Quick Answer
Before refinancing a WA property, order a current title search to confirm the registered proprietor, identify existing mortgages requiring discharge, check for caveats or encumbrances that could block settlement, and verify the title type. Green title, survey-strata and strata each carry different requirements for your lender.
Why a title search matters for refinancing
Your new lender needs to confirm their mortgage will rank correctly on the title and that no existing interests compromise their security. Even if you have held the property for years, the title may have changed since purchase. Caveats can be lodged without your knowledge. Existing mortgages must be identified so your conveyancer can arrange discharge. A property title search WA gives you the current state of the official property records before the lender sees them — so you can address problems early.
Refinancing title search checklist
Work through this list before submitting your refinancing application:
- Registered proprietor — The names on the title must match your loan application. If you have married, divorced or changed your name, update the title first.
- Existing mortgages — Every current mortgage appears on the title. Your new lender needs the mortgage reference to prepare the discharge. Multiple mortgages mean more paperwork.
- Caveats — Any active caveat prevents mortgage registration until it is withdrawn or removed. Identify who lodged it and why. Common sources include existing lenders, contractors or former spouses.
- Easements — Drainage, sewerage and right-of-way easements are standard on many WA titles but can affect your lender's security assessment.
- Restrictive covenants — Common on green title lots in newer subdivisions. Some restrict building materials, dwelling size or land use. Your lender will review these during valuation.
- Encumbrances and positive covenants — Less common but potentially significant. An encumbrance that runs with the land becomes your responsibility and may affect refinancing terms.
- Title type — Confirm whether your property is green title, survey-strata or strata. Each has different mortgage registration requirements and may need supporting documents.
- Notifications — The second schedule of a WA title can carry notifications about heritage listings, bushfire-prone areas or other government interests that affect the property.
WA-specific title risks
Green title
Most residential freehold lots in WA carry a green title. These are generally straightforward for mortgage registration. Check the first schedule for conditions and the second schedule for any notifications that could affect your lender's security.
Survey-strata
Survey-strata titles are common in WA subdivisions. They involve shared common property — driveways, drainage infrastructure, retaining walls. Your lender will likely require a copy of the survey-strata plan and may ask about the strata company's financial position.
Mining interests
Properties in WA's rural and semi-rural zones may carry mining tenements or mineral rights. These appear as notifications on the title and can give third parties surface access or restrict land use. If your title shows a mining interest, order the underlying instrument to understand its full scope before refinancing.
Caveats
A caveat blocks any dealing on the title, including mortgage registration. Before refinancing, check whether any caveat is still active. A caveat lodged by a former lender, tradesperson or ex-partner must be resolved before your new mortgage can be registered.
Rural titles
Older rural titles may be in pre-digital format with handwritten notations. These can contain easements, restrictions or historical interests not immediately visible in a standard digital search. If your property has a pre-digital title, consider ordering a historical title search alongside the current title.
What each document reveals
| What you need to check | Document to order | What it reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Current ownership and all interests | Current Title / State Lease search ($74.50 AUD) | Registered proprietor, mortgages, caveats, easements, encumbrances, notifications |
| Lot boundaries and common property | Survey-Strata Plan or Deposited Plan | Exact lot dimensions, common property areas, easement locations |
| Mining or third-party rights | Instrument / Dealing | Full text of mining interests, profit à prendre, or other registered rights |
| Strata obligations | Strata Plan | Unit entitlements, by-laws, common property details |
When to order additional documents
A current title search covers ownership and interests, but it does not include the full text of registered instruments or the lot plan. Order supporting documents when:
- The title references a plan number — order the deposited plan or survey-strata plan to confirm boundaries and easement locations.
- The title lists registered instruments (dealings) — order the instrument to read the full terms, particularly for mining interests, restrictive covenants or easement agreements.
- You are refinancing a strata or survey-strata property — your lender will likely require the strata or survey-strata plan as part of their assessment.
Ordering these early prevents delays at settlement. You can request a title search Western Australia and all supporting documents through TitleFinder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new title search if I already have one from when I purchased?
Yes. Interests on a title can change at any time. A caveat may have been lodged, a mortgage discharged or an encumbrance added since your purchase. Your lender requires current information from official property records.
Can I refinance if there is a caveat on my title?
A caveat must be addressed before a new mortgage can be registered. Depending on who lodged it and why, you may need to have it withdrawn by the caveator or apply to have it removed. Talk to your conveyancer about the quickest path.
What is the difference between a green title and a survey-strata title for refinancing?
A green title is a freehold lot with no shared common property. A survey-strata title includes common property shared with other lot owners. For refinancing, your lender may require the survey-strata plan and details of any strata company obligations — an extra step compared to a green title.
This article is a general guide, not legal advice. Consult your conveyancer or solicitor for advice specific to your transaction.
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.
