Quick Answer
A survey plan on a WA property title defines the exact dimensions, boundaries, and any encumbrances like easements or restrictions affecting the land. Checking it before settlement prevents boundary disputes, unexpected shared maintenance costs, and hidden mining or access obligations.
What a survey plan shows on a WA property title
A survey plan property title Western Australia search reveals the exact spatial layout of a lot. In WA, land is divided into standard green title lots, survey-strata lots, and strata lots. Each carries different risks. The survey plan confirms whether the fence line matches the true boundary, if a neighbour holds legal access over your driveway, or if a mining company retains rights beneath the soil.
Without reviewing the plan, you rely on visual assumptions. Fences often sit inside or outside the true boundary line. A title search gives you the registered encumbrances, but the survey plan maps exactly where those encumbrances physically apply to the block.
Green title vs survey-strata: what to look for
Many buyers assume a green title guarantees standalone land with no shared walls or common property. While a green title typically means freehold, the survey plan WA might still reveal easements for sewerage or right-of-way that restrict where you can build.
Conversely, a survey-strata plan divides land into lots and common property. If you purchase a survey-strata townhouse, you must check the plan to see whether you or the strata company are responsible for maintaining the driveway or garden areas. Failure to identify these areas leads to unexpected levies.
| Feature | Green Title | Survey-Strata |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary definition | Detailed dimensions on a deposited plan | Shown on the survey-strata plan |
| Common property | None by default | May exist (driveways, shared areas) |
| Easement risk | Utility easements, rights of way | Easements plus common property rules |
| Maintenance liability | Owner's sole responsibility | Split between lot owners per the plan |
Mining interests and rural titles
If you are purchasing a rural or regional property, a title search survey plan is essential. WA has a unique risk: mining interests. The official property records may show a mining lease or exploration licence registered over the land. A surface right may belong to a third party, permitting them access to excavate or explore.
Rural titles also suffer from historic boundary ambiguities. Old fencing may not align with the official boundaries. Ordering the survey plan lets you verify the exact lot size and any registered encumbrances before you commit to a purchase. If the title notes a mining interest, order the underlying instrument to read the exact access terms.
Caveats and easements on WA survey plans
Easements grant another party the right to use part of your land for a specific purpose, such as drainage or vehicle access. Caveats act as a warning that someone else claims an interest in the property. Both appear in the official property records and directly affect what you can do with the land.
When reviewing a survey plan, match any listed easements to the physical markings on the diagram. An unlabeled hatched area often indicates an encumbrance. If you spot a caveat, you must order the underlying instrument to understand the claim before proceeding.
Practical buyer’s checklist for WA survey plans
- Verify lot dimensions: Match the measurements on the deposited plan against the physical fences. Order the deposited plan if the title only references the number.
- Identify easements: Locate all drainage, sewerage, and right-of-way easements. Order the easement instrument to read the exact terms and restrictions.
- Check common property: For survey-strata, confirm which areas you share. Order the survey-strata plan to see common property boundaries and maintenance obligations.
- Inspect mining rights: Look for any registered mining interests on the title. Order the mining lease instrument to understand surface access rights.
- Review caveats: Order the caveat instrument to understand the claimant's rights and whether they will prevent settlement.
- Get the current title: A Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder is $74.50 AUD and provides the title details, which tells you exactly which plans and instruments to order next.
When to order additional documents
A current title search gives you the registered encumbrances, but you often need the actual survey plan document to see the spatial layout. If the title references a specific plan number, order that plan. If an easement, caveat, or mining interest is listed, order the instrument to read the terms. TitleFinder provides a direct way to order these documents, ensuring you see the exact records held in official property records. Always verify specific encumbrances with your conveyancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a survey plan show on a WA property title?
It shows the exact boundaries, lot dimensions, easement locations, and any common property areas for survey-strata schemes. It visually maps out the restrictions listed in the text of the title.
How do I find the survey plan number for my WA property?
The survey plan number is listed on the certificate of title. When you order a title search survey plan through TitleFinder, the title document will state the deposited plan or survey-strata plan number.
Can I build over an easement on a green title lot?
Generally, you cannot build permanent structures over an easement without consent from the benefiting party. Always check the official property records and the specific easement instrument before planning any renovations or extensions.
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.