Darling Range Settlements

15/08/2026

🏠 WHAT DOES A BUILDING INSPECTION CONDITION ON A CONTRACT ACTUALLY COVER?

A common misunderstanding is that a building inspection condition allows the buyer to request repairs for every issue found at the property.

In most cases, the condition is focused on major structural defects ONLY—not every maintenance item, cosmetic flaw or minor problem identified in the building inspection report.

The report may mention issues such as cracked tiles, leaking taps, damaged flyscreens, ageing appliances or general wear and tear, but this does not necessarily mean the seller must repair them under the standard building inspection condition.

If there is something specific you want inspected or addressed—such as the roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, pool equipment, air conditioning, cracking, termites or other particular items—make sure it is clearly included as a separate condition in the Contract of Sale.

The wording of the contract matters. Always understand exactly what your building inspection condition covers before signing.

When in doubt, speak with your real estate representative or settlement agent before the contract is finalised.

11/08/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING FOR OWNERS OF VACANT PROPERTIES ⚠️

We are seeing an increase in copper pipes and fittings being stolen from vacant properties.

In a recent case, copper piping was removed from the gas hot-water system, along with pipes connected to the front and rear taps. The damage left the hot-water system inoperable and may be costly to repair.

If your property is vacant—particularly while it is listed for sale or awaiting settlement—we strongly recommend:

🏠 Checking the property regularly
🔒 Securing gates, doors and accessible service areas
💡 Using sensor lighting, cameras or temporary security where possible
👀 Asking a neighbour, agent or property manager to keep watch
📋 Confirming your insurance provides appropriate cover while the property is vacant
🔑 Arranging a final inspection as close to settlement as possible

Unfortunately, vacant properties can become easy targets, and this type of damage may not be discovered until a final inspection or building inspection is completed.

Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

10/07/2026

🏡 Types of Residential leases in WA?

Before signing, it’s important to understand whether the tenant is on a periodic lease or a fixed-term lease — because this can affect vacant possession, settlement timing and what you take over as the new owner.

Periodic Lease
A periodic lease has no fixed end date. If the property is sold and the contract requires vacant possession, the seller may need to give the tenant the correct notice before settlement.

Fixed-Term Lease
A fixed-term lease has a set end date. In most cases, the tenant is entitled to remain until the lease expires, and the buyer takes over the landlord’s responsibilities from settlement.

✅ Always check:
• The lease type
• The lease expiry date
• Whether the contract requires vacant possession
• Any special tenancy conditions

A tenanted property can still be a great purchase — but the lease details need to be checked early so everyone understands their rights and obligations.

General information only. Always seek advice for your specific circumstances.

09/07/2026

🏡 Still have an old paper Certificate of Title tucked away?

In Western Australia, hard copy Duplicate Certificates of Title — sometimes called paper titles or title deeds — are no longer required for property settlements or land transactions.

Your ownership is now recorded through WA’s official digital land title register, and a paper title does not need to be handed in, produced, or returned to Landgate.

If you have an old paper title, you can keep it as a historical keepsake, but it is no longer the document relied on for settlement.

07/07/2026

🏡 Agents — the sooner we receive the contract, the smoother the settlement.

Once an offer is accepted, sending the contract through to the settlement agent as early as possible helps us get moving straight away.

Early receipt allows us to:

✅ Open the file promptly
✅ Review key settlement dates and conditions
✅ Check finance, special conditions and tenancy details
✅ Prepare initial correspondence to the parties
✅ Liaise with banks, brokers and other representatives early
✅ Identify any issues before they become settlement delays
✅ Allow time for AML and CTF compliance requirements.

A smooth settlement is a team effort between the agent, broker, conveyancer, bank and client.

At Darling Range Settlements, we value strong working relationships with agents, brokers and referrers — because good communication from the start helps create a better experience for everyone involved.

05/07/2026

Buying an investment property that is already tenanted? 🏡📄

Before you focus only on the purchase price and rental income, it is important to look closely at the quality of the lease.

A property may look like a great investment on paper, but the lease details can have a real impact on your return.

Before settlement, buyers should carefully check:

✅ The tenant ledger — are rent payments up to date?
✅ The lease type — fixed term or periodic?
✅ The ingoing property condition report
✅ The most recent quarterly inspection report.
✅ Bond lodgement details
✅ When the rent was last increased
✅ The rent increase terms in the lease

A strong, clear and well-managed lease can help protect your income, reduce risk and give you a better understanding of the true investment position before you settle.

At DR Settlements, we help buyers understand the important details before settlement, so there are fewer surprises after handover.

Buying subject to a lease? Make sure you know exactly what you are taking on.

25/06/2026

Happy Birthday Dr. Settlements 😀🎉🎈

24/06/2026

21/06/2026

🌟 Another 5-Star Review for Darling Range Settlements! 🌟

Nothing makes us prouder than helping our clients navigate one of life’s biggest milestones with confidence.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“10/10 experience! Tammie helped us secure our very first piece of land and was an absolute rockstar throughout. Incredibly knowledgeable, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“We were well informed throughout every aspect of the settlement process. Tammie’s approach was professional, friendly, and reassuring, with updates provided every step of the way.”

At Darling Range Settlements, we believe great service is about more than just paperwork. It’s about communication, experience, attention to detail, and genuinely caring about our clients’ outcomes.

Whether you’re:
🏡 Buying your first home
🏠 Selling a property
📜 Purchasing land
🔑 Update your details on your certificate of title.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Transferring property between family members

We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

Thank you to our wonderful clients for trusting us and taking the time to share your experiences. Your support means the world to our small local business. ❤️

13/06/2026

🔑 WHAT DOES A SETTLEMENT AGENT ACTUALLY DO? 🔑

Many people think a settlement agent simply “pushes paperwork” from one side to the other.

The reality is quite different.

A settlement agent is responsible for coordinating one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. We work behind the scenes to ensure legal ownership of property is transferred correctly, funds are accounted for, government requirements are met, and settlement occurs on time.

Some of the tasks we undertake include:

✔ Reviewing contracts and special conditions
✔ Conducting, reviewing, interpreting title and government searches
✔ Requesting, reviewing, completing calculation of settlement adjustments
✔ Liaising with banks, brokers, agents and government authorities
✔ Preparing legal documentation
✔ Coordinating electronic settlements through PEXA
✔ Managing trust account funds
✔ Verifying identities and ownership requirements
✔ Ensuring compliance with new AML/CTF obligations
✔ Registering transfers and mortgage documents

Settlement agents in Western Australia operate under a number of legislative requirements, including:

📖 Settlement Agents Act 1981
📖 Settlement Agents Regulations 1982
📖 Transfer of Land Act 1893
📖 Land Administration Act 1997
📖 Strata Titles Act 1985
📖 Duties Act 2008
📖 Electronic Conveyancing National Law (WA)
📖 Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing legislation
📖 Various Landgate, State Revenue and PEXA requirements

It’s a profession that requires legal knowledge, financial accuracy, risk management, compliance expertise and years of practical experience.

The next time you buy or sell a property, remember there is a dedicated professional working behind the scenes to make sure everything comes together on settlement day.