What is a Land Title?

The law of Australia originally considered that all the land of Australia belonged to the Crown (the government). In other words all land was Crown land. The Crown could then grant (or in other words create) interests in this land. Those interests could be freehold (what is commonly thought of as 'ownership' of land) or leasehold (see fact sheets concerning freehold and leasehold for more detailed explanation). Both of these interests carry with them a legal right to hold, occupy and use the land. That legal right is known as a land title. Land title can be held by a person or an Aboriginal organisation or another legal entity. The granting of freehold land title means that the land is no longer considered Crown land but is 'owned' by the person who holds the land title.

In Western Australia land titles are registered by the department of Land information (DLI) formerly part of Department of Land Administration (DOLA) under the Transfer of Land Act. Once title is registered, it is guaranteed by the State Government. Land titles can usually be transferred or sold.