A licensed settlement agent for Westminster
Westminster sits roughly 20 km north of our Myaree office, in Perth’s northern suburbs. Once the contract is signed there is a fair bit to organise before the property changes hands, and that is what we do.
In Western Australia, conveyancing is carried out by licensed settlement agents, sometimes called conveyancers, or by lawyers. We are a licensed real estate settlement agent. We are not lawyers, so if something in your contract needs legal advice we will say so and suggest you speak to one.
Westminster is close enough that a home visit to sign the paperwork is easy to arrange, including on weekends.
The Westminster property mix, from a conveyancer's desk
Around Westminster you will see original homes on bigger blocks next to newer builds on subdivided lots. A green title house and a strata villa down the street are both normal sales, but they settle differently.
- Duplex and triplex sites can carry easements for shared services
- Villa and townhouse complexes are usually strata, so the strata information needs to come in early
- Subdivided rear lots often share a driveway, which shows up on the title
- Rates, water and any strata levies adjusted so each side pays only their share
- A settlement statement that sets out the final figures before the day
Also close to Westminster: settlement agent Nollamara, Mirrabooka, Balga, Tuart Hill and Balcatta.
How the Westminster paperwork comes together
Before your Westminster purchase goes unconditional, check what the contract actually says. If you are borrowing, the finance clause on the offer and acceptance needs to be ticked. Consumer Protection also suggests buyers of established homes consider a timber pest inspection and a matching special condition.
We are not lawyers and we will not tell you what to put in your contract. If you are unsure what a condition means, get legal advice before you sign. Once it is signed, we take it from there.
What our Westminster settlement agent service covers
Here is what we handle for Westminster property owners and buyers:
- Survivorship applications when a joint owner has passed away
- Transfers under court orders following a separation
- Title searches
- Lodgement of documents with Landgate
- Green title and strata title subdivision settlements
- Transfer duty arranged through State Revenue Online as part of the settlement
- Settlements for houses, duplexes, townhouses and villa strata, for buyers and sellers
There is more on our Westminster conveyancing page, plus general information for purchasers and for sellers.
Questions Westminster clients ask their settlement agent
Who chooses the settlement agent?
You do. Buyers and sellers are each entitled to appoint a settlement agent or lawyer of their choice, and to change at any time. You do not have to use the one suggested by the real estate agent.
Can one settlement agent act for both the buyer and seller?
Only if both parties are given a written disclosure and consent. Many Westminster buyers and sellers prefer to have their own settlement agent.
What are adjustments?
Rates, water and strata levies are often paid ahead. At settlement they are split so the seller pays up to the settlement date and the buyer pays from then on. It is all set out in your settlement statement.
Will my settlement agent come out to Westminster?
In most cases, yes. Westminster is a short trip from our Myaree office, so a home appointment to sign the paperwork can usually be arranged, including on weekends.