Buying Property in WA Checklist

Direct answer: Before buying property in WA, check who will own it, finance and inspection deadlines, the title and encumbrances, the contract conditions, transfer duty, insurance and the money required for settlement. Ideally, obtain advice before signing because a signed offer and acceptance may become binding before a settlement agent or lawyer receives it.

Who is this checklist for?

Use this checklist if you are buying a house, unit, vacant land or investment property in Western Australia. Strata, off-the-plan, commercial, rural, foreign-buyer and related-party transactions may require additional advice.

Get urgent advice if

you have already signed and a finance or inspection deadline is close;
you want to terminate the contract;
finance has been declined or delayed;
the seller alleges you are in default;
there is a caveat, title problem, unapproved structure or boundary concern;
the property is tenanted or vacant possession is disputed;
you are buying with a family member, partner, trust or company;
settlement has failed or may not occur on time;
bank details or payment instructions appear to have changed unexpectedly.

Before making or signing an offer

Confirm the buyer’s exact legal name.
Decide whether you are buying personally, jointly, through a company or as trustee.
If buying with another person, consider joint tenants versus tenants in common.
Confirm your budget, deposit and transfer-duty allowance.
Obtain finance guidance and understand the difference between pre-approval and unconditional approval.
Identify the property precisely, including lot, plan and street address.
Review the title, easements, restrictive covenants, caveats and other encumbrances.
For strata property, review the scheme documents, minutes, levies, insurance and proposed works.
Decide which inspections or reports you need.
List fixtures, chattels and inclusions that must remain.
Obtain advice about any unusual special conditions.
Confirm whether FIRB, foreign-buyer duty, residency or withholding issues may apply.

Contract and deadline checklist

Purchase price is correct.
Deposit amount, holder and due date are clear.
Finance clause identifies the lender, amount, approval date and notice requirements.
Building, timber-pest or due-diligence clauses clearly state the standard and remedy.
Settlement date is realistic.
Vacant possession or tenancy arrangements are clear.
Seller warranties and disclosure documents have been reviewed.
Items included in or excluded from the sale are recorded.
Any repairs, cleaning or works are written into the contract.
Default interest, notices and termination consequences are understood.
Every critical date is entered in your calendar.

After the contract is signed

Give the complete contract to your settlement representative promptly.
Pay the deposit only to verified account details.
Complete identity verification and authority forms.
Submit the finance application and requested documents immediately.
Arrange inspections within the contractual time.
Obtain building insurance advice; do not assume risk begins only at settlement.
Review the transfer-duty assessment and payment arrangements.
Tell your representative about name, address, finance or contact-detail changes.
Keep written evidence of every approval, notice and extension.

Preparing for settlement

Confirm the lender is ready and has all signed documents.
Confirm the balance required from you, including adjustments and fees.
Transfer funds early enough to clear, using independently verified instructions.
Arrange a final inspection at the permitted time.
Check agreed repairs and inclusions during the final inspection.
Report damage, missing items or access problems immediately.
Confirm key collection arrangements.
Do not make removalists or contractors dependent on an unconfirmed settlement time.

After settlement

Receive confirmation before collecting keys or taking possession.
Retain the contract, settlement statement and duty records.
Confirm utilities, strata contact information and insurance.
Review your will, enduring documents and ownership arrangements after the purchase.
Document any family contribution or private loan properly.

What happens next?

Legal Care Australia can review the proposed contract, explain special conditions, assist with complex ownership issues and manage or coordinate the WA conveyancing and settlement process where the firm accepts the matter.

Client next step: Send the unsigned contract, title material and any deadline information through the firm’s secure process and request a property consultation or conveyancing quote. The firm must complete a conflict check and confirm engagement before acting.

Official information

This checklist provides general information, not legal, financial or tax advice. Contracts and circumstances differ.