An off‑the‑plan settlement is when you agree to buy a property before it’s built, based only on the plans and specifications provided by the developer. You sign the contract early — often months or years before completion — and settlement occurs once construction is finished and new titles are issued by Landgate. These transactions can involve unique conditions around completion dates, building quality, and inclusions. We review your contract, monitor key milestones, and ensure you’re ready for settlement as soon as your new title is available.
Off-the-Plan Property Purchases
Specialist support for off-the-plan purchases in Perth — from contract signing to settlement.
Buying an off-the-plan property means committing to a purchase before construction is complete. Unlike a standard property transaction, settlement may occur months or even years after the contract is signed.
During that time, construction progresses, titles are created, finance arrangements may need updating, and settlement preparations begin once the property is ready for handover.
At Federation Settlements, we help coordinate the settlement process and keep you informed of the key milestones from contract signing through to settlement.
What’s Included in Our Service
Off-the-plan purchases often involve long construction periods, developer milestones, title creation and finance timing considerations. We help keep your purchase on track and guide you through each stage as the development progresses.
We take care of the full off‑the‑plan settlement process, including:
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Reviewing key settlement requirements after contract signing
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Monitoring important contract dates and developer milestones
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Liaising with developers, selling agents and lenders
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Assisting with finance and settlement preparation when titles issue
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Completing searches, adjustments and settlement requirements
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Coordinating settlement and final handover
Whether you’re buying your first home, an investment apartment, or a commercial unit off the plan, we’ll ensure your settlement is completed on time and without unnecessary stress.
Transparent Fees
We believe in simple, upfront pricing — no surprises at settlement.
Buying
$1,550
professional fee (incl. GST)
Plus a $120 Compliance Fee applicable to all off-the-plan purchases.
Government & Third-Party fees
Certain government and third‑party charges are payable in addition to our professional fee. These typically include:
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Landgate Registration fees – see the Landgate fee schedule
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Title search fees
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Local Authority Enquiry fees (if applicable)
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Government stamp duty – use the online calculator
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PEXA electronic lodgement fee
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Verification of Identity & AML Compliance fees – $15 per individual, $35 per company, trust or other entity
The above pricing applies to standard off-the-plan purchases. Additional fees may apply where the purchase involves trusts, companies, SMSFs, foreign ownership arrangements or other non-standard circumstances. Any additional fees will be clearly disclosed before work commences.
Why Choose Us
Conveyancing isn’t just paperwork — it’s trust, clarity, and service that fits around your life.
Experienced conveyancer from start to finish
Your off‑the‑plan settlement will be managed directly by a licensed conveyancer who understands the nuances of these contracts and the unique challenges they can bring.
Flexible Hours to Suit Your Schedule
We work around your schedule and the developer’s timelines, offering after‑hours and weekend appointments where needed to keep things moving.
Mobile Conveyancing Available
If in‑person signing is required, we’ll come to you — at home, your workplace, or another convenient location.
Family‑Run With 40+ Years of WA Property Expertise
We understand the additional coordination and timelines involved in off-the-plan purchases and guide our clients from contract signing through to settlement.
FAQs
What is an off‑the‑plan settlement?
How long does an off‑the‑plan settlement take?
The time from contract signing to settlement can vary greatly. You may sign your contract years before the property is complete. The “settlement clock” only starts once construction is finished and Landgate issues the new titles. From that point, most contracts require settlement within 10–21 days. This is a tight turnaround, so having finance, insurance, and other requirements ready in advance is critical. We monitor the project’s progress and give you early warning as completion approaches, so you’re prepared well before your settlement date.
Why is an off-the-plan purchase different from a standard property purchase?
Unlike a standard property purchase, settlement does not usually occur within a few weeks of signing the contract. Off-the-plan purchases often involve long construction periods, title creation, finance timing considerations and additional communication with developers. Having an experienced settlement agent involved early can help ensure everything is ready when the property is completed and settlement becomes due.
What is a sunset clause?
A sunset clause sets a latest date by which the development must be completed and ready for settlement. These clauses are designed to protect both buyers and developers where construction is delayed or circumstances change. Every contract is different, so it’s important to understand how the sunset clause operates in your particular purchase and what options may be available if the project does not proceed as planned.
When do I need to arrange finance?
Most buyers obtain initial finance guidance before signing a contract, but formal finance approval is often not required until much closer to settlement. Because off-the-plan purchases can take months or even years to complete, finance approvals obtained at the start of the process will usually expire before settlement. We work with your broker or lender to help ensure everything is ready once titles are issued and settlement is approaching.
What happens when titles are issued?
Once construction is complete and the developer has satisfied the necessary requirements, new titles are created and issued by Landgate. This is usually the trigger for the final settlement process to begin. At this stage, we’ll coordinate with your lender, confirm settlement requirements, complete final searches and prepare everything needed to settle your purchase on time.
Can the developer make changes to the property?
Most off-the-plan contracts allow developers to make certain changes during construction. These are typically limited to minor variations required for practical, engineering, regulatory or construction reasons. Significant changes are generally governed by the terms of the contract. If changes are proposed during the development process, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations under the agreement. We will help you navigate and understand your rights and obligations under the agreement.
Ready to Buy Off-the-Plan?
We’ll guide you from contract review to settlement day, ensuring no detail is missed.
Contact Us
Need clarity or next steps? We’ll get back to you—usually within the hour—with the answers you need.
Prefer to reach out directly? No problem, just give us a call on 08 9274 0733 or email us at settle@federationsettlements.com.au.