Comprehensive Buying Settlement Services
As your dedicated settlement agent in Perth, we ensure every detail is meticulously managed throughout your property purchase journey.
Contract Review & Advice
We carefully review the Offer and Acceptance to ensure it protects your interests and aligns with Western Australian property law. We provide clear advice on:
- Contract conditions and special clauses
- Settlement date implications
- Finance and inspection conditions
- Potential risks and recommended amendments
Property Searches
We conduct essential property searches, identifying any issues that might affect your purchase:
- Title searches and certificate of title verification
- Local government planning and zoning checks
- Land tax certificates and water rates verification
- Encumbrances, easements, and covenant checks
Liaison With All Parties
We handle all communication between relevant parties, ensuring seamless coordination:
- Direct communication with your bank or lender
- Coordination with the seller's settlement agent
- Liaison with real estate agents
- Interaction with government departments as needed
Condition Fulfillment Monitoring
We monitor all conditions precedent in the contract to ensure they are met within stipulated timeframes:
- Finance approval tracking
- Building inspection coordination
- Pest inspection verification
- Special condition fulfillment
Statement of Adjustments
We prepare a comprehensive adjustment statement for rates, taxes, water consumption, and strata levies between the buyer and seller:
- Council rates apportionment
- Water rates and usage calculations
- Strata levy adjustments (if applicable)
- Land tax adjustments
Preparation of Transfer Documents
We prepare and oversee the signing of all necessary transfer documents for lodgement with Landgate:
- Transfer of Land documentation
- Mortgage discharge documents (if applicable)
- Stamp duty documentation
- Electronic conveyancing preparation via PEXA
Settlement Day Execution
We attend and complete the settlement on your behalf, ensuring:
- All funds are disbursed correctly
- The property title is transferred into your name
- All legal requirements are satisfied
- Immediate notification upon successful completion
Post-Settlement Verification
We provide a comprehensive post-settlement report, confirming:
- Registration of the transfer with Landgate
- Notification to relevant authorities
- Confirmation of mortgage registration (if applicable)
- Advice on any final steps
The Buying Settlement Process
Understanding each step of the settlement journey helps you navigate your property purchase with confidence.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Property Purchase
Initial Consultation
Timeline: As soon as you're considering making an offer
Contact us early—ideally before making an offer. We'll provide a free initial consultation to explain your legal obligations, outline the settlement process, and help you understand how we’ll support you from offer to ownership.
Contract Review
Timeline: Before signing the Offer and Acceptance (O&A), if possible
We review your Offer and Acceptance to ensure the terms protect your interests. If you've already signed, we’ll still review it thoroughly to clarify your obligations, assess any risks, and confirm all conditions are clearly defined.
Formal Engagement
Timeline: After offer acceptance
Once your offer is accepted, we’ll formalise our engagement with clear documentation outlining our services, fixed fees, and next steps. You’ll also receive all necessary client forms for completion.
Condition Management
Timeline: As per contract milestones
We track and manage your contractual conditions—such as finance approval, building and pest inspections, and any special clauses. We ensure these are met within the required timeframes and that all conditions are properly documented and communicated.
Property Searches
Timeline: Typically 2–4 weeks before settlement
We conduct essential property and title searches, including checks for encumbrances, easements, zoning, and any restrictions that may affect your purchase. We’ll explain the results and help you address any concerns that arise.
Preparation of Documents
Timeline: Around 2–3 weeks before settlement
We prepare and lodge all legal documents, including the transfer of land. We’ll also liaise with your bank or broker regarding loan and mortgage documentation, and ensure you understand what you’re signing before proceeding.
Financial Settlement Preparations
Timeline: 1–5 days before settlement
We calculate all financial adjustments (e.g. rates, taxes, water usage), prepare a detailed settlement statement, and advise you of the exact funds required. We coordinate with all parties—including your lender—to ensure everything is ready for settlement.
Final Inspection
Timeline: 1–5 days before settlement
We’ll remind you to arrange a final inspection to confirm the property is in the agreed condition and that all inclusions (e.g. fixtures, appliances) are present, as per the contract.
Settlement Day
Timeline: On the agreed settlement date
We complete settlement on your behalf, either electronically via PEXA or in person. This includes lodging documents, coordinating payment of funds, and finalising the legal transfer of ownership. You'll receive confirmation as soon as settlement is complete. Important: Delays at this stage can lead to penalty interest or additional legal costs for the buyer or seller. Our legal and procedural expertise helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a timely, smooth settlement.
Post-Settlement Wrap-Up
Timeline: Within 1–2 weeks after settlement
We provide a full settlement report and notify all relevant authorities of the change in ownership. We also confirm the title is correctly registered in your name and advise you on any final matters to complete the transition.
Common Buying Settlement Challenges
Buying property can come with unexpected hurdles—but with the right support, they don’t have to derail your plans. Our experienced, legally qualified team works proactively to identify and resolve issues early, helping you avoid costly delays or disputes.
Finance Approval Delays
The Risk: Lender delays in processing your mortgage application can jeopardise the settlement timeline and lead to penalties.
How We Help
We maintain close communication with your broker or bank, promptly supply required documents, and monitor key deadlines. If needed, we negotiate extensions to protect your interests and avoid breaches of contract.
Title or Property Search Issues
The Risk: Unexpected encumbrances, easements, caveats, or zoning restrictions can impact your use of the property or delay the transfer.
How We Help
Our thorough title and property searches flag any concerns early. We coordinate with relevant parties to resolve issues before they become obstacles to settlement.
Property Condition Disputes
The Risk: A pre-settlement inspection may uncover damage, unapproved structures, or missing fixtures.
How We Help
We will assess compliance with the contract, and negotiate resolutions such as repairs, compensation, or delayed settlement if required.
Last-Minute Funding Issues
The Risk: Insufficient funds or delays in bank transfers can halt the settlement process, incurring default penalties.
How We Help
We provide early, clear instructions on your financial obligations, confirm availability of cleared funds, and liaise with your lender to ensure all amounts are in place before settlement day.
Documentation Errors
The Risk: Incorrect names, details, or missing signatures can delay registration or settlement.
How We Help
Our meticulous review process ensures every document is completed accurately and complies with legal requirements. We also coordinate efficiently with other parties to finalise any outstanding paperwork.
Communication Breakdowns
The Risk: Poor communication between buyers, lenders, agents, and sellers can result in misunderstandings, missed steps, or delays.
How We Help
We act as your single point of contact, keeping everyone aligned and keeping you informed at every stage. Our proactive communication helps reduce confusion and keeps the process running smoothly.
Contract Condition Failures
The Risk: Missed deadlines or failure to satisfy conditions (e.g. finance approval, building inspections) can void the contract or trigger penalties.
How We Help
We monitor all contractual conditions closely, ensure you meet your obligations on time, and keep all parties informed to prevent surprises.
Linked Settlement Mismatches
The Risk: If your purchase is conditional on another sale or simultaneous settlement, timing issues can create cascading delays.
How We Help
We manage linked timelines carefully, liaising with other agents and parties to align settlements and reduce the risk of default across multiple transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the residential buying settlement process.
Ready to Start Your Property Journey?
Contact RG Settlements Perth today for a no-obligation consultation about your property purchase. Our expert team is ready to guide you through every step of the buying settlement process.
Get a Free ConsultationHave Questions About Buying Settlement?
Our team is available to answer any questions you might have about our settlement services. Call us directly or schedule a consultation at our Victoria Park office.
Want to learn more about why clients choose RG Settlements? Visit our Why Choose Us page