Question 1

Why do I need a settlement agent if I'm just changing my name on the title?

Accepted Answer

Settlement agents aren't just used when buying or selling property. Changes in personal circumstances, such as marriage or divorce, or a death in the family, means the information on your property title may no longer be accurate. While you don't have to use one, as experienced settlement agents, we know the process well and can help you avoid the hassle of working everything out for yourself, so you know the amendment will go through without any issues.

Question 2

How do I transfer property ownership to a family member in Western Australia?

Accepted Answer

Transferring property ownership to a family member in WA is a formal legal process, even if money isn't involved. Transfer Duty is assessed on the market value of the property rather than the consideration paid. Landgate requires identity verification to prevent property fraud. Any active mortgage may need to be formally discharged and a new mortgage may need to be arranged for the new owner. As experienced settlement agents we will liaise with the various government departments, manage the different processes for a smooth transfer without any surprises.

Question 3

My parents have died and left their house to me. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Dealing with deceased estates can be a very emotional time. We step in to handle the administrative paperwork on your behalf, giving you the support you need so you don't feel overwhelmed. We follow the distinct legal stages, including: The Grant of Probate: A lawyer will assist with any official court documents required to validate the instructions left in the Will or a Letter of Administration. The Transmission Application: Temporarily placing the property under the control of the deceased estate's representative. Transfer to the Beneficiary: Executing final lodgements to formally transfer the house to you. We look ahead to identify every moving part that needs to be taken care of,  like mortgage discharges, transfer duty endorsement, so your process stays straightforward.

Question 4

How do I remove my ex partner's name from the house title in WA?

Accepted Answer

The State views removing a name from a house title as a transfer of ownership, so you need to follow the correct legal process to update the land registry. Because the transfer is due to the breakdown of a relationship, you may be entitled to nominal transfer duty if you have family court orders for the transfer of the property. If there's an active mortgage, the bank must formally release your ex-partner from the mortgage, and they'll assess your ability to support the mortgage on your own. Once those steps are finalised, the title can be updated and formally lodged with Landgate. As experienced settlement agents we know exactly what documents you need, where to get them and when they must be submitted. We manage all these moving parts for you, minimising unnecessary back-and-forth, so you can resolve the property transfer quickly and cleanly.

Question 5

Do I need a settlement agent if I'm keeping my house in a divorce?

Accepted Answer

If you're keeping your house as part of a divorce settlement, you may need to remove your ex partner's name from the house title. As it's a formal change in ownership, using a settlement agent like West End Settlements allows the electronic transfer as we are a member of PEXA. We also assist with liaising with your bank around active mortgages, identification verification, and any stamp duty exemption. We're here to protect your interests and help you achieve independent ownership.

Question 6

I just got married, how do I change my name on our property title?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations on your marriage! Now that the celebrations are over, it's time to deal with the paperwork that comes with being married. The marriage registry doesn't automatically update your Certificate of Title, so you need to formally notify Landgate. This requires copies of your title, marriage certificate and change of name forms from Landgate. As experienced settlement agents we can lodge this for you to ensure everything is correct and the process is smooth.

Question 7

My partner has died and we own a property together. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Dealing with deceased estates can be a very emotional time. In Western Australia, what you need to do depends on how your names are listed on the Certificate of Title. Joint Tenants: This is most common for couples. The property isn't part of your partner's estate. Instead, ownership automatically passes to you as the surviving owner. You'll need to update the legal title to reflect this. You'll need to lodge a Survivorship Application. Tenants in Common: This means you each own a defined share of the property (e.g. 50% each). Your partner's share becomes part of their estate and will be distributed according to their Will or Letter of Administration. Dealing with a Deceased Estate is a bit more complex and we can help you manage the process. For either step West End Settlements can step in to handle the administrative paperwork on your behalf, giving you the support you need so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Question 8

Is online settlement safe and secure?

Accepted Answer

In Western Australia, property settlements are handled using PEXA. The digital platform uses world class security measures including strict identity verification and closed-loop transfers to eliminate vulnerabilities and scams. They also offer a guarantee that protects against fraud and interception.

Ownership Changes

Ownership Change services include:

Related party transfers:

Deceased estates:

Applications by survivorship:

Change of name or address on a title:

Adding or removing an owner:

Ownership Changes