AU Property guide
What Is Landgate? A Guide for WA Property Buyers
Understand Western Australia’s land information authority and where it fits in title searches, settlement and property research.
What Landgate does
Landgate is the Western Australian government authority responsible for the State’s land titles system. It maintains the land titles registry, issues Certificates of Title and keeps current and historical land records.
Landgate does not inspect a property for defects, recommend whether it is a good investment or replace a lawyer or settlement agent. Its role is to maintain official land information and registration systems.
What a buyer can check
A current Certificate of Title identifies the registered owner and may show registered interests such as a mortgage, caveat or easement. The related survey or strata plan identifies the legal parcel or lot.
A Property Interest Report may identify government interests or land-use restrictions, but it is not complete legal due diligence. Planning controls, approvals, contamination, access and unregistered arrangements can require separate enquiries.
Before signing
Ask the settlement agent or lawyer to obtain a current title search and the relevant plan. Confirm that the seller, lot number, address and land area match the contract, and have every registered interest explained before becoming unconditionally bound.
- Check the current Certificate of Title
- Review the survey or strata plan
- Explain mortgages, caveats, easements and restrictive covenants
- Combine title checks with inspections and local-authority searches
Sources and further reading
Before you act
Property rules and transaction details can change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and obtain independent professional advice before signing a contract or transferring money.
Last legally reviewed: 12 August 2026