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Green Title vs Survey Strata: Your Most Common Questions Answered

  • Writer: Envisage Property
    Envisage Property
  • 15 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Envisage Property Explains the Key Differences





When it comes to subdividing land or purchasing property in Western Australia, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Envisage Property is:"What’s the difference between a Green Title and a Survey Strata?"


While both are forms of land ownership, the key distinction lies in the legislation under which they are created.


The Legal Foundations


  • Green Title (also known as Torrens Title) is governed by the Transfer of Land Act 1893.

  • Survey Strata lots, on the other hand, are created under the Strata Titles Act 1985.


For further legal details, both Acts are available via the State Law Publisher of Western Australia.


Why Is It Called "Green Title"?


It’s a question we hear all the time:"Where did the term 'Green Title' come from?"

The answer lies in a piece of surveying history. Before digital mapping, survey diagrams for Torrens Titled lots were hand-drawn on paper or film. To differentiate them, these lots were shaded green — a convention that continues today.

On modern Deposited Plans prepared by Licensed Surveyors, a green outline is still used to identify the lot under subdivision. That visual cue is the origin of the now-familiar term, Green Title.


Comparing the Benefits


✅ Advantages of Green Title


  • Full ownership – no shared land or services

  • Independent utility connections (sewer, power, water)

  • No common property – access shared only via reciprocal easements

  • Requires WAPC (Western Australian Planning Commission) approval

🏡 Advantages of Survey Strata

  • Shared services (sewer, water, power) reduce infrastructure costs

  • No need for costly main sewer extensions

  • Allows for common property (e.g., shared driveways)

  • Building features (like eaves) can encroach into common property, protected via intrusion easements

  • Also requires WAPC planning approval


So, Which Option is Right for You?


Whether you’re subdividing land, planning a development, or buying into a new build, understanding the distinction between Green Title and Survey Strata is crucial for making informed decisions.


At Envisage Property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from subdivision advice to development approvals. If you're considering your options, get in touch for expert, local guidance tailored to your goals.


📞 Contact us today to learn more about land subdivision, title types, and development pathways that work for your property vision.

 
 
 

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