Experience the Difference

Business
Settlements

Business Settlements require a certain level of due diligence for both the buyer and the seller of a business. Behind every transaction are important details that need reviewing, compliance checks with deadlines, legal requirements that have to be met, and contract conditions that need to be fulfilled.

When we’re on your team you draw on our knowledge and experience, knowing exactly what is needed and how to manage it all. We coordinate the multiple moving parts, ensuring a smooth transition while reducing the risk of delays or unexpected issues.

Experience the Difference

ASIC PPSR compliance searches

Conducting searches to ensure clear and unencumbered title is provided to you .

Pro-rating business outgoings

Adjusting outgoings and, if required, employee entitlements up to exact day of handover.

Stock and asset adjustments

Adjusting final purchase price.

Transfer of business names and licences

Legal transfer of critical assets, trading names and operational licences.

Buying and selling established businesses

Managing the entire transaction from contract signing to keys handed over.

Our Business Settlement Services include:

Buying a business is very different to buying a house, making specialist settlement experience invaluable. Our Business Settlement Agents are able to provide you with the specific guidance you need to make the right decision for your settlement.

Your Business Settlement

While it isn't a legal requirement to use a business settlement agent, buying or selling a business is more involved than a standard real estate transaction. There are additional requirements, such as specific licences and permits for different types of businesses, pro-rating outgoings and complex contract conditions. As experienced business settlement agents, we will ensure every detail is handled correctly, reducing stress and liabilities to deliver a smooth transaction from start to finish.

When a business is handed over to a new owner, the assets and liabilities may need to be adjusted as part of the settlement process. That includes business outgoings such as rent, rates and other annualised charges or income streams, so that the buyer and seller both pay their fair share.

Stock is considered an asset and should be included in the business valuation before settlement, usually with a stocktake process after settlement to make any final adjustments to the price.

As your Business Settlement Agent we will prepare or assist you with these adjustments and explain them before settlement is finalised.

If you're buying a business that operates from a leased premises, the commercial lease will need to be assigned to you as the new owner. This may be an assignment document, or a new lease may need to be negotiated with the landlord. Either way, make sure you carefully review the terms before signing to make sure you are aware of your rights and obligations.

As your settlement agent we will make sure any conditions like this are satisfied and can advise you on the best way to achieve it prior to settlement going ahead.

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:

Checking the Certificate of Title,
Prepares and processes the documents to transfer the legal title to the property or business,
Coordinating with mortgage brokers and banks,
Ensures compliance with the agreed contract terms and conditions,
Calculating financial adjustments, including council rates, water charges and land tax,
Managing transfer duty requirements.

Questions Answered

Last reviewed June 2026

Business Settlement is entirely different to residential property settlements, so we’ve answered an entirely different set of questions our business settlement clients have asked in the past. We want you to have clear information upfront so you can move forward with your business settlement with confidence.