Blaze Conveyancing - Settlement Agent Perth

05/09/2026

We always suggest you get a settlement agent before you even start to look for a property or put your property on the market.

We can help you through the process and make sure errors are picked up before it is too late.

05/08/2026

Whether you are Selling or Buying a property, you have the right to nominate your own settlement agent.

You are not obliged to use the real estate agents or brokers preferred settlement agent .

If you would@like a no obligation quote to carry out your settlement, please go to my Website and complete the quote request.

16/07/2026

An ATO Clearance Certificate is an Australian Taxation Office document that confirms a property seller is not considered a foreign resident for Australian tax purposes. It is primarily used when selling Australian real property.

Here’s why it’s important:

* If you’re selling Australian real property, the buyer is generally required to withhold a percentage of the purchase price (15%), unless the seller provides a valid ATO Clearance Certificate before settlement.
* The withholding is part of the Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW) regime. Its purpose is to ensure foreign residents meet any Australian capital gains tax obligations.
* If the seller doesn’t provide the certificate in time, the buyer must withhold the required amount from the sale proceeds and pay it to the ATO—even if the seller is actually an Australian tax resident.

For most Australian resident sellers:

* Applying for the certificate is free.
* It is done online through the ATO.
* Once issued, it is generally valid for 12 months, so it can be used for multiple property sales during that period if still valid.

Why does the seller have to provide one?

The seller provides the certificate to:

* Prove they are an Australian resident for tax purposes.
* Prevent the buyer from having to withhold part of the sale price and remit it to the ATO.
* Ensure settlement proceeds are paid in full (subject to any other adjustments).

11/06/2026

Property fraud is always present

What is it?

Property fraud is when someone illegally uses deception to gain control of, sell, or benefit from a property they don’t legitimately own.

In simple terms: it’s fraud involving real estate ownership or transactions.

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🏠 Common types (what it looks like in real life)

1. Identity theft / impersonation
A fraudster pretends to be the property owner and:

* Sells the property without the real owner knowing
* Signs transfer documents using fake ID

2. Title fraud
They illegally transfer ownership into their name, then:

* Sell the property
* Or use it as security for a loan

3. Email hacking / payment redirection
A very common one in conveyancing:

* Criminals hack emails
* Send fake bank details
* Buyers transfer deposit or settlement funds to the wrong account

4. False instructions during settlement
Fake messages or documents are used to alter legitimate transactions.

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⚠️ Why it matters

* People can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars
* Property ownership can be challenged or delayed
* Settlements can fall over last minute

The checks we do are there to stop that happening.

We also never give our account details over email. If you ever receive account details purporting to be from us, please give us a call to report and confirm account details with us direct.

04/06/2026

WHY ARE SETTLEMENT FEES CHANGING FROM 1 JULY 2026?

You may notice changes to settlement fees across Western Australia from 1 July 2026. We believe it’s important to explain why.
New Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws will come into effect, placing significant new obligations on Settlement Agents when handling property transactions.

What does this mean?
- Settlement Agents will now be required to undertake additional identity verification and due diligence processes.
- We must monitor, assess and maintain records to ensure property transactions are not being used for criminal activity or financial misconduct.
- We will be subject to increased compliance requirements, reporting obligations and professional liability.
- These measures help protect not only our clients, but Australia’s financial system as a whole.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it involves substantial additional time, expertise, compliance systems, training and ongoing regulatory responsibilities.

For many years, Settlement Agents have absorbed increasing compliance requirements while keeping fees as affordable as possible. However, the responsibilities we carry today are significantly greater than they were even a few years ago.

Our fees are not simply for processing paperwork.
They reflect:
✔ Professional expertise
✔ Legal and regulatory compliance
✔ Risk management
✔ Accountability
✔ Guidance through one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make.

As a profession, Settlement Agents play a critical role in protecting property owners, buyers, sellers and now Australia’s financial system from criminal exploitation.

20/05/2026

We are a proud sponsor of a child through the Smith Family. You are able to sponsor a child by yourself or share with others but the monthly cost is low but means so much to a child in need. Check out their website at the smithfamily.com.au and see how you can help

07/05/2026

24/04/2026

This ANZAC Day we'd like to remind all Australians to not only reflect on the sacrifices made, but offer support to all past and present defence personnel who may be traumatised by the psychological effects of war. Don’t suffer in silence – the bravest thing you can do is to seek support – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is treatable and you can recover

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

22/04/2026

Blaze Conveyancing is proud to be a sponsor of the Swan Yacht Club in 2026