How to Sell Property in WA Without an Agent (FSBO): Complete Guide

See Complete Western Australia Private Sale Guide

Selling property in Western Australia without a real estate agent is completely legal and increasingly common. Many WA homeowners choose to sell privately to stay in control of the sale and avoid paying $20,000–$50,000+ in agent commission.

This guide explains exactly how to sell your property without an agent in WA, step by step. It covers the legal requirements, pricing strategies, where to list your property, how to manage buyers, and how to complete settlement safely.

Is It Legal to Sell Property Without an Agent in WA?

Yes. Selling your property without a real estate agent is 100% legal in Western Australia.

There is:

• ❌ No legal requirement to use a real estate agent

• ❌ No law forcing you to pay commission

• ✅ A requirement to comply with WA property laws

Private sellers must still:

• Use a compliant Contract for Sale of Land

• Meet WA disclosure obligations

• Ensure deposits are held correctly

• Complete settlement through a settlement agent or solicitor

A private sale follows the same legal process as an agent-led sale — just without the commission.

What Does “For Sale By Owner” Mean in WA?

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) means:

• You manage the sale yourself

• Buyers deal directly with you

• You control pricing, inspections, and negotiations

It does not mean:

• You prepare legal documents yourself

• You hold buyer deposits

• You bypass settlement agents or solicitors

In WA, settlement agents or solicitors still handle:

• The Contract of Sale

• Deposit handling

• Settlement and transfer of ownership

The only difference is who handles the marketing and buyer enquiries.

The 8 Steps to Selling Property Without an Agent in WA

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements in WA

Before marketing your property, you must understand the key WA rules:

• A Contract for Sale of Land is required

• A Seller Disclosure is provided through the contract (WA does not use Section 32 or Form 2)

• Deposits must be handled through a trust account

• Settlement is completed by a licensed settlement agent or solicitor

WA has a simpler disclosure process than some other states, but legal compliance is still essential.

Step 2: Engage a WA Settlement Agent or Solicitor

This step is essential.

A WA settlement agent or solicitor will:

• Prepare or review the Contract for Sale of Land

• Advise on conditions and inclusions

• Hold the deposit in a trust account

• Manage settlement and title transfer

Most residential property sales in WA are handled by licensed settlement agents, rather than solicitors.

Step 3: Work Out What Your Property Is Worth

Pricing is the most important decision you’ll make - see more pricing info here

Smart WA sellers use:

• Recent sold prices in their suburb (last 3–6 months)

• Comparable homes with similar land size and features

• Independent data, not just agent appraisals

You can also:

• Obtain multiple agent appraisals for reference

• Order a professional valuation

• Use paid property data reports for accuracy

Overpricing is the most common reason private sales stall.

Step 4: Choose the Right Pricing Strategy

How you present your price directly affects enquiry levels.

Effective pricing strategies for WA FSBO sellers include:

Fixed Price
$750,000
Common in WA and works well for clear buyer expectations.

Price Range
$720,000 – $770,000
Attracts a wider buyer pool and encourages competition.

Avoid “Contact Agent”
Buyers dislike it.
It removes your listing from price filters and reduces enquiries.

Clear pricing builds trust and increases inspections.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Presentation has a direct impact on buyer interest and sale price.

Before listing:

• Declutter and clean thoroughly

• Fix minor maintenance issues

• Consider professional photography

• Present the home as move-in ready

Well-presented homes attract more enquiries and stronger offers.

Step 6: List Your Property Where Buyers Actually Look

Buyers do not search private-sale websites. They search:

• realestate.com.au

• Domain

Private sellers can access these portals through private listing platforms, allowing their property to appear alongside agent-listed homes with the same exposure.

To buyers, your listing looks exactly the same.

Step 7: Manage Enquiries, Inspections, and Offers

When selling privately in WA:

• Buyers contact you directly

• You arrange and conduct inspections

• You answer questions honestly and promptly

• Offers are usually submitted in writing

Because you are not paying commission:

• You have more flexibility in negotiations

• You can focus on your net result

• There is no pressure to accept early offers

Your settlement agent or solicitor can review offers and contract terms before acceptance.

Step 8: Accept the Offer and Complete Settlement

Once terms are agreed:

• The Contract of Sale is signed

• The deposit is paid into a trust account

• Settlement usually occurs 30–45 days later

Your settlement agent manages:

• Title searches and transfer

• Adjustments for council rates and outgoings

• Final funds

• Registration with Landgate (WA Titles Office)

On settlement day, funds clear, keys are handed over, and the sale is complete.

Common Mistakes Private Sellers Make in WA

• Overpricing the property

• Poor presentation or photos

• Using unclear pricing

• Mishandling deposit arrangements

• Failing to engage a settlement agent early

These mistakes are avoidable with the right process.

How AirLister Fits Into the FSBO Process

AirLister does not replace settlement agents or solicitors.

AirLister:

• Handles marketing and portal listings

• Allows you to list on major property websites

• Sends buyer enquiries directly to you

• Keeps you in control of the sale

Legal professionals still handle:

• Contracts

• Deposits

• Settlement

• Compliance

This is why selling privately works safely in WA.

Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Property Privately in Western Australia (FSBO)

Is FSBO legal in Western Australia?

Yes. Selling property privately (For Sale By Owner) is completely legal in Western Australia.

There is no legal requirement to use a real estate agent when selling a property in WA. Property owners are entitled to sell their own homes, provided the sale complies with WA property and settlement laws.

Private sellers must still:

• Use a compliant Contract for Sale of Land

• Provide accurate property information to buyers

• Ensure deposits are handled through a trust account

• Complete settlement through a licensed settlement agent or solicitor

When done correctly, a private sale follows the same legal framework as an agent-led sale — without paying commission.

Do I need a settlement agent or solicitor to sell privately in WA?

While not strictly mandatory under law, using a licensed settlement agent or solicitor is standard practice and strongly recommended for all WA property sales.

A WA settlement agent or solicitor will:

• Prepare or review the Contract for Sale of Land

• Advise on conditions, inclusions, and special clauses

• Hold the buyer’s deposit in a statutory trust account

• Conduct title searches and settlement checks

• Manage settlement and transfer of ownership

Attempting to sell without professional settlement support exposes sellers to unnecessary legal and financial risk.

What disclosures are required when selling privately in WA?

Western Australia does not use a Section 32 (VIC) or Form 2 (QLD).

Instead, disclosure is handled through:

• The Contract for Sale of Land

• Information provided by the seller and settlement agent

• Title searches and certificates obtained during settlement

While disclosure requirements are less formal than in some states, sellers must still ensure all information provided is accurate. Misrepresentation can give buyers legal rights to terminate or claim damages.

Can I hold the deposit myself in a private sale?

In almost all cases, no.

In WA, sale deposits are typically held in a trust account managed by:

• A licensed settlement agent

• A solicitor

• A real estate agent

Private sellers generally do not hold deposits personally, even if both parties agree. Holding deposits in trust protects both buyer and seller and ensures compliance with WA settlement laws.

Does selling privately actually work in Western Australia?

Yes. Selling privately works very well in WA, particularly in:

• Perth metropolitan suburbs

• High-demand residential markets

• Established family homes and investment properties

Private sellers benefit from:

• Strong online buyer demand

• Direct communication with buyers

• No pressure to discount for commission

• Greater control over negotiations

Many WA homeowners successfully sell privately each year while saving $20,000–$50,000+ in agent commission and still achieving market value.

Will buyers take a private sale seriously?

Yes. Most buyers care about:

• Price

• Location

• Property condition

They generally do not care whether a property is listed by an agent or the owner. As long as the listing is professional and the legal process is handled correctly, private sales are treated the same as agent-listed properties.

In many cases, buyers prefer dealing directly with owners because communication is faster and more transparent.

Is selling privately more risky than using an agent?

No. A private sale is not riskier when handled correctly.

The legal protections, contracts, deposit handling, and settlement process are the same. Risk is managed by:

• Using a licensed settlement agent or solicitor

• Providing accurate information

• Following proper settlement procedures

Real estate agents do not provide legal protection — settlement professionals do.

Final Checklist for Selling Property in WA Without an Agent

✅ Settlement agent or solicitor engaged
✅ Contract for Sale prepared
✅ Pricing strategy set
✅ Listing live on major portals
✅ Inspection and enquiry process organised

If these are in place, FSBO works.

Bottom Line

Selling property without an agent in Western Australia is:

Legal
Proven
Far more cost-effective

With correct pricing, professional settlement support, and strong online exposure, WA homeowners can sell confidently — without paying tens of thousands in commission.

That’s exactly what AirLister is built for.

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Last updated: January 2026