Quick Answer
A property title search WA provides the official property records you need to verify ownership, encumbrances, and restrictions before settlement. Buyers must check the current title for caveats, restrictive covenants, mining interests, and the title type (green title, survey-strata, or strata) to avoid inheriting hidden liabilities.
Why a Pre-Settlement Title Check Matters in WA
Before settling on a property in Western Australia, reviewing the title is a mandatory step in property due diligence WA. The title reveals who owns the land, how it can be used, and whether any third parties hold claims against it. Ordering a title search Western Australia through TitleFinder gives you the current title and any registered instruments. Here is exactly what to look for before settlement.
Buyer Checklist: What to Verify on the WA Title
Work through this checklist when you receive the title documents. Each item corresponds to a specific section of the official property records.
- Registered Proprietor: Does the seller's name exactly match the registered owner? (Document: Current Title)
- Encumbrances: Are there mortgages, charges, or caveats that must be discharged at or before settlement? (Document: Current Title)
- Restrictive Covenants: Do registered covenants limit building materials, dwelling numbers, or land use? (Document: Current Title / Instrument)
- Easements: Do service authorities or neighbours hold rights over the land for drains, power, or right of way? (Document: Current Title / Deposited Plan)
- Mining Interests: Does a third party hold rights to minerals on the land? (Document: Current Title)
- Title Type: Is the property a green title, survey-strata, or strata title? This dictates boundary rules and common property. (Document: Current Title / Survey-Strata Plan)
WA-Specific Risk Notes
Western Australian titles carry unique risks that buyers and conveyancers must address during property due diligence WA.
Green Title vs Survey-Strata
A green title in WA generally indicates a standard freehold lot with no common property and no shared walls, though easements can still exist. A survey-strata title divides land into surveyed lots but can include common property areas (like driveways) managed by a strata company. For survey-strata, you must order the survey-strata plan to confirm common property boundaries and check the strata by-laws.
Mining Interests
WA titles frequently contain reservations to the Crown regarding mining. In rural and regional areas, private mining interests or prospecting licenses may encumber the title. Check the encumbrances section carefully. If a mining interest exists, determine whether it affects surface land use or subsurface rights only.
Caveats
A caveat indicates someone claims an unregistered interest in the property. The seller must remove caveats before or at settlement. If a caveat remains, it can prevent the transfer of clear title to you.
Rural Titles
Rural properties often carry old easements for stock routes, water rights, or access tracks. Always order the deposited plan for rural titles to map out exactly where these easements fall on the land.
Green Title vs Survey-Strata Comparison
| Feature | Green Title | Survey-Strata |
|---|---|---|
| Common Property | None | Can include shared areas |
| Boundaries | Defined by survey | Defined by survey-strata plan |
| Strata Company | No | Yes, if common property exists |
| By-laws | Not applicable | Applies to owners and common property |
| Insurance | Individual owner only | Individual plus strata company for common property |
When to Order Additional Documents
The current title shows you what is registered, but it does not always provide the detail you need to make a decision. Order additional documents in these scenarios:
- Deposited Plan or Survey-Strata Plan: Order this when the title references easements or common property. The plan shows the physical boundaries and the exact location of any encumbrances over the lot.
- Dealing / Instrument: Order this when the title lists a restrictive covenant, easement, or mortgage and you need to read the exact terms. The title only notes the registration number; the instrument contains the specific conditions, restrictions, or rights attached to that encumbrance.
Through TitleFinder, a Current Title / State Lease search is $74.50 AUD. This provides the current title details and any registered encumbrances. If the title references specific plans or instruments, order those separately to read the full terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a green title and a survey-strata title in WA?
A green title means you hold independent ownership of the lot with no common property. A survey-strata title divides the land into surveyed lots but can include common property shared by lot owners and managed by a strata company, subject to by-laws.
Do I need to check for mining interests on a residential WA property?
Yes. Even residential titles in WA can be subject to Crown reservations or private mining interests. Always check the encumbrances section of the title to see if any mining rights affect the property.
When should I order a dealing instrument?
Order a dealing instrument when the title references a specific encumbrance—like a restrictive covenant or easement—and you need to read the exact terms, restrictions, or rights attached to it. The title summary alone will not provide this detail.
This article provides general information for property due diligence. Always consult a qualified conveyancer or solicitor for advice regarding your specific contract and settlement.
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.