A place to live well and buy well
Buying a residential property in Western Australia is a significant step, whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, downsizing or investing. The process can feel complex. But with the right guidance, it becomes far more straightforward.
Western Australia offers a unique combination of diverse landscapes and equally diverse property markets, from the Pilbara through to the South West.
At Realmark, we help you navigate every stage: from understanding the market through to settlement - so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Talk to our team of property experts
Get strategic and personalised property advice so you can make the best move.
Understanding how to buy property in WA
The Western Australian property market is shaped by local conditions - suburb by suburb, street by street.
Success as a buyer doesn’t come from simply watching listings. It comes from understanding value, timing and opportunity. That means researching the market, speaking with local agents, and building a clear picture of what’s selling, how quickly, and where demand is shifting. Most importantly, it means being prepared.
When the right property appears, the ability to act with clarity can make all the difference.
WHERE TO START
Preparing to buy: finance, costs and readiness
Before you begin your search, it’s important to understand your financial position. Securing pre-approval gives you confidence in your budget and shows sellers you’re ready to proceed. But beyond your borrowing capacity, it’s equally important to understand the full cost of buying property in WA. This includes transfer duty (stamp duty), conveyancing or settlement fees, inspections and ongoing ownership costs.
There are also important timeframes to be aware of. Transfer duty must be lodged within two months of signing the contract, along with any required declarations, including foreign buyer declarations where applicable.
Having the right support in place early from your broker, accountant and settlement agent ensures you’re ready to move when it matters.
Finding the right property
Searching online is only part of the process.
Many properties are transacted before they are widely advertised, through agent networks and buyer relationships. This is where working closely with a Realmark representative gives you access to opportunities others may not see.
But finding the right property isn’t just about access, it’s about understanding what you’re buying. That includes looking beyond presentation to assess condition, value and long-term suitability. We've outlined below some of the items you may need to consider.
If it is an investment, you should also be looking at the current rental market to understanding the potential return and competition in the market.
What to look for when buying a property.
When evaluating a property, consider both lifestyle and financial factors. Key considerations include:When evaluating a property, consider both lifestyle and financial factors. Key considerations include:
- Location and proximity to schools, transport and amenities
- Property condition and structural integrity
- Future growth potential of the suburb
- Zoning, development and infrastructure plans
While presentation can change, location and land value are long-term drivers of performance.
You may choose to obtain building and pest inspections, and it’s important to confirm whether structures such as extensions, patios or sheds have the appropriate council approvals.
In some WA homes built between 2017 and 2022, buyers should also be aware of Typlex polybutylene piping, which has been subject to industry remediation programs. You can read more about that here
Do you need to sell before you buy? Consider starting with a market appraisal on your current home.
IN THE MARKET
Working with property experts that help you make the right decision
When buying property, it’s important to understand who represents who - and how to use that to your advantage. The selling agent is engaged by the seller and is legally required to act in the seller’s best interests. Their role is to market the property, manage buyer enquiries, and negotiate the best possible outcome for the owner.
For buyers, the selling agent is still a valuable source of information. They can provide insights into the property, the level of interest, comparable sales and the seller’s expectations.
Asking the right questions and building a professional relationship with the agent can give you greater clarity and confidence as you move forward.
Do you need to sell before you buy?
Discover your property’s market value with an appraisal from an expert.
BUYERS ADVOCACY
Buyer's agents that help you make a move
Some buyers choose to appoint a buyer’s agent to represent them throughout the process. A buyer’s agent works exclusively on your behalf, helping you identify, assess and secure the right property. This can be particularly valuable if you:
- Time poor
- Not locally based
- Looking for support with negotiation and strategy
- Buying an investment and want data-led advice
A buyer’s agent can help you understand fair value, avoid overpaying, and navigate competitive situations with a clear plan.
There are fees associated with a buyer's agent and formal appointment agreement.
ACQUIRING A PROPERTY
Your purchasing process
Making an offer and navigating the contract
Once you’ve found the right property, the next step is making an offer. In Western Australia, offers are typically made in writing and may include conditions such as finance approval, sale of another property or building inspections.
These conditions require careful management. Acting promptly and working closely with your advisers ensures timelines are met and your position remains protected. Negotiation is not simply about price, it’s about structuring an offer that gives both you and the seller confidence in the outcome.
If you do not wish to manage the settlement process yourself, you will need to appoint a settlement agent or lawyer to represent you. In our experience, nominating this representative when you submit your offer ensure the process is smoother, in particular if there is a tight timeframe.
From contract to settlement
After your offer is accepted, the transaction moves into the settlement phase. This is where the legal transfer of ownership takes place, managed by your settlement agent or conveyancer. Their role includes preparing documentation, verifying your identity and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
Verification of identity (VOI) is a mandatory requirement in WA and should be completed early to avoid delays, particularly if you are purchasing through a company, trust or from overseas. From 1 July 2026 you will also need to provide information to comply with the Anti Money Laundering process.
You may also wish to carry out a pre-settlement inspection in the final days before settlement to confirm the property is in the agreed condition.
Protecting yourself throughout the process
Buying property involves large financial transactions, and it’s important to approach them carefully. Unfortunately, scams involving bank account details and fund transfers have become more common. Verifying payment instructions directly with your agent or settlement provider is a simple but critical step in protecting yourself.
You may also wish to speak with your adviser about title insurance, which can provide protection against certain risks associated with property ownership.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
First home buyer schemes in Western Australia
For many buyers, getting into the market starts with understanding what support is available.
In Western Australia, there are a number of government initiatives designed to make buying your first home more accessible, particularly when it comes to reducing upfront costs.
The most well-known is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), which may be available when purchasing or building a new home. The value and eligibility criteria can change, so it’s important to confirm current details through the WA Government. In addition to grants, first home buyers may also be eligible for transfer duty concessions or exemptions, depending on the purchase price and property type. This can significantly reduce the amount of stamp duty payable, which is one of the largest upfront costs when buying.
There are also federal initiatives, such as schemes that allow eligible buyers to purchase with a lower deposit or access voluntary super contributions to help fund their purchase. While these programs can create opportunity, they also come with specific requirements and timeframes. Understanding how they apply to your situation, and how they interact with your finance, can make a meaningful difference to your overall strategy.
Buying property in WA as an overseas resident
Buying property in Western Australia as a non-resident or foreign buyer is possible, but it does come with additional considerations. In most cases, overseas buyers are required to seek approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing residential property in Australia. Approval conditions typically restrict purchases to new dwellings, vacant land for development, or certain off-the-plan opportunities.
There are also additional costs to be aware of. Foreign buyers may be subject to foreign transfer duty surcharges, and in some transactions, withholding tax rules such as Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW) may apply. All buyers, including overseas purchasers, must complete required duty documentation within strict timeframes, and may need to provide additional identification as part of the verification of identity (VOI) process.
Financing can also differ, with some lenders applying stricter criteria or requiring larger deposits for non-residents. Because of these complexities, it’s important to work with experienced professionals, including legal advisers, finance specialists and your Realmark representative, to ensure everything is structured correctly from the outset.
With the right guidance, buying property in WA as an overseas resident can be a well-managed and successful investment or move.
Buying property in WA with confidence
There is no single “right time” to buy property. The right time is when you are prepared, informed and confident in your decision.
Realmark brings together:
• Local expertise across Perth and Western Australia
• Access to off-market opportunities
• Guidance through every stage of the buying process
• Dedicated buyers advocacy service
We help you move beyond information into confident, well-informed decisions.
There is no single “best” time to buy. The right time is when your finances are in place, and you’ve found a property that meets your needs and budget.
Most lenders require between 5% and 20% of the purchase price, depending on your circumstances and loan type.
Yes. In Western Australia, a settlement agent or legal representative manages the transfer of ownership and ensures all legal requirements are met.
Transfer duty (commonly called stamp duty) is a government tax payable when purchasing property in WA. It must be lodged within two months of signing the contract.
There is a six-star energy efficiency environmental standard for all new homes, renovations, additions and relocations of existing homes.
When buying a pre-owned home, consider the advantages of sustainable features. These can lower living costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the property's value.
Start your property journey
If you’re considering buying property in Western Australia, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Help us, help you
This information is a general guide to buying residential property in Western Australia and does not consider your personal circumstances, financial position or objectives. Property transactions involve legal, financial and tax considerations, which vary by individual. You should seek independent advice from qualified professionals, such as a legal adviser, settlement agent, financial adviser or accountant, before making decisions.
While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, laws, regulations and eligibility criteria may change. Information is current as at 18 May 2026. Realmark makes no warranties as to accuracy, completeness or suitability, and accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on it.