green title on paper, as it defines a specific lot by its surveyed boundaries. The difference is that a survey-strata includes common property, such as a shared driveway or boundary wall. If the title shows survey-strata, you must order the survey-strata plan to understand your maintenance obligations for shared areas.
Strata Title
Strata titles define lots by building boundaries (walls, floors, ceilings) rather than land measurements. If you are buying an apartment, the title will be strata. You must order the strata plan to see the lot boundaries, common property, and any by-laws registered against the scheme.
Title Encumbrances WA
The registered interests section details title encumbrances WA. These are third-party rights or restrictions registered against the property. When reading the title, look for these specific entries:
- Caveats: A caveat is a statutory warning that someone else claims an interest in the property, often a lender or a party with an unregistered dealing. A caveat can prevent any further dealings from being registered until it is withdrawn or lapses.
- Covenants: Restrictive covenants dictate what you cannot do on the land. Common covenants in WA restrict building materials, limit dwellings to a single storey, or prevent subdividing the lot. You need to order the specific dealing number referenced on the title to read the full covenant text.
- Easements: An easement grants another party the right to use part of your land for a specific purpose, such as a right of way for driveway access or an easement for drainage and sewerage.
WA-Specific Risks: Mining Interests and Rural Titles
Western Australia has specific property risks tied to its history and geography. When reading the title, check the reservations and encumbrances for the following:
Mining Interests
Many WA titles include a Crown reservation for mining. This means the state retains the right to enter the property to extract minerals. For properties in regional WA, you must also check official property records for overlapping mining tenements. If a mining lease is registered over the lot, the landowner cannot prevent the miner from accessing the site, which severely impacts land value and use.
Rural Titles
Rural titles often carry agricultural encumbrances. Watch for easements granting access to stock routes, water rights tied to specific infrastructure, or covenants restricting land use to primary production. Rural lots may also have unsealed road access easements, meaning the local government is not responsible for maintaining the road.
Auction Due Diligence Checklist
Use this checklist when conducting auction due diligence property title Western Australia:
- Verify the registered proprietor matches the vendor.
- Identify the tenure type (green title, survey-strata, strata).
- Order the relevant plan (survey-strata plan or strata plan) if the property is not a standalone green title.
- Locate and read every encumbrance, caveat, and easement listed in the registered interests section.
- Order and read the full instrument for any covenant or dealing referenced by number on the title.
- Check for Crown reservations regarding mining or forestry.
- For regional properties, confirm there are no active mining tenements over the lot.
- Confirm any easements do not block planned building works or extensions.
WA Title Type Comparison
| Feature | Green Title | Survey-Strata | Strata Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Property | None | Possible shared areas | Shared building areas |
| Boundaries Defined By | Surveyed land area | Surveyed land area | Building walls/floors |
| Plan Required | Usually none | Survey-strata plan | Strata plan and by-laws |
| Maintenance Liability | Owner only | Shared for common property | Strata company fees |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a green title and a survey-strata in WA?
A green title is a standalone freehold lot with no common property or shared areas. A survey-strata defines a lot by its surveyed land boundaries but includes common property, such as a shared driveway, which owners must jointly maintain.
How do I check for mining interests on a WA property?
Read the first page of the title under "Reservations" to see if the Crown has reserved mining rights. For regional lots, you must order a separate mining tenement search through official property records to see if an active mining lease overlaps the property boundaries.
How much does a WA title search cost?
A Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder costs $74.50 AUD. This provides the current official property records for the specified lot, including all registered proprietor details and title encumbrances.
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.
