Quick Answer
A property title search WA retrieves the current Certificate of Title and any registered encumbrances for a Western Australian property. For investment purchases, verify ownership, identify restrictions, check for mining interests or caveats, and confirm whether the title is green title, survey-strata, or strata before committing. A Current Title search through TitleFinder costs $74.50 AUD.
Why Title Type Matters in WA
Western Australia uses several title structures that directly affect what you can do with an investment property. The title type determines lot boundaries, common property obligations, and whether third parties hold rights over the land. Running a title search Western Australia without understanding these categories means you can miss critical restrictions.
Green title refers to a standard freehold lot with no common property and no strata scheme attached. It is the simplest title type in WA, but green title does not guarantee the land is free of encumbrances — easements, covenants, and mining interests can still register against it.
Survey-strata titles divide land into separate survey-strata lots with defined boundaries, sometimes including common property. Unlike standard strata, there is no built-in strata corporation unless the scheme includes common property. Check the survey-strata plan for lot boundaries and any common property obligations.
Strata title properties include a strata company, by-laws, and shared common property. The strata plan sets out unit entitlements and responsibilities.
WA Investment Property Title Search Checklist
Work through this checklist before exchanging contracts or finalising your purchase:
- Confirm the registered proprietor — The Certificate of Title shows the current owner. Match this against the vendor's name on the contract of sale. Any discrepancy needs explanation before you proceed.
- Identify the title type — Determine whether the title is green title, survey-strata, or strata. This decides what additional plans you need to order.
- Check encumbrances and restrictions — The second schedule on the title lists registered encumbrances: easements, covenants, restrictive covenants, and profit à prendre. Each encumbrance has a registered dealing number. Order the dealing document to read the full terms.
- Search for caveats — A caveat warns that someone claims an interest in the property. Caveats freeze further dealings until resolved or withdrawn. Identify who lodged the caveat and the nature of their claim.
- Check mining interests — WA allows mining tenements and prospecting licences to coexist with freehold title. Search for any mining leases, exploration licences, or mineral rights registered over the land. This is especially relevant for rural or peri-urban properties.
- Verify the plan — Order the deposited plan or survey-strata plan to confirm lot dimensions, easement locations, and boundary alignments. Cross-reference the plan with the title encumbrance schedule.
- Review strata details (if applicable) — For strata or survey-strata with common property, order the strata plan and any by-laws. Confirm strata levies, sinking fund balances, and upcoming special levies with the strata company.
- Check for notices or orders — Look for any statutory notices or orders registered on title that might require works or restrict use.
WA Title Types at a Glance
| Title Type | Common Property | Key Risk for Investors |
|---|---|---|
| Green title | None | Easements and mining interests may still apply |
| Survey-strata | Possible | By-laws and common property obligations if applicable |
| Strata title | Yes | Strata levies, by-laws, building defects in common property |
Mining Interests and Caveats in WA
Western Australia's mining legislation creates a unique due diligence layer. A mining lease, exploration licence, or prospecting licence can sit over freehold land without the owner's consent in certain circumstances. Even residential-zoned land near historical mining areas can carry legacy tenements.
When you run a property title search WA, check the encumbrance section for any mining-related dealings. If the property is in a rural or regional area, order a separate mining tenement search from official property records to confirm whether active or pending tenements exist over the land.
Caveats on title indicate a third party claims an unregistered interest — often a mortgagee, a purchaser under an uncompleted contract, or a beneficiary under a trust. A caveat prevents registration of further dealings until it lapses, is withdrawn, or is court-ordered off. Treat any caveat as a red flag requiring legal clarification before settlement.
Rural Title Risks
Rural and peri-urban titles in WA carry additional risks beyond standard residential checks:
- Water rights and easements — Rural titles commonly include easements for water infrastructure, stock routes, or right-of-way. Verify these on the plan and in the encumbrance schedule.
- Unregistered improvements — Structures built without council approval may not appear on official property records but still affect value and compliance.
- Large lot boundaries — Boundary discrepancies are more common on rural parcels. Order the plan and, where doubt exists, commission a licensed survey.
- Native title — Some rural freehold titles are subject to native title determinations or Indigenous land use agreements. These do not always appear on the Certificate of Title.
When to Order Additional Documents
A Current Title search gives you the ownership and encumbrance register. It does not include the full text of each encumbrance or the lot plan. Order these additional documents when:
- Dealing or instrument search — You need the full terms of an easement, covenant, caveat, or mortgage. The title lists only the dealing number; the dealing document contains the detail.
- Plan search — You need to confirm lot boundaries, dimensions, and easement positions. Essential for survey-strata and green title where boundary issues affect development potential.
- State Lease search — The property is Crown leasehold rather than freehold. Also $74.50 AUD through TitleFinder.
Order early in your property due diligence WA window — at least 10 business days before contract exchange — so you have time to review and act on findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between green title and survey-strata in WA?
Green title is a standard freehold lot with no strata scheme or common property. Survey-strata divides land into lots under a survey-strata plan and may include common property. Survey-strata lots can have by-laws and shared obligations that green title lots do not.
Can someone else have mining rights over my investment property?
Yes. In Western Australia, mining tenements and exploration licences can be registered over freehold land. Check the title encumbrances for mining-related dealings. For regional properties, conduct a broader mining tenement search through official property records.
How much does a title search cost through TitleFinder?
A Current Title or State Lease search through TitleFinder costs $74.50 AUD. Additional document searches — such as dealings, plans, and instruments — are priced separately depending on the document type.
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.