Experience the Difference
Comprehensive Settlement
Services
Whether you’re a first time home buyer, downsizing for retirement, adding to your portfolio, or selling a business you’ve spent years building, you need an expert by your side.
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West End Settlements have been helping West Australians with their settlement requirements for over 30 years. A privilege we take personally. Every settlement represents an important step, which is why we believe in providing a personal service that goes above and beyond.
Experience the Difference
Our core specialities include:
Property transactions require attention to detail and a clear understanding of the settlement process in WA. Our expertise in residential, commercial and industrial property settlements means every requirement is met, every milestone is reached, and every issue dealt with, right through to your successful settlement day.
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Buying or selling a business involves more than simply signing a contract. With many moving parts, including lease assignments, stock adjustments, and business outgoing, careful coordination is essential. We work closely with all parties involved, carefully managing all details so your settlement can proceed with confidence.
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Changes in your personal circumstances, or for those you love, can mean changes to property ownership. We facilitate the process of updating details, adding or removing a name, or changing ownership structures, ensuring all your documentation is prepared and lodged correctly.
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Straightforward answers to your settlement questions
Last reviewed June 2026
Clear, proactive communication is important to us, so we’ve answered some of the most common questions WA buyers and sellers ask us throughout the settlement process.
A settlement agent, or conveyancer, is a licensed professional who deals with the transfer of ownership of real estate or a business from one person or entity to another.
The settlement process in Western Australia is extremely complex and involves many legal requirements, systems, processes and deadlines, that if missed, can incur severe financial penalties. As experienced settlement agents, West End Settlements can help you successfully navigate the process, identify potential issues before they arise, and see you through to the successful settlement you deserve without the stress of any missed deadlines.
We handle the complex legal paperwork, financial calculations and communications between all parties, making sure the property is legally handed over on settlement day. Responsibilities can range depending on the transaction in question, but covers things like
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Checking the Certificate of Title,
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Prepares and processes the documents to transfer the legal title to the property or business,
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Coordinating with mortgage brokers and banks,
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Ensures compliance with the agreed contract terms and conditions,
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Calculating financial adjustments, including council rates, water charges and land tax,
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Managing transfer duty requirements.
The simple answer is no, you don't have to use a settlement agent to finalise your property transaction. But when you understand the sheer complexity and financial risks involved with property settlements, as well as the systems and processes required to do that effectively and efficiently, the peace of mind that comes with letting a licensed settlement agent handle the details is well worth the settlement fee.
Every settlement transaction is unique, and therefore can range depending on your requirements. The fees payable to effect settlement are usually made up of professional service costs, third-party expenses, and statutory government fees. These all vary depending on property value, property type, (e.g.. strata, green title etc.) and whether you're buying or selling. It's always good to compare quotes and ask questions if the fee structure is unclear.
In Western Australia, you're allowed to choose your own settlement agent, as long as they are licensed in WA. Recommendations are nice to have, but you need to make sure you're happy with the agency representing you. Look around, request quotes, read reviews and remember, your settlement agent works for you, not the real estate agent. At West End Settlements we pride ourselves on providing a personal service which is above and beyond.
When choosing your settlement agent, recommendations are great for a starting point, but you need to feel confident about their ability to provide the service you need. When considering your options, look for these key things:
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Current Licensing: Verify they hold a current licence and Triennial Certificate, which proves they're legally compliant under the Settlement Agents Act 1981.
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Relevant Experience: Ask if they have recent experience handling your specific type of settlement transaction.
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Transparent Pricing: Check that their quote clearly breaks down all the charges, separating out their professional fee, third-party expenses, and statutory government fees? They should be happy to explain until you're comfortable moving forward.
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Professional Approach: Ensure their work approach aligns with your personal preferences. Some agencies prefer electronic communication, whereas you may prefer the more personal service West End Settlements provides, with direct access to your settlement agent who will pick up the phone when you call.
In Western Australia, these terms are used interchangeably. A settlement agent is a conveyancer. Conveyancing is what a settlement agent does.
To get accurate advice related to your personal circumstances, we advise you to seek the services of a professional tax accountant.
The settlement process in Western Australia usually takes between 21-45 days, depending on the timeframes agreed upon in the contract for sale. During that time, we work through 4 main stages:
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Appointment: Appoint West End Settlements as your settlement agent and sign the necessary documentation to utilise PEXA for your transaction.
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Verification & Clearance: Once the contract is unconditional, we verify your identity and the property you're purchasing. We ascertain any encumbrances so you're aware and understand the effect. We also notify any relevant authorities (e.g. Water Corporation and local Shire) of the impending transfer of ownership.
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Adjustments & Final Inspection: Calculating final costs up to the day of settlement, such as council rates and water bills, then the final walkthrough of the property.
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Settlement Day: Using PEXA, final checks and documents are exchanged and adjusted funds are released.
Once everything is finalised, we contact our client to confirm a successful settlement so keys can be handed over.
In Western Australia, property settlements are handled using PEXA. The digital platform uses world class security measures including strict identity verification and closed-loop transfers to eliminate vulnerabilities and scams. They also offer a guarantee that protects against fraud and interception.