Residential Selling Settlement Services
Selling your property is a significant financial transaction. At RG Settlements Perth, we provide expert settlement services to ensure your property sale proceeds smoothly, efficiently, and with maximum financial benefit to you.
Comprehensive Selling Settlement Services
As your trusted settlement agent in Perth, we manage every detail of your property sale with accuracy, efficiency, and personalised care.
Contract Review & Advice
We meticulously review the Offer and Acceptance (O&A) to ensure it protects your interests as a seller and complies with Western Australian property law:
- Verification of contract terms and conditions
- Settlement date review and optimisation
- Analysis of special conditions and clauses
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies
Property Title Preparation
We ensure your title is clear and ready for transfer to the buyer:
- Title search and certificate of title review
- Identification and management of encumbrances or easements
- Resolution of title issues prior to settlement
- Preparation of transfer documentation
Discharge of Mortgage Coordination
We manage the full process of discharging any existing mortgage:
- Liaison with your lender or mortgagee
- Preparation and coordination of discharge documents
- Request and verification of payout figures
- Confirmation of mortgage removal from title at settlement
Settlement Coordination
We handle all communication and coordination to ensure a seamless process:
- Direct contact with the buyer’s settlement agent
- Coordination with your bank or broker
- Liaison with your real estate agent
- Interaction with Landgate and relevant government authorities as needed
Financial Adjustments
We calculate and prepare a detailed settlement statement to apportion financial responsibilities accurately:
- Council and water rates adjustments
- Emergency Services Levy (ESL) apportionment
- Strata levies (if applicable)
- Land tax adjustments
Document Preparation
We prepare and manage the execution of all legal documentation:
- Transfer of Land form (Form T1)
- Discharge of mortgage documentation
- Seller’s settlement statement
- Setup for electronic settlement via PEXA, if applicable
Settlement Day Management
We attend settlement on your behalf—whether electronically or in person—to ensure:
- Correct disbursement of funds to you and third parties
- Legal transfer of the property title to the buyer
- Discharge of your mortgage is completed
- Immediate notification of successful settlement
Post-Settlement Services
After settlement, we continue to support you with:
- Formal confirmation of settlement completion
- Notification to relevant authorities (e.g. local council, Water Corporation, strata company)
- Verification that the mortgage discharge and title transfer have been properly registered
- Delivery of final statements and closing documentation
The Selling Settlement Process
Understanding each step of the settlement journey helps you navigate your property sale with confidence.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Property Sale
Engage a Real Estate Agent (Optional but Common)
Timeline: Before or while preparing to sell
If you choose to sell through an agent, appoint a licensed real estate agent to market your property and manage the offer process. We'll work with your agent to ensure the contract aligns with your legal and financial interests.
Initial Consultation
Timeline: As soon as you decide to sell
Contact us early so we can provide a free initial consultation outlining the settlement process, our services, and any specific legal considerations for your sale.
Formal Engagement
Timeline: Immediately after accepting an offer
We formalise our engagement with clear documentation outlining our fixed fees and services. You’ll also complete the required seller forms, including authority to act and VOI.
Verification of Identity (VOI)
Timeline: Early in the process (usually after formal engagement)
Under WA law and Landgate requirements, all sellers must complete a Verification of Identity. We guide you through this process, which typically involves presenting ID in person or via an authorised VOI agent. As lawyers registered to practice in WA, we are authorised VOI agents.
Contract Review
Timeline: When you receive an Offer and Acceptance
Before signing, we’ll review the Offer and Acceptance (O&A) to identify any risks or clauses that may need amendment, ensuring your rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and legally sound.
ATO Clearance Certificate (for properties over $750,000)
Timeline: As early as possible after accepting an offer
If your property is valued at over $750,000, Australian Tax Office (ATO) rules require you to provide a Clearance Certificate to avoid 12.5% of the sale price being withheld. We assist in lodging this application promptly.
Mortgage Discharge Application
Timeline: 3-4 weeks before settlement
If you have a mortgage on the property, we liaise with your bank to arrange for the discharge of mortgage. This process can take time, so early action is essential to avoid delays at settlement.
Title Search & Verification
Timeline: 2-3 weeks before settlement
We perform a title search to confirm legal ownership, check for caveats or encumbrances, and ensure the property is ready for legal transfer. Any issues are addressed in advance.
Preparation of Legal Documents
Timeline: 2-3 weeks before settlement
We prepare and coordinate signing of all required documents, including: Transfer of Land form Discharge of mortgage (if applicable) Seller’s Settlement Statement PEXA setup (for electronic settlements)
Financial Adjustments & Statement
Timeline: 1–2 days before settlement
We calculate all pro-rata adjustments for council rates, water charges, strata levies (if applicable), and land tax. A detailed settlement statement will show your net proceeds after all deductions, including mortgage payouts.
Final Inspection Coordination
Timeline: 1–5 days before settlement
We coordinate with the buyer’s agent to arrange their pre-settlement inspection, confirming the property is in the agreed condition and includes all contractual inclusions.
Settlement Day
Timeline: As specified in the contract
We attend and manage settlement on your behalf—either in person or electronically via PEXA. This includes: Lodgement of transfer and discharge documents Disbursement of sale proceeds Legal transfer of title You’ll receive confirmation as soon as settlement is successfully completed.
Post-Settlement
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after settlement
We provide a full settlement report, confirm the discharge of mortgage has been registered, and notify all relevant authorities (e.g. Landgate, Water Corporation, local council). We also provide guidance on any final steps—such as tax considerations or record keeping.
Common Selling Settlement Challenges
Our experienced team helps you navigate these potential hurdles with confidence.
ATO Clearance Certificate Delays
The Challenge: Failure to obtain an ATO clearance certificate may result in 12.5% of the sale proceeds being withheld.
How We Help
We identify early if this certificate is needed, assist with the application, and track its progress to ensure it is in place before settlement.
Tenant-Occupied Properties
The Challenge: Existing tenancies can create confusion around vacant possession, lease agreements, or rental adjustments.
How We Help
We liaise with property managers and buyers to clarify handover terms, coordinate rental adjustments, and ensure proper notice is given (if required).
Late Signing or VOI Delays
The Challenge: Delays in completing identity verification or signing documents can stall settlement.
How We Help
We guide you through the VOI process early and arrange for timely document signing—either electronically or in person—to avoid last-minute hold-ups.
Disputes Over Fixtures or Inclusions
The Challenge: Disagreements may arise over what is included in the sale (e.g. appliances, curtains, garden sheds).
How We Help
We review the contract carefully to clarify inclusions and help manage any disputes before they impact the final inspection or settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the residential selling settlement process.
Ready to Sell Your Property?
Contact RG Settlements Perth today for a no-obligation consultation about your property sale. Our expert team is ready to guide you through every step of the selling settlement process.
Get a Free ConsultationHave Questions About Selling 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.
Looking for information about buying a property instead? Visit our Residential Buying Settlements page