How to sell your property in WA

Selling property in WA means navigating state-specific rules, legal paperwork, and local market expectations. Whether you're selling an investment, moving suburbs, or finalising a life change, a strong plan can help you avoid stress and achieve a great result. From Perth’s city fringe to the state’s regional centres, understanding the process and finding a suitable WA real estate agent is key to maximising your property’s value.

Real estate agent fees and costs

WA agent commissions average 2.03 per cent of the sale price, including GST, according to internal data. They can be as low as 1.27 per cent or as high as 3.05 per cent, depending on your suburb, agent and sale type. Use our Commissions Calculator to check what agents are charging in your area.

You should also budget for marketing, conveyancer fees, photography, and optional extras like home staging. Try our Selling Costs Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs before you list.

Read the full guide on how to find the right agent to sell your home.

Choosing the right method of sale

Properties in WA are usually sold by private treaty. Only about 2% of properties in WA are sold by auction, compared with about one in five homes nationally. However, auctions are becoming more common in some Perth suburbs.

• Private treaty gives more flexibility with pricing and conditions.
• Auctions can drive urgency and higher prices in demand-heavy pockets like Fremantle or South Bunbury.

Speak to a local agent about which method suits your area and goals.

Preparing your home for sale

Clean, declutter, and complete basic repairs to present your property at its best. Sellers often invest in high-quality photography, and in some cases, property styling. A well-presented home stands out online and draws more potential buyers.

Read the full guide on how to prepare your property for sale.

Setting the right sale price

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important parts of a successful sale. A well-priced property can attract more interest and competition, while overpricing may turn buyers away early on. To get an idea of how much your property is worth, you can get a property report with recent sales in your suburb and an online property value estimate.

In a private treaty sale, this means setting an asking price that reflects recent comparable sales, your property’s features, and current local demand. If you’re selling by auction (less common in WA but gaining traction), you’ll also need to decide on a reserve price with your agent.

Putting together a marketing strategy

Your agent will help you design a marketing plan based on the type of buyer you want to attract. Most sellers invest in:

• Professional photography and video
• Floor plans
• Online listings on major real estate sites
• A ‘For Sale’ sign
• Targeted digital or print advertising
• Open homes and private inspections

Legalities and contracts

In WA, a sale is usually made on two documents: the Contract for Sale of Land or Strata Title by Offer and Acceptance, and the Joint Form of General Conditions for the Sale of Land, according to Consumer Protection WA. If you’re selling a strata property, such as a unit, you must also give the buyer a disclosure statement before they sign. Your agent usually prepares the offer and acceptance contract, and a licensed settlement agent or lawyer handles settlement.

Cooling-off period in WA

Unlike most other states, WA has no mandatory cooling-off period where buyers can change their minds unless it’s agreed upon by both parties.

Standard settlement period in WA

The date for settlement in WA is set in the contract, and the settlement period is usually 30 to 90 days. However, this can be negotiated between you and the buyer.

Read more on settlement and how to negotiate a settlement date.

Planning to sell property in WA? Use our calculators to estimate your selling costs and agent fees, so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Selling a tenanted property in WA

You’re legally allowed to sell tenanted property in WA, but there are specific notice periods and requirements depending on whether the lease is periodic or fixed-term. If you’re unsure about your obligations, visit Consumer Protection WA.

The buyer can take on the landlord responsibilities. However, if the property needs to be vacated when sold, these are the guidelines:

• For periodic tenancies, the tenant must receive 30 days notice using a Form 1C.
• For fixed-term agreements, the tenant must agree to end the tenancy early. Otherwise, the settlement date must be after the end of the fixed term and the tenant must receive 30 days notice with a Form 1C.

To show buyers through, you must give the tenant reasonable written notice on the approved form. Inspections must be at reasonable times and a reasonable number of times.

Capital gains tax in Western Australia

Capital gains tax (CGT) applies when you sell an investment property for more than you paid. For example, if you bought at $400,000 and sold at $500,000, you may be taxed on the $100,000 gain. This is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate.

Under the current rules, if you’ve owned the property for at least 12 months and you’re an Australian resident, you’ll usually qualify for a 50 per cent CGT discount. There may also be exemptions if the property was your main residence or inherited.

For contracts signed from 1 July 2027, the part of a gain made after that date generally won't be halved, though there are exceptions, such as eligible new homes. The first stage of these changes is already law, but some details are still being settled.

For that part of the gain, the property's value at 1 July 2027 (or its cost, if you buy later) is adjusted for inflation instead. That applies if you've owned the property for at least 12 months and haven't been a foreign or temporary resident since 1 July 2027 (or since you bought it, if later).

A minimum 30 per cent tax can also apply, mainly in a year when your other income is low.

Always consult an accountant or check ATO guidance on CGT and investment property. Read more on tax for selling investment property.

When handling a deceased estate sale in Western Australia, the first step is to legally appoint someone to act on behalf of the estate. Typically, the executor (named in the will) or an administrator (if there’s no will) must apply to the Supreme Court of Western Australia for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, according to the Government of WA.

Once the grant is in place, the executor can proceed with marketing and selling the property similarly to a regular sale. For legal compliance and tax considerations (such as CGT), it’s advisable to consult both a solicitor and an accountant.

Yes, selling property without a real estate agent (also known as For Sale By Owner) is legal in WA. You’ll save on commission but take on all the responsibility—pricing, marketing, legal paperwork, and negotiations. While some owners go this route, most choose an experienced agent to help them achieve the best result.