Western Australia Legal Requirements for Selling Property: Complete 2026 Guide

Legal requirements when selling property in Western Australia
Legal requirements when selling property in Western Australia
Legal requirements when selling property in Western Australia

Legal Requirements for Selling Property in Western Australia: Complete 2026 Guide

See Complete Western Australia Private Sale Guide


When selling property without a real estate agent in Western Australia (FSBO - For Sale By Owner), understanding your legal obligations under the Transfer of Land Act 1893 and Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 is essential. WA has unique property laws that differ from eastern states, particularly around settlement processes and professional requirements.

Whether you're selling a house in Perth, a property in regional WA, or anywhere in the state, these legal requirements apply to all private property sales. By following these regulations and engaging qualified professionals, you can save $15,000-$30,000 in agent commission while maintaining full legal compliance.

See 8 steps to sell privately in Western Australia

The Four Essential Legal Requirements in Western Australia:

  1. Contract of Sale prepared by qualified professional

  2. Form 1 Vendor Disclosure Statement with all required information

  3. Full disclosure of property defects and material facts

  4. Deposit held in statutory trust account by licensed settlement agent

Note: Western Australia is unique in using settlement agents rather than conveyancers for most property transactions. This is a WA-specific profession that handles property settlements and transfers.

Contract of Sale Requirements in Western Australia

What is a Contract of Sale in WA?

The Contract of Sale (also called Offer and Acceptance) is the legally binding document that outlines all terms and conditions of your property transaction in Western Australia. Unlike some other states, WA doesn't require the contract to be prepared before marketing, but it must be ready when you receive offers.

Who Can Prepare Contracts in Western Australia?

WA property transactions are typically handled by settlement agents rather than conveyancers. Only qualified professionals can prepare property contracts:

Licensed Settlement Agent:

For FSBO sellers in WA: Settlement agents are the standard choice, offering specialized property expertise at competitive rates.

What Must Be Included in WA Contracts?

Your Contract of Sale must contain:

  • Full property description (address, lot/plan, certificate of title details)

  • Purchase price and deposit amount

  • Settlement date (typically 30-60 days in WA)

  • Vendor (seller) and purchaser (buyer) details

  • Fixtures and fittings included/excluded

  • Special conditions (if any)

  • Finance terms (if buyer requires a loan)

  • Building and pest inspection clauses (if applicable)

  • Reference to Form 1 Vendor Disclosure

Standard Contract Terms in Western Australia

Settlement Period: Typically 30-60 days for Perth metro, 60-90 days for regional WA properties. Longer settlements allow buyers time for finance approval and property inspections.

Deposit Amount: Usually 10% of purchase price, though 5% is increasingly common in Perth's competitive market:

  • $700,000 property = $70,000 deposit (10%) or $35,000 (5%)

  • $900,000 property = $90,000 deposit (10%) or $45,000 (5%)

Inclusions/Exclusions: Clearly specify what remains (built-in appliances, window treatments, fixed floor coverings) and what you're removing (outdoor furniture, artworks, removable appliances).

Offer and Acceptance Process in WA

Western Australia typically uses an Offer and Acceptance process:

  1. Buyer submits written Offer to Purchase

  2. Seller reviews offer terms (price, deposit, settlement date, conditions)

  3. Seller accepts, rejects, or counter-offers

  4. Final agreement reached and both parties sign

  5. Contract becomes binding once signed by both parties

  6. Deposit paid to settlement agent's trust account

This differs from states like NSW where contracts must exist before marketing. In WA, you can market first and prepare contracts when offers arrive, though having a draft ready speeds the process.

Can You Prepare Your Own Contract in WA?

No. Only licensed settlement agents or solicitors can prepare legally valid property contracts in Western Australia. Attempting DIY contracts can result in:

  • Invalid or unenforceable agreements

  • Unintended legal liabilities

  • Missing essential clauses

  • Sale collapse at critical stages

  • Legal disputes and financial losses

The Smart Approach: Engage a settlement agent early to prepare your contract template. When offers arrive, they can quickly customize terms and finalize the agreement.


