Quick Answer
For any property investment in Western Australia, start with a Current Title search. It confirms the registered owner, encumbrances and interests attached to the land. Follow with a Deposited Plan or Survey-Strata Plan to verify boundaries. Order additional dealings or a State Lease search based on what the title reveals. Through TitleFinder, a Current Title or State Lease search costs $74.50 AUD.
Why Property Investor Due Diligence Differs in WA
Western Australia has title types and risks not found in other states. Green title lots, survey-strata subdivisions, mining tenements and pastoral leases each carry different risks for investors. A thorough property title documents Western Australia check means knowing which documents answer which questions and ordering them at the right stage of your transaction.
Core Documents: What to Order and Why
Current Title Search ($74.50 AUD)
The starting point for every deal. It shows:
- Registered proprietor (current owner)
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Mortgages registered against the property
- Caveats lodged by third parties
- Whether the title is green title (freehold), survey-strata, or a state lease
Order this before making an offer or paying a deposit. It tells you whether further documents are needed.
Deposited Plan / Survey-Strata Plan
Shows lot boundaries, dimensions and any common property. Essential when:
- Buying a survey-strata lot — the plan defines your lot and shared areas
- Checking whether fences, walls or driveways sit on or across boundaries
- Assessing subdivision potential relative to minimum lot sizes
Order after reviewing the title. The title will reference the deposited plan number.
Dealings and Instruments
These are individual registered documents referenced on the title — easement documents, caveats, transfer details, mortgage conditions. Order specific dealings when the title shows encumbrances that need closer inspection. For example, a registered easement instrument reveals its exact terms and who benefits.
State Lease Search ($74.50 AUD)
For leasehold properties in WA, a State Lease search confirms lease terms, rent obligations and conditions. Common for certain coastal, rural and special-purpose sites. Order this whenever the title identifies the property as state leasehold.
WA-Specific Title Risks to Check
Green Title Lots
A green title in WA means the lot is freehold with no shared common property — the most straightforward ownership type. But green title does not guarantee clear boundaries or absence of encumbrances. Always confirm the deposited plan aligns with what you see on site.
Survey-Strata Titles
Survey-strata lots share common property (driveways, service areas) and are governed by strata by-laws. Check the strata plan for common property boundaries and order the strata by-laws to understand maintenance obligations and restrictions on use.
Mining Interests
WA titles can be affected by mining tenements, exploration licences or mining leases. These rights may override surface ownership in certain zones. If the title or official property records show mining interests, order the relevant instrument to understand access and compensation rights. This is especially important for rural and regional properties.
Caveats
A caveat on a WA title signals a third-party claim. Caveats can block transfers or further dealings. Identify who lodged it and why by ordering the caveat instrument. Do not proceed to settlement without resolving or understanding each caveat.
Rural Titles
Rural and pastoral properties in WA often carry water rights, access easements, native title notifications and mining tenements. The title may also reference conditions tied to the original Crown grant. Order every dealing referenced on a rural title — there are typically more than on a residential lot.
Timing: When to Order Each Document
| Stage | Document | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-offer | Current Title | Confirm ownership, encumbrances, title type |
| Pre-offer | Deposited Plan / Survey-Strata Plan | Verify boundaries, lot size, common property |
| After title review | Specific dealings/instruments | Inspect easements, caveats, covenants in detail |
| After title review | State Lease search (if applicable) | Review lease terms for leasehold properties |
| Pre-settlement | Updated title search | Confirm no new caveats or dealings registered |
Investor Title Search Checklist for WA
- Order a Current Title search through TitleFinder ($74.50 AUD)
- Confirm the title type: green title, survey-strata, or state lease
- Check for registered easements, covenants, mortgages
- Identify any caveats — order caveat instruments for details
- Order the Deposited Plan or Survey-Strata Plan for boundaries
- For survey-strata, order strata by-laws for obligations and restrictions
- Check for mining interests or tenements — order relevant instruments
- For state leasehold properties, order a State Lease search ($74.50 AUD)
- For rural titles, order all referenced dealings and original grant conditions
- Pre-settlement: run an updated title search to catch any recent changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a green title and a survey-strata title in WA?
A green title is a freehold lot with no shared common property. A survey-strata title divides a property into separate lots with shared common areas governed by strata by-laws. Survey-strata lots carry maintenance obligations that green titles do not.
Can mining interests override my ownership in WA?
In certain areas, mining tenements or exploration licences registered in official property records can grant access or extraction rights that affect surface ownership. Always check the title and order relevant instruments if mining interests appear. Seek professional advice for complex mining-related encumbrances.
Should I order an updated title search before settlement?
Yes. Between contract and settlement, new caveats, mortgages or other dealings can be registered. An updated search confirms the title state is unchanged. Order it close to your settlement date through TitleFinder.
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.
