Property & conveyancing
Buying or Selling Property in WA: What Happens Before Settlement?
A WA property transaction usually moves from offer and acceptance through satisfaction of conditions, identity and authority checks, searches, finance and document preparation, adjustment of rates and taxes, signing, electronic settlement and registration. The contract controls important deadlines, so legal review is most useful before signing or immediately after receiving the document.
For buyers
Before signing, consider finance, building and pest inspections, inclusions, title, encumbrances, settlement date and special conditions. Decide how multiple buyers will hold title—joint tenants or tenants in common—and disclose any family loan or unusual contribution accurately to the financier.
For sellers
Confirm the registered owners, mortgage discharge, property condition, included items, tenancies, title restrictions and ability to complete by the agreed date. Tell the representative about deceased owners, powers of attorney, caveats, family-court arrangements or company/trust ownership immediately.
Common steps
- Review the signed contract and critical dates.
- Complete verification of identity and authority.
- Satisfy finance, inspection and other conditions.
- Conduct appropriate title and transaction searches.
- Prepare and verify transfer information.
- Calculate settlement adjustments.
- Arrange funds, discharge and electronic workspace.
- Settle and register the transfer.
What can delay settlement?
Late finance, unresolved conditions, incorrect names, valuation or duty issues, mortgage discharge, caveats, missing identity documents, tenant issues or insufficient funds can cause delay. Report problems early; remedies depend on the contract.
Prepare these documents
Contract, identification, finance details, current contact information, ownership choice, title or mortgage details and relevant correspondence.
Request a property quote or consultation.
Sources
General information only. The signed contract and circumstances determine the actual obligations.