What to expect during the property settlement process in WA

Selling or buying a house in Western Australia? Once the contract is signed, the settlement process begins, and if you're not quite sure what that involves, you're not alone. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Craigie or selling your fifth property in Joondalup, it helps to understand what actually happens between signing the contract and settlement day.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to expect during the property settlement process in WA, based on a standard REIWA residential sale contract.

Step 1: Offer accepted…now what?

Once your offer has been accepted and both parties have signed the contract, things start moving behind the scenes. The contract is now legally binding, and settlement is officially underway.  Buyers, now’s the time to pay your deposit to the real estate agent.

The buyer and seller each need to nominate (choose) a settlement agent (also known as a conveyancer) to manage the legal transfer of ownership.

Step 2: Conditions and due dates

Most property contracts in WA include standard conditions with key deadlines, such as:

• Finance approval (typically within 14 - 28 days)

• Building Inspection for structural defects

• Timber Pest or Termite Inspection

• Subject to Sale condition

Your settlement agent will monitor these due dates and keep everyone informed. It’s important that both buyer and seller work promptly with their brokers, lenders, and inspectors to meet these conditions on time.  If you don’t, you may find that you waive the benefit of that condition or even, depending on the condition, have the contract terminated by the other party.

Step 3: Behind-the-scenes checks

While you’re booking inspections or liaising with your bank, your conveyancer is busy checking:

• The Certificate of Title to confirm ownership and any encumbrances

• Local authority information (e.g. council rates, zoning, sewer lines)

• Easements, restrictions, or interests affecting the land

They’ll also communicate with the other party’s settlement agent, lender, and real estate agent to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

Step 4: Document preparation and signing

Once all conditions are satisfied, your settlement agent will prepare and issue the necessary legal documents.

The most common documents include:

• Client Authorisation Form or the Transfer of Land

• Appointment to Act and Cost Disclosure

• Title and encumbrance ID documents

• Authority to Proceed

• Settlement Statement (outlining adjustments for rates and taxes)

Most documents may be signed in person or electronically.  At North Shore Conveyancing, we offer digital signing via DocuSign for your convenience.

If you’re obtaining finance (as a buyer) or have an existing mortgage (as a seller) you should also ensure that all of your bank’s paperwork has been signed too.

Step 5: Pre-settlement inspection

In many cases, buyers are entitled to conduct a final inspection of the property within the week leading up to settlement. The purpose of this inspection is to check that:

• The property is in the same condition as when it was sold

• All inclusions (like dishwashers or light fittings) remain

• Any agreed repairs have been completed

If any issues are identified, they should be raised immediately with both the real estate agent and your conveyancer so that they can be resolved before settlement.

Step 6: The big day - settlement!

On settlement day, the following happens (usually behind the scenes - you won’t know any of this is going on):

• Banks confirm all loan and discharge documents are ready

• Settlement agents coordinate the exchange of documents and funds

• Landgate (WA’s land titles office) processes the change of ownership

This all typically happens electronically, via the PEXA platform, so there’s no need for you to attend. Your conveyancer will give you a call with the good news once the settlement has taken place.

Step 7: After settlement

Once the settlement is complete, the agent will hand over the keys, and the property officially changes hands.  If the property is vacant, the buyer can get the keys immediately after settlement. If the seller is living in the property, they do not need to vacate until 12pm the day after settlement.

Sellers will receive the balance of funds and may be asked to confirm cancellation of any direct debits or insurance policies.

Your conveyancer will send final confirmation and any relevant closing paperwork.

How long does settlement take in WA?

Most standard residential settlements in WA are completed within 21–28 days after finance approval, though this varies depending on the terms of your specific contract.

Factors like bank delays, missing documents, or last-minute inspection issues can occasionally push things back, which is why choosing an experienced settlement agent matters.

Local tip: Work with someone who knows the area

If you’re buying or selling in Kallaroo, Hillarys, or Joondalup, a local conveyancer can be a huge asset. They’re familiar with council requirements, zoning quirks, and common local property types, and they often have strong working relationships with nearby agents, brokers, and lenders.

What the settlement process means for you

The property settlement process in WA doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right support, it can be smooth, stress-free, and surprisingly straightforward.

Your job? Choose a settlement agent who:

• Communicates clearly

• Offers flexibility with signing and ID

• Has the time to focus on your transaction, not just their to-do list

FAQ: Property settlement in WA

Can I do my property settlement myself?

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Property transfers are legally complex, and DIY settlements carry a high risk of costly mistakes or delays. Read more on our blog.

Do I need to be there on settlement day?

Nope! Your conveyancer handles the settlement process on your behalf, including document lodgement, funds transfer, and liaising with the agent.

How long does a property settlement take in WA?

It depends on the contract, but typically four to six weeks from when the contract is signed. Finance approval timeframes, inspection results, and bank availability all play a role.

When do I get the keys?

Once settlement is complete and confirmed, the selling agent will release the keys to the buyer, usually later that same day, unless the seller is living in the property, in which case, they have until 12pm the day after settlement to move out.

Need a conveyancer who knows the WA process inside and out?

North Shore Conveyancing is based in Kallaroo and proudly supports buyers and sellers across Joondalup, Hillarys, Mullaloo, and beyond.

Licensee, Katelyn Sinclair, offers a digital-first, human-focused experience that makes settlement easy so that you can focus on your move, not the paperwork.