Safety Bay Settlements

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Safety Bay Settlements At Safety Bay Settlements, we're a family owned & down-to-earth team of conveyancers, settling property anywhere in WA. Contact us today on (08) 9527 2233

With 49 years of experience, our team of industry leaders offer award winning services. At Safety Bay Settlements, we’re a proud father–daughter duo Kim McDonald and Sarah Mahony, supported by our friendly, experienced staff. Family-owned and based in Rockingham since 1977, we’ve helped thousands of West Australians buy, sell, and invest in property. From residential and commