Your agent doesn't run settlement
Settlement is the legal transfer of your property. A licensed settlement agent (conveyancer or solicitor) handles it — not your real estate agent. Most agents let you believe they're managing this phase, but it's completely outside their control or responsibility.
The settlement timeline
What actually happens between signing the contract and getting the keys. Typical WA settlement runs 30-45 days.
Days 1-7 after contract signing
What to do first
- Engage settlement agent (conveyancer or solicitor)
- Organise building & pest inspections
- Submit finance application if required
- Review contract terms with professional guidance
Tip
Get your settlement agent engaged in the first few days. They'll order the title search and start document prep while you sort finance and inspections. If you haven't signed an agency agreement yet, do that before anything else.
Days 8-21 - Investigation period
Property Checks
- • Building inspection report
- • Pest inspection clearance
- • Title search verification
- • Strata report (if applicable)
Financial Verification
- • Loan approval confirmation
- • Valuation by lender
- • Settlement funds calculation
- • Stamp duty assessment
Legal Review
- • Contract compliance check
- • Special conditions review
- • Vendor disclosure verification
- • Settlement statement prep
Days 22-35 - Final preparations
Settlement Preparation Checklist
Staying on top of it
Settlement has a lot of moving parts. A few things that help.
- Create a shared document tracking all tasks and deadlines
- Set calendar reminders for each key date
- Keep contact details for all parties in one place
Day 35-45 - The big day arrives
Settlement Day Timeline
Verify property condition matches contract
Final document check and fund confirmation
Keys and documents exchanged, funds transferred
Property has officially changed hands
Post-settlement checklist
WA-specific requirements
Western Australia has its own settlement laws. A few things that catch people out.
What gets deducted at settlement
On settlement day, your settlement agent deducts costs from the sale proceeds before the balance hits your account. No surprises if you know the list.
Your settlement agent will prepare a settlement statement showing every deduction before the day. Review it carefully — this is your last chance to query anything. For a full breakdown of selling costs, see the costs section in our sellers guide.
Things that go wrong (and how to avoid them)
Most settlement delays are preventable. Here are the three we see most often.
Bank approval delays are the #1 cause of settlement postponements.
Title searches occasionally reveal easements, caveats, or encumbrances.
Changes to property condition between contract and settlement can cause disputes.
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