Form 1 Vendor Disclosure Statement: WA's Key Disclosure Document

What is Form 1?

Form 1 (Vendor Disclosure Statement) is a mandatory disclosure document required under Western Australia's Strata Titles Act 1985 and Transfer of Land Act 1893. This document provides buyers with essential information about the property before they commit to purchase.

Critical Rule: You must provide Form 1 to buyers before they sign the contract. Failure to provide complete and accurate Form 1 gives buyers extended rights to withdraw and can result in significant penalties.

Who Needs to Provide Form 1?

Required for:

  • Strata titled properties (units, apartments, townhouses)

  • Properties with owners corporation/strata company

  • Survey strata subdivisions

  • Some community titled developments

Not required for:

  • Standard residential houses on individual lots (freehold)

  • Green title properties (most WA houses)

However, even if Form 1 isn't legally required, sellers should still provide comprehensive disclosure about the property's condition and any material facts.

What Must Be Included in Form 1 (Strata Properties)?

For strata titled properties, Form 1 must include:

1. Strata Company/Owners Corporation Information:

  • Name and contact details of strata manager

  • Copy of strata plan

  • Current bylaws and house rules

  • Minutes of recent general meetings (usually last 2 meetings)

2. Financial Information:

  • Current levy contributions (admin and reserve funds)

  • Any outstanding levies owing

  • Details of special levies or proposed special levies

  • 10-year maintenance plan (if available)

  • Building insurance details and coverage

3. Building Condition:

  • Details of any major defects or required repairs

  • Ongoing or planned major works

  • Building inspection reports (if conducted)

  • Asbestos register (if applicable)

4. Legal Matters:

  • Any ongoing legal disputes involving strata company

  • Court proceedings or tribunal matters

  • Disputes with neighboring lot owners

  • Outstanding compliance notices

5. Restrictions and Rights:

  • Any restrictions on use of the lot

  • Exclusive use areas (parking bays, storage, courtyards)

  • Rights to alterations or renovations

  • Pet restrictions or approval requirements

Form 1 Timeline and Currency

For Strata Properties:

  • Form 1 must be obtained from the strata company

  • Documents should be no older than 6 months

  • Financial statements should be current

  • Meeting minutes must include the most recent meetings

Cost: $150-$400 for strata company to prepare Form 1, depending on complexity and how quickly you need it.

Disclosure for Non-Strata Properties (Freehold/Green Title)

Even though Form 1 isn't required for standard houses, WA sellers must still disclose:

  • Any known defects or issues

  • Building approvals and permits

  • Unapproved renovations or additions

  • Pest problems (termites, borers)

  • Flooding, drainage, or water issues

  • Boundary disputes

  • Heritage restrictions

  • Any other material facts

Best Practice: Create a comprehensive disclosure document similar to Form 1 even for freehold properties. This protects you legally and builds buyer confidence.

Consequences of Incomplete or Inaccurate Form 1

Failing to provide proper Form 1 or disclosure can result in:

  • Buyers having extended rights to withdraw from contract

  • Fines up to $50,000 for individuals in WA

  • Contract being voided

  • Legal action for misrepresentation

  • Compensation claims from buyers

  • Sale collapse even after settlement period begins


Disclosure Requirements When Selling Property in Western Australia

What Must You Disclose to Buyers in WA?

Western Australian law requires sellers to disclose any "material facts" that could reasonably be expected to affect a buyer's decision to purchase or the price they'd pay. This obligation exists even if you're not specifically asked about issues.

Material Facts You Must Disclose

Structural and Building Issues:

  • Foundation problems, subsidence, or soil movement

  • Significant cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors

  • Water damage, leaks, or moisture problems

  • Roof defects or known leaking

  • Retaining wall failures or movement

  • Structural damage from termites or other pests

Pest and Environmental Issues:

  • Current or previous termite infestation

  • Borer or other wood-destroying pests

  • Treatment history and warranties

  • Asbestos presence and location

  • Contaminated soil or environmental hazards

  • Mold or dampness problems

Building Approvals and Compliance:

  • Renovations or additions without council approval

  • Work completed without required building permits

  • Non-compliant structures or alterations

  • Outstanding building orders from local council

  • Illegal secondary dwellings or granny flats

  • Swimming pool compliance issues

Legal and Statutory Issues:

  • Boundary disputes with neighbors

  • Easements or rights of way affecting property

  • Restrictive covenants or land use restrictions

  • Heritage listing or conservation orders

  • Tree preservation orders

  • Unresolved legal proceedings affecting property

  • Compulsory acquisition proposals

Title and Ownership Issues:

  • Caveats registered on title

  • Mortgage defaults or payment issues

  • Multiple owners or complex ownership structures

  • Rights of third parties

  • Unregistered interests

Neighborhood and Environmental Factors:

  • Significant noise pollution (airports, railways, industrial areas)

  • Known neighbor disputes or issues

  • Nearby approved developments affecting property

  • Flight paths or aircraft noise

  • Loss of views due to approved developments

  • Mining tenements or resource extraction activities (relevant in WA)

Utility and Service Issues:

  • Septic system problems or failures

  • Bore water quality issues

  • No reticulated sewerage connection

  • Private water supply limitations

  • Drainage or stormwater problems

  • Power supply issues

Previous Damage:

  • Fire damage (even if fully repaired)

  • Flood or storm damage

  • Cyclone damage (in northern WA)

  • Vehicle impact

  • Major insurance claims history

WA-Specific Disclosures:

  • Limestone foundations (common in Perth, can have issues)

  • Reactive clay soil problems

  • Coastal erosion issues (beachfront properties)

  • Mining subsidence (Collie, Kalgoorlie areas)

How to Disclose Material Facts in WA

In Writing Before Contract: Create a comprehensive disclosure document listing all known issues. Be specific:

  • "Termite damage in rear bedroom, treated by [company] in 2023, warranty provided"

  • "Bathroom renovation 2021 completed without building permit, council aware but no order issued"

  • "Minor crack in northwestern foundation wall, assessed by structural engineer 2024 as non-structural, report available"

During Inspections: Answer all buyer questions honestly during property viewings. Don't minimize or hide issues. If you don't know an answer, say so and offer to investigate.

Update Disclosures: If new issues arise after initial disclosure, inform buyers immediately in writing through your settlement agent.

Consequences of Non-Disclosure in WA

Failing to disclose material facts can result in:

Contract Termination: Buyers can rescind the contract and receive full deposit refund.

Price Reduction: Buyers can claim reduction equal to repair costs or diminution in value.

Damages Claims: Buyers can sue for compensation including:

  • Cost of rectification works

  • Decrease in property value

  • Additional costs (temporary accommodation, storage)

  • Legal and expert costs

Penalties: Fines up to $50,000 for individuals under WA consumer protection laws.

Criminal Charges: Deliberate fraud or misrepresentation can result in criminal prosecution.

The Golden Rule for WA Sellers

When in doubt, disclose. Full transparency protects you legally and builds buyer trust. Buyers who understand a property's true condition are more likely to proceed than those who discover hidden issues during inspections.

Deposit Trust Account Requirements in Western Australia

Why Sellers Cannot Hold Deposits in WA

Under Western Australia's Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 and Settlement Agents Act 1981, sellers are strictly prohibited from holding buyer deposits. This protects buyers from deposit misuse and ensures funds are available at settlement.

Who Can Hold Deposits in Western Australia?

Deposits must be held in a statutory trust account by:

Licensed Settlement Agent (Most Common):

  • WA's specialized property settlement professionals

  • Regulated by Consumer Protection WA

  • Hold majority of deposits in WA property sales

  • Trust accounts audited regularly

Licensed Solicitor:

  • Can hold deposits in solicitor's trust account

  • Less common in WA (settlement agents handle most transactions)

  • Regulated by Legal Practice Board WA

Licensed Real Estate Agent:

  • If using an agent, they hold deposit in agency trust account

  • Not applicable for FSBO sales unless you engage agent just for this

Important: Western Australia uniquely relies on settlement agents rather than conveyancers, making them the standard choice for deposit handling in private sales.

How Deposit Trust Accounts Work in WA

Step 1: Contract Agreement Both parties sign the Contract of Sale (Offer and Acceptance), specifying:

  • Deposit amount

  • Payment deadline (usually 24-48 hours after contract signing)

  • Trust account holder details (your settlement agent)

Step 2: Deposit Payment Buyer transfers deposit to your settlement agent's trust account. Your settlement agent provides:

  • Trust account BSB and account number

  • Transaction reference number

  • Written receipt once funds received

Step 3: Secure Holding Deposit remains in trust account until settlement or contract termination. WA trust accounts:

  • Are strictly regulated by Consumer Protection WA

  • Must be completely separate from business accounts

  • Are subject to regular audits

  • Carry professional indemnity insurance

  • Earn interest (typically for Legal Contribution Trust or similar)

Step 4: Release at Settlement On settlement day:

  • Buyer pays balance (purchase price minus deposit)

  • Your settlement agent releases deposit to you

  • Combined with balance, you receive full purchase price

  • Title transfers to buyer

  • Settlement agent registers transfer with Landgate

Standard Deposit Amounts in Western Australia

10% Deposit (Traditional Standard):

  • $600,000 property = $60,000 deposit

  • $850,000 property = $85,000 deposit

  • Demonstrates strong buyer commitment

  • Provides substantial protection if buyer defaults

5% Deposit (Increasingly Common in Perth):

  • $600,000 property = $30,000 deposit

  • $850,000 property = $42,500 deposit

  • More accessible for first home buyers

  • Still provides reasonable security

Negotiable Amounts: You can accept any deposit amount, though:

  • Very low deposits ($1,000-$5,000) indicate weak buyer commitment

  • Higher deposits (15-20%) show exceptional buyer strength

  • Consider buyer's overall financial position, not just deposit size

What Happens to Deposits If Sale Falls Through?

Successful Settlement:

  • Deposit forms part of total purchase price

  • Released to you on settlement day

  • Buyer pays balance via bank transfer

  • Transaction completes normally

Buyer Defaults (Fails to Settle):

  • You may be entitled to keep deposit as compensation

  • Requires formal default process through settlement agent

  • If losses exceed deposit, you can claim additional damages

  • Legal process typically takes 6-10 weeks

Seller Defaults (You Fail to Settle):

  • Deposit immediately returned to buyer

  • You may owe additional compensation for buyer's losses

  • Serious legal and financial consequences

  • Potential lawsuit for specific performance

Finance Clause Not Satisfied:

  • If buyer's finance is rejected (and contract has finance condition), deposit returned in full

  • No penalty to either party

  • Common occurrence, so price competitively to attract finance-approved buyers

Building Inspection Reveals Major Issues:

  • If contract conditional on satisfactory inspection, buyer can withdraw

  • Deposit returned in full

  • No penalty unless buyer acts unreasonably

Mutual Agreement to Cancel:

  • Both parties agree to terminate contract

  • Deposit returned to buyer

  • Release signed by both parties

  • No penalties or ongoing obligations

WA Has No Cooling-Off Period for Most Sales

Critical Difference: Unlike most Australian states, Western Australia does NOT have a statutory cooling-off period for residential property sales.

What This Means:

  • Once you sign the contract, you're immediately bound

  • Once buyer signs, they're immediately committed

  • No grace period for either party to change their mind

  • Contract is final from the moment of signing

Exceptions:

  • Off-the-plan purchases have a 5-business-day cooling-off

  • Door-to-door sales have cooling-off rights

  • Some timeshare and retirement village contracts have cooling-off

Implications for FSBO Sellers:

  • Buyers may be more cautious before signing (good thing - shows serious intent)

  • Finance and inspection conditions become more important

  • Less risk of buyers casually withdrawing after contract

  • Settlement is more certain once contracts are exchanged

Illegal Deposit Practices in WA

❌ Never Do These:

  • Accept deposit into your personal bank account

  • Hold cash deposits yourself

  • Agree to defer deposit payment until settlement

  • Accept cryptocurrency or non-standard payments without settlement agent approval

  • Let buyers skip deposit claiming "trust" or personal relationship

Consequences:

  • Fines up to $50,000 for individuals in WA

  • Contract potentially void and unenforceable

  • Criminal charges for serious violations

  • Buyer can withdraw and claim damages

  • Professional misconduct if you hold yourself out as able to hold deposits

✅ Always:

  • Use licensed settlement agent's trust account

  • Get written receipts for all deposits

  • Follow proper legal procedures

  • Keep comprehensive records

  • Maintain clear communication with your settlement agent


Settlement Agent vs Solicitor: Which Do You Need for Selling in WA?

Understanding WA's Unique Settlement Agent System

Western Australia is unique in Australia for its reliance on settlement agents - licensed professionals who specialize specifically in property settlements and transfers. This differs from eastern states where conveyancers or solicitors typically handle property transactions.

What is a Settlement Agent?

Settlement agents are WA-licensed professionals who:

  • Prepare and review Contracts of Sale

  • Conduct title searches and property due diligence

  • Hold deposits in statutory trust accounts

  • Coordinate settlement between all parties

  • Calculate settlement adjustments (rates, water, strata levies)

  • Arrange mortgage discharges

  • Register title transfers with Landgate

  • Handle all settlement paperwork

Licensing and Regulation:

Settlement Agent Services and Costs

Typical Services for FSBO Sellers: $800-$1,500

Included:

  • Contract of Sale preparation or review

  • Title search and property verification

  • Deposit trust account services

  • Settlement statement preparation

  • Coordination with buyer's settlement agent

  • Rates and water adjustments calculation

  • Mortgage discharge arrangements

  • Settlement attendance

  • Title transfer registration

  • All documentation and correspondence

Additional Costs (if applicable):

  • Title search: $30-$60

  • Landgate registration fees: $170-$200

  • Mortgage discharge fee (from your bank): $300-$400

  • Express settlement surcharge: $100-$200

Total Cost for FSBO: Approximately $900-$1,700 including disbursements

When to Use a Solicitor Instead

Licensed Solicitor Services: $1,500-$2,500

Choose a solicitor for:

  • Complex legal disputes involving property

  • Deceased estate sales

  • Sales involving family trusts or companies

  • Boundary disputes requiring legal resolution

  • Properties with significant title defects

  • Court-ordered sales

  • Sales with complicated legal conditions

  • When you need broader legal representation

What solicitors provide that settlement agents don't:

  • Court representation

  • Complex legal advice beyond property transfers

  • Negotiation of sophisticated legal terms

  • Resolution of legal disputes

  • Estate administration

  • Trust management

Which Should WA FSBO Sellers Choose?

Choose a Settlement Agent (90% of FSBO sales): ✅ Selling standard residential property ✅ Clear title without disputes ✅ No complex legal complications ✅ Standard freehold or strata property ✅ Want cost-effective specialist service ✅ Property owned in your personal name

Choose a Solicitor: ✅ Property involves deceased estate ✅ Complex ownership structure (trust, company) ✅ Boundary or legal disputes ✅ Selling as part of divorce settlement ✅ Major title defects or complications ✅ Significant legal risk or exposure

For typical Perth or regional WA property sales, settlement agents provide specialized expertise at excellent value. They handle over 80% of WA property settlements and are the standard choice for both agent and private sales.

