Selling a house privately in Western Australia (WA) can be a smart move if you want to avoid hefty real estate agent commissions. However, going the private route means you’ll need to take charge of the legal and administrative tasks yourself. Understanding what paperwork is required is a crucial step. This WA real estate no-agent guide walks you through the essential documents you’ll need when selling your home privately.

1. Proof of Ownership and Title Search

The first document you must obtain is proof of ownership, usually a Certificate of Title. This confirms you have legal ownership of the property and allows you to sell it. In WA, you can get a title search through Landgate, the official land information authority. This document outlines the details of the property, including any mortgages, easements, or restrictions.

Make sure to review the title for any caveats or encumbrances. If you have a mortgage, you’ll need to arrange for discharge through your lender before or at settlement.

2. Contract for Sale of Land or Strata Title by Offer and Acceptance (O&A)

This is one of the most critical documents in the private selling process. In WA, the sale process typically uses the "Contract for Sale of Land or Strata Title by Offer and Acceptance" form. This legally binding document includes the buyer's offer, your acceptance, and agreed-upon terms.

You’ll need to fill in information such as:

Property details Purchase price Deposit amount Settlement date Conditions (such as subject to finance or building inspection)

The For Sale By Home Owner platform often provides downloadable versions of this form or guidance on how to complete it correctly, ensuring you stay compliant with state laws.

3. Seller’s Disclosure Statement

While not mandatory in WA like in some other states, it’s strongly recommended to provide a seller’s disclosure statement. This document outlines anything a buyer should know about the property that could affect their decision—like zoning restrictions, structural issues, or disputes.

Being transparent protects you from future legal issues and builds buyer trust. Use the WA real estate no-agent guide to understand what disclosures are commonly expected, even if not legally required.

4. Form 1: Joint Form of General Conditions for the Sale of Land

This form outlines the legal rights and obligations of both the buyer and seller. It’s typically attached to the Offer and Acceptance form. Though it might seem complex, it helps standardize real estate transactions and protect both parties.

Legal experts or online platforms like For Sale By Home Owner can guide you through including this form and understanding its clauses.

5. Settlement Agent Authority

As a private seller, you will need a licensed settlement agent (also known as a conveyancer) or solicitor to manage the legal transfer of property. You’ll need to sign an authority document appointing the agent to act on your behalf.

The settlement agent ensures all documents are in order, liaises with your buyer’s representatives, and arranges the final settlement. They also ensure compliance with all WA property laws, especially important if you're unfamiliar with the details of property conveyancing.

6. Rates and Utilities Information

Provide copies of current council rates, water rates, and utility charges. These documents help clarify what is outstanding or prepaid. At settlement, adjustments are typically made so each party pays only their share up to the handover date.

Buyers also appreciate knowing these costs ahead of time. Supplying this paperwork upfront streamlines the negotiation and settlement process.

7. Building and Pest Inspection Reports (Optional)

Although not mandatory, many private sellers include recent building and pest inspection reports to give buyers peace of mind. Offering these can speed up the sale and reduce the risk of conditional offers falling through.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home without an agent in WA is completely legal and often very cost-effective. But it does come with responsibilities—chief among them is handling the correct paperwork. From title searches to contracts and disclosures, every document plays a role in protecting your rights and ensuring a smooth transaction.

The For Sale By Home Owner platform is designed to assist private sellers through every step, offering tools, templates, and professional support. With this WA real estate no-agent guide, you can confidently manage the documentation and take control of your property sale with peace of mind.