Seller’s Guide
Selling Property in Perth and Western Australia: The Complete Guide
Thinking about selling your home, investment property or land in WA? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just testing the waters, it’s essential to understand how property sales work specifically in Western Australia. From choosing the right agent to understanding contracts and settlement, this guide covers everything you need to sell confidently and successfully.
Choosing the Right Agent to Sell in WA
Your real estate agent plays a crucial role in getting the best possible outcome. They’re not just marketing your property—they’re advising on pricing, negotiating with buyers, and managing the legal process.
Questions to ask a potential agent:
Are you fully licensed in WA?
What are your commission fees and marketing costs?
What’s your track record in my suburb?
Do you have client testimonials or references?
How did you arrive at your estimated sale price?
Have you sold this type of property before?
What marketing strategy do you recommend?
Can I get all costs and services in writing?
Once you’re confident, you’ll need to sign a written authority allowing the agent to act on your behalf. This should include:
Method of sale (private treaty, auction, or tender)
Agent’s commission and any extra costs
Estimated selling price
Duration of the agreement
Selling Methods in WA
1. Private Treaty
The most common method. You set a price and negotiate with buyers through your agent. Offers can include conditions such as finance approval or pest/building inspections. WA does not have a mandatory cooling-off period, so make sure all conditions are clearly outlined.
2. Auction
Buyers bid on your property in a public event, with no conditions attached. If the bidding meets or exceeds your reserve price, the property is sold immediately with a 10% deposit.
3. Tender
Buyers submit confidential offers by a deadline, without a listed price. You review and choose whether to accept or reject. A deposit of 5% or 10% is usually submitted with the offer.
Each method has pros and cons. Your agent can advise on which best suits your property and market conditions.
Marketing Your Property in WA
Effective marketing can mean the difference between a quick sale and a stale listing. Your agent will build a campaign that may include:
Print Advertising
The West Australian newspaper and local community papers
Real estate magazines for niche exposure
Online Advertising
realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and ljhooker.com.au
Social media campaigns
Email alerts to active buyers
High-quality photography, floor plans, video tours, and staging are key to standing out online.
Legal Documents: Offer and Acceptance
In WA, the sale process starts with two main legal documents:
Offer and Acceptance (O&A) form
Joint Form of General Conditions
The buyer prepares and submits these documents. Once both parties sign the O&A, it becomes legally binding. A solicitor or conveyancer should always review these documents before signing.
Sales via auction are unconditional. Private treaty sales may include conditions like finance or inspections.
Tip: Conduct your own building/pest inspection beforehand so issues don’t derail the sale.
Costs of Selling Property in WA
Selling a property comes with a range of potential costs:
Agent commission (varies, outlined in your agreement)
Marketing and photography (can range from $1,000–$5,000)
Auctioneer’s fee (if applicable, ~$1,000)
Lender discharge fee (if you have a mortgage)
Capital Gains Tax (if applicable)
Legal and conveyancing fees ($1,500–$3,500)
Repairs and renovations (cosmetic fixes to major upgrades)
Moving costs ($500–$3,500)
Your agent can provide a clearer breakdown depending on your situation.
Settlement Process in WA
Settlement generally takes 28 to 90 days from the date of contract signing, depending on the method of sale and contract conditions.
For Private Treaty:
Buyer submits O&A form with offer
You negotiate terms and sign if acceptable
Deposit is paid
Settlement begins as per the General Conditions
For Auction:
Winning bidder pays deposit on the day
Contracts are signed immediately
Settlement proceeds as with private treaty (minus conditions)
On settlement day, the balance of the purchase price is paid, documents are exchanged, and the buyer takes possession.
Final Tips for WA Property Sellers
Do your homework: Ask for a suburb report and recent comparable sales
Price realistically: Overpricing can deter serious buyers
Stage and present well: First impressions matter
Work with professionals: Experienced agents and legal experts are worth the cost
Selling in Western Australia doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right guidance and local expertise, you can navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Want to know what your property is worth right now?
Request a free property estimate from Western Challenge Real Estate
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a licensed real estate agent, solicitor, or financial advisor before making property decisions.