How to Find a Licensed Settlement Agent in WA

Professional Bodies:

Verify Licensing:

  • Check license status with Consumer Protection WA

  • Confirm professional indemnity insurance

  • Look for SAIWA or AICWA membership

Questions to Ask Settlement Agents:

  1. "Are you licensed to practice in Western Australia?"

  2. "How many FSBO sales have you handled?"

  3. "What's your fixed fee for complete settlement services?"

  4. "What's included versus additional costs?"

  5. "How quickly do you respond to queries?"

  6. "Do you handle everything through to settlement and registration?"

  7. "Do you have current professional indemnity insurance?"

  8. "Can you provide references from other private sellers?"

Red Flags: ❌ Unlicensed or unregistered practitioners ❌ Vague or variable pricing ❌ No fixed-fee quotes available ❌ Poor communication or availability ❌ No professional indemnity insurance ❌ Pressure to use affiliated services ❌ Negative reviews about trust account handling or settlement delays


Foreign Buyer Requirements in Western Australia

Foreign Investment Rules in WA

Western Australia follows Australian federal foreign investment rules, but also has some state-specific requirements that FSBO sellers should understand.

When Foreign Buyer Rules Apply

Who is a Foreign Person?

  • Not an Australian citizen

  • Not Australian permanent resident

  • Foreign-controlled company or trust

FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) Approval: Foreign buyers typically need FIRB approval before purchasing residential property in Australia.

What FSBO Sellers Need to Know

1. Foreign Buyer Duty Surcharge Western Australia imposes a 7% additional foreign buyer duty on top of standard stamp duty.

Example:

  • $800,000 property purchase

  • Standard stamp duty: ~$27,900

  • Foreign buyer surcharge (7%): $56,000

  • Total duty: $83,900

This is paid by the buyer, not you as seller, but affects their purchase decision and capacity.

2. Land Tax Surcharge Foreign owners pay an additional 4% surcharge on WA land tax annually. Again, this is buyer's responsibility but may affect their willingness to purchase.

3. FIRB Approval Timeline Foreign buyers need FIRB approval which takes 30-90 days. This affects your settlement timeline if selling to foreign buyers.

What You Should Do:

  • Accept longer settlement periods (60-90 days) for foreign buyers

  • Ensure contract is conditional on FIRB approval

  • Request evidence of FIRB application

  • Your settlement agent will guide you through this process

Withholding Requirements for Foreign Buyers

Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding: If selling to a foreign buyer for more than $750,000, the buyer must withhold 12.5% of purchase price and pay it directly to the ATO unless you provide a clearance certificate.

Example:

  • $900,000 sale to foreign buyer

  • Withholding amount: $112,500

  • Held by buyer and paid to ATO

  • You receive: $787,500 at settlement

How to Avoid Withholding: Apply for a clearance certificate from the ATO showing you're an Australian resident for tax purposes. Provide this to the buyer before settlement, and you'll receive the full amount.

Your settlement agent will:

  • Advise if withholding applies

  • Help you obtain clearance certificate

  • Coordinate with buyer's settlement agent

  • Ensure proper compliance

Should FSBO Sellers Accept Foreign Buyers?

Advantages:

  • Expands your buyer pool significantly

  • Foreign buyers often have strong financial positions

  • Perth is popular with Asian and Middle Eastern buyers

  • May achieve higher prices in some market segments

Considerations:

  • Longer settlement periods required (FIRB approval)

  • Additional complexity in settlement process

  • Higher transaction costs for buyer (may affect price negotiations)

  • FIRB approval not guaranteed (small risk of sale falling through)

Recommendation: Accept foreign buyer offers but:

  • Ensure contract conditional on FIRB approval

  • Allow 60-90 day settlement minimum

  • Request evidence of financial capacity

  • Engage settlement agent experienced with foreign buyers

  • Obtain ATO clearance certificate early in process

Your settlement agent will handle all foreign buyer compliance, making it straightforward for you as seller.

