Buying at auction in Western Australia means you are committed the moment the hammer falls. There is no cooling-off period and no room to negotiate title defects after the event. A title search for auction property in WA gives you the facts before you bid, not after.
Quick Answer
Order a current title search and key property title documents for Western Australia at least five business days before auction. Check for caveats, mining interests, restrictive covenants, easements and title type (green title vs survey-strata). For a single Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder, the cost is $74.50 AUD.
Why Auction Purchases Demand Early Title Searches
In WA, auction contracts are unconditional once accepted. If a caveat blocks settlement, or a mining interest overrides surface rights, the buyer carries the risk. Conveyancers and developers who leave title checks until after auction routinely face:
- Settlement delays from unregistered dealings
- Unknown easements that restrict building plans
- Mining interests that override residential use on rural titles
- Survey-strata common property liabilities
Auction property due diligence is not optional. It is the only chance to identify these issues while you can still walk away.
Key Property Title Documents for Western Australia Auction Buys
Below is a breakdown of which document answers which question, and when to order more than just the title search.
Current Title Search
The starting document. It confirms the registered proprietor, title type, and lists all registered interests including easements, restrictive covenants, caveats and profit à prendre. Order this for every auction purchase.
What it tells you: Who owns it, what encumbrances exist, whether the title is green title or survey-strata.
Plan / Diagram
When the title search references a deposited plan or strata plan, order the plan document. It shows lot boundaries, common property, and easement locations.
What it tells you: Where easements fall on the lot, whether common property affects your obligations.
Dealing / Instrument Copies
If the title lists a specific easement, covenant or caveat, order the dealing to read the full terms. A one-line reference on the title does not show the detailed restrictions.
What it tells you: The exact wording of restrictive covenants, the debt claimed in a caveat, or the access terms in an easement.
State Lease Search
For crown land or leasehold properties, a State Lease search shows lease terms, rent obligations and renewal conditions.
Local WA Risks to Check Before Bidding
Green Title
Green title in WA means the lot has no common property and no strata corporation obligations. Buyers assume green title is "clean," but green title lots can still carry easements, restrictive covenants and caveats. Always read the full title, not just the title type.
Survey-Strata
Survey-strata titles allow common property areas (driveways, retaining walls) without a full strata corporation. Check the plan for common property boundaries and any obligations for shared maintenance. These costs can affect your budget after purchase.
Mining Interests
WA rural titles often carry mining interests or profit à prendre registered on title. These give third parties rights to access or extract minerals, overriding the surface owner's use. If the property is rural or semi-rural, check every listed interest in the title search and order the dealing to read the rights granted.
Caveats
A caveat prevents registration of further dealings. Before bidding, identify who lodged it and what debt or interest they claim. If a caveat exists, order the dealing to understand whether it will block settlement or whether it can be withdrawn.
Rural Titles
Rural properties in WA carry higher risks of mining interests, unregistered access tracks, and water rights. The title search shows registered interests, but cross-reference the plan against fences and access points on inspection. Order any referenced instruments.
Auction Title Search Timing
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 7+ days before auction | Order current title search and plan. Read all encumbrances. |
| 5–7 days before auction | Order any dealing/instrument copies for caveats, covenants or easements. |
| 3–5 days before auction | Review documents with conveyancer. Decide whether to bid, or set conditions with the agent. |
| Auction day | Confirm no new caveats or dealings have been registered since your search. |
Auction Property Due Diligence Checklist (WA)
- Order a current title search ($74.50 AUD through TitleFinder).
- Confirm title type: green title, survey-strata, or strata.
- List all registered easements and check the plan for their location.
- List all restrictive covenants and order the dealing to read terms.
- Check for caveats — order the dealing to confirm the debt or interest claimed.
- Check for mining interests or profit à prendre, especially on rural titles.
- Verify the registered proprietor matches the vendor on the contract.
- Order the plan/diagram to confirm lot dimensions and boundaries.
- For leasehold properties, order the State Lease search and review lease terms.
- Confirm no new dealings have been registered between your search date and auction day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the contract subject to title checks at auction?
No. Auction contracts in WA are unconditional. You must complete your title search and due diligence before the auction date. There is no cooling-off period to fall back on.
What if a caveat is registered on the title?
A caveat blocks registration of further dealings. Order the dealing to read the caveat's terms and assess whether it will prevent settlement. The vendor may need to arrange its removal before settlement, or you may need to reconsider your bid.
Does a green title mean there are no encumbrances?
No. Green title only means there is no strata or survey-strata common property. Easements, restrictive covenants, caveats and mining interests can still appear on a green title. Always check the full title search, not just the title type.
Complete your auction property due diligence early. Order your WA title search and property title documents through TitleFinder before auction 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.
