Selling or buying property is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, and the person who manages the final part of that deal is your settlement agent, sometimes called a property settlement agent or Conveyancer.
Get the choice right, and the property settlement process runs smoothly. Get it wrong, and you risk costly delays, hidden fees, or legal complications.
So before you appoint a settlement agent, here are the five things worth checking and how an experienced settlement agent like Peacock Settlements measures up against each one.
1. Licensing and Verification
This is the first box to tick, and it is not optional. In Western Australia, every settlement agent must be licensed by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation & Safety (LGIRS), so before you sign anything, you need to confirm two things:
- They hold a current settlement agent licence.
- They hold a valid triennial certificate.
You can verify both online using the Consumer Protection licence search. It is also worth asking about professional membership, because belonging to a body like the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA (AICWA) means the agent follows a strict code of conduct.
Licensing protects you, and it means the person preparing your legal documents is properly qualified.
Peacock Settlements is a fully licensed WA settlement agency, which is the simplest way to know you are dealing with a qualified professional rather than someone working outside the rules.
2. Transparent & All-Inclusive Fees
A good settlement agent is upfront about costs from day one. By law, agents must give you a written quote showing the maximum amount they will charge before you formally appoint them, so use that quote to ask the right questions:
- What is included in the service fee?
- What are the disbursements, such as title searches, document registration, and settlement processing?
- Are there any costs that could appear during settlement?
Competitive rates are great, but only when every cost is itemised. A cheap headline fee that hides extra charges is not a saving, whereas a clear, all-inclusive quote is.
Transparency is one of our Core Values; we pride ourselves on keeping you informed about costs and progress at every stage rather than leaving you guessing.
3. Specialisation and Local Experience
Not all property transactions are the same, and not all settlement agents handle every type. Make sure your agent has real experience with your kind of property, whether that is residential, strata title, vacant land, commercial, or a deceased estate.
Local knowledge matters just as much. An agent who works across Western Australia every day knows what local council rates, outstanding rates, taxes, and land constraints apply to your transfer, and that experience is what keeps special conditions and unusual situations from turning into delays.
This is where a long track record counts. Peacock Settlements has specialised in WA property and land transactions since 1978, covering everything from residential and strata to broadacre farming and pastoral settlements, so you can see the full range of our services.
4. Communication and Support
Settlement involves a lot of moving parts and several other parties, so your settlement agent should be the calm centre of it all.
Look for someone who gives you a dedicated point of contact, rather than a rotating team of admin staff who do not know your file, and ask how they keep you informed:
- How often will they update you?
- Will that be by phone, email, or digital notifications?
- Who do you call if you have further questions?
A strong settlement agent also liaises with your real estate agent, your bank or lender, and the other parties involved.
Peacock Settlement actively coordinates with real estate agents, building inspectors, strata companies, lenders, and mortgage brokers, keeping everyone on the same page in the lead-up to your settlement date.
For more information, you can read more in these tips for a smooth property settlement.
Your Quick Checklist
Before you appoint a settlement agent, confirm they tick these boxes:
- Current licence and a valid triennial certificate.
- Written quote with all fees and disbursements itemised.
- Genuine experience with your property type and local area.
- A dedicated contact and clear communication habits.
- Full independence
Save this list and run through it before you commit.
Choosing With Confidence! Contact Peacock Settlements Today!
The right settlement agent makes a complex process feel simple. They protect you from legal risk, attend settlement on your behalf, and manage the transfer of funds and the property title, so you become the legal owner of your new property without any nasty surprises.
That is exactly what Peacock Settlements has done across Western Australia since 1978, with an experienced in-house team and more than 40 years of property settlement experience.
If you are buying or selling and want a settlement agent who keeps you informed every step of the way, get a quote today.