Common Legal Mistakes FSBO Sellers Make in Western Australia

Even confident private sellers can run into trouble if they misunderstand WA’s legal framework. The most common mistakes include:

  • Not engaging a settlement agent early
    Waiting until after an offer is accepted often causes delays, rushed contracts, and avoidable errors.

  • Incomplete or verbal disclosures
    Anything not disclosed in writing may be treated as non-disclosure, even if you “mentioned it” during an inspection.

  • Assuming eastern state rules apply
    WA does not operate like NSW or QLD. Cooling-off periods, conveyancing rules, and deposit handling are all different.

  • Accepting deposits incorrectly
    Holding a deposit yourself, even temporarily, is illegal in WA and can void the contract.

  • Underestimating finance clauses
    Buyers in WA rely heavily on finance conditions due to the lack of cooling-off. Poorly drafted clauses can expose you to unnecessary risk.

Avoiding these mistakes is not about complexity — it’s about using the right professionals and following the correct process from day one.

Timeline: How a Compliant FSBO Sale Works in WA

A typical legally compliant private sale in Western Australia follows this timeline:

Before Marketing

  • Engage a licensed settlement agent

  • Prepare a draft Contract of Sale (Offer & Acceptance)

  • Gather disclosure information (Form 1 if applicable)

  • Identify any material facts requiring disclosure

During Marketing

  • Answer buyer questions honestly

  • Provide written disclosures when requested

  • Keep your settlement agent informed of interest

Offer Stage

  • Buyer submits written offer

  • Settlement agent reviews terms

  • You accept, reject, or counter

  • Contract becomes binding once signed

Post-Contract

  • Deposit paid to settlement agent’s trust account

  • Finance and inspection conditions satisfied

  • Settlement agent coordinates all parties

Settlement Day

  • Balance of funds received

  • Deposit released

  • Title transferred via Landgate

  • Keys handed over

At no point do you need to personally manage legal documentation, trust accounts, or title registration — that is the settlement agent’s role.

Is Selling Without an Agent Legal in Western Australia?

Yes. Selling without a real estate agent is completely legal in Western Australia.

There is:

  • ❌ No requirement to use a real estate agent

  • ❌ No legal advantage to paying commission

  • ✅ A requirement to comply with disclosure, contract, and settlement laws

Thousands of WA property owners sell privately every year using licensed settlement agents and solicitors, saving $15,000–$30,000+ in commission while following the same legal process as agent-assisted sales.

How AirLister Fits Into the WA Legal Process

AirLister does not replace licensed professionals.

Instead, AirLister:

  • Puts your property where buyers already are

  • Allows you to receive enquiries directly

  • Keeps you in control of inspections and negotiations

  • Works alongside licensed WA settlement agents

The legal side of the transaction — contracts, deposits, settlement, and title transfer — is still handled by qualified professionals, exactly as required under WA law.

This is why AirLister complies with Western Australian legislation while allowing sellers to avoid unnecessary commission.

Final Checklist: WA Legal Compliance for Private Sellers

Before accepting an offer, make sure you have:

✅ A licensed settlement agent engaged
✅ A compliant Contract of Sale prepared
✅ Form 1 ready (if strata property)
✅ All known defects disclosed in writing
✅ Deposit instructions for trust account
✅ Finance and inspection clauses correctly drafted
✅ FIRB and foreign buyer requirements considered (if applicable)
✅ ATO clearance certificate applied for (if needed)

If every box is ticked, you are selling legally, safely, and confidently.

Bottom Line

Western Australia has one of the most structured and protective property settlement systems in Australia. When used correctly, it allows private sellers to achieve the same legal outcome as agent-assisted sales — without paying commission.

The key is understanding WA-specific rules, disclosing everything, and engaging the right licensed professionals.

If you do that, selling privately in WA is not risky — it’s simply informed.


See how to sell your property without an agent - Here
see how much you could save on commission - Here
See AirListers Pricing - Here

Last updated: January 2026