Quick Answer
A property title search WA reveals the current legal owner, registered encumbrances, caveats, easements, and specific lot conditions like survey-strata rules or mining interests. You must order a title search Western Australia before making an offer to identify title defects that standard contract conditions might not protect you from. A Current Title / State Lease search through TitleFinder costs $74.50 AUD and delivers the official property records needed to proceed.
Why a Title Search Matters in WA
Western Australian property structures carry distinct risks. The prevalence of green titles, survey-strata schemes, and overlapping mining tenements means buyers must verify exactly what they are purchasing. Standard contract cooling-off periods offer limited protection if you discover a problem late. Running property due diligence WA early allows you to either negotiate the price, demand the vendor clear an encumbrance, or walk away before committing your deposit.
Buyer Checklist: What to Check on a WA Title
When you receive the title document, work through this checklist to assess the risk profile of the property.
1. Identify the Title Type: Green Title vs Survey-Strata
A green title indicates you own the lot and the structures on it entirely, with no shared common property. A survey-strata title divides the land into separate lots but retains common areas—like driveways, shared services, or gardens—under a survey-strata scheme. If the property is survey-strata, you will share maintenance costs and must comply with scheme by-laws. The title document states the lot type, but you must order the survey-strata plan to see the exact boundaries of common property.
2. Check for Caveats, Writs, and Unregistered Interests
A caveat acts as a warning that a third party claims an interest in the land, often due to an unregistered mortgage, a builder's debt, or a family law dispute. A writ or judgment debt indicates a creditor has secured a court order against the owner, potentially forcing a sale. You cannot settle while a caveat or writ remains on the title without the claimant's consent. Identify these early so the vendor has time to discharge them before settlement.
3. Investigate Mining Interests and Rural Titles
In Western Australia, the Crown typically reserves all mineral rights. However, a title search Western Australia may reveal active mining leases, prospecting licenses, or exploration permits registered against the land. Even suburban properties can carry old mining tenements. For rural titles, also check for restrictive conditions placed on the land use, such as native vegetation clearing restrictions or stock route easements. These conditions dictate how you can develop or use the land.
4. Locate Easements and Restrictive Covenants
Easements grant others the right to use a portion of your land for specific purposes, like sewerage mains, water pipes, or right of way. Restrictive covenants limit what you can build, often dictating building materials, roof colours, or prohibiting subdividing the lot. The title document lists these, but you must order the Deposited Plan or the specific dealing instrument to read the exact covenant terms and see the physical location of the easement. Building over an easement without consent can result in forced demolition.
When to Order Additional Documents
The current title document provides a snapshot of ownership and references other registered instruments. You need to order additional documents to get the full picture:
- Deposited Plan / Survey-Strata Plan: Order this when you need to see exact lot dimensions, boundary definitions, and the physical layout of easements. This is vital for survey-strata properties where common property boundaries dictate parking and access rights.
- Dealing Instruments: If the title references a specific document number next to an easement or covenant, order that dealing instrument. It contains the full legal text of the restriction, which the title document only summarises.
- State Lease Document: If the property is held under a state lease rather than a green title, order the lease document to check the remaining term, rent review schedules, and specific use restrictions.
Green Title vs Survey-Strata Comparison
| Feature | Green Title | Survey-Strata Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Sole ownership of land and buildings | Sole ownership of lot, shared common property |
| Common Property | None | Governed by a scheme, incurs ongoing levies |
| Easements | Shown on individual title and plan | Shown on title, lot plan, and strata plan |
| Maintenance | Owner's sole responsibility | Shared responsibility for common areas via levies |
| By-laws | No scheme by-laws apply | Subject to survey-strata scheme by-laws |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a property title search WA show boundary fence locations?
The title search shows lot dimensions and any registered easements, but it does not show the physical location of boundary fences. You must order the Deposited Plan to compare the registered boundaries against the existing fences on the property. If fences do not align with the plan, you may have a boundary dispute or an encroachment issue.
What happens if there is a caveat on the title?
A caveat signals a third-party claim over the property. You cannot settle the purchase while an active caveat blocks the transfer of title. The vendor must arrange for the caveat to be withdrawn or removed before settlement, which usually requires the caveator's consent or a court order. Never assume a caveat will clear automatically at settlement.
What is a state lease in Western Australia?
A state lease means you lease the land from the government for a fixed term—commonly 99 years—rather than owning it outright under a green title. You pay annual rent, which is subject to reviews, and must strictly comply with the lease's permitted use conditions. Ordering the lease document is essential to understand your obligations.
This guide provides general information for property due diligence WA. Always consult a qualified conveyancer or legal professional to assess title risks and contract conditions specific to your purchase.
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.