In Western Australia, buyers and sellers each usually appoint a licensed settlement agent (some use a lawyer instead). Your agent acts for you and only you, making sure the property, the money and the paperwork all come together on the right day.
Before you appoint anyone
A WA settlement agent must give you a written costs disclosure before you appoint them. It sets out the most they will charge for their service, with government fees and other third-party costs listed separately. Compare these line by line, not just the headline fee.
For buyers
- Check the contract and note the key dates: finance, inspections, settlement
- Search the title at Landgate, plus council, water and any strata records
- Liaise with your lender and broker so formal approval lands before the finance date
- Lodge your stamp duty with RevenueWA and apply any first home concession
- Calculate adjustments for council rates, water and strata levies
- Settle, usually electronically on PEXA, and register you as the owner at Landgate
For sellers
- Arrange for your existing mortgage to be discharged on the day
- Work out adjustments so you only pay rates and levies for the days you owned the home
- Answer the buyer’s agent’s requisitions and provide documents
- Settle, usually electronically on PEXA, and have the sale proceeds paid to you
Settlement day
Most WA settlements happen electronically on PEXA. Funds move between banks, the transfer and new mortgage are lodged with Landgate, and once settlement is confirmed the keys can be released. You don’t usually need to attend anything. Our settlement costs guide breaks down the fees.
When a settlement can be delayed
- Finance not formally approved in time
- Missing documents or signatures
- A problem found in the title searches
- Bank delays on the day
A good agent sees these coming and tells you early, so a short extension is agreed rather than a deadline being missed.
General information only, written on 11 October 2026. It doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Rates, grants, tax rules and concessions change, so speak with us before making a decision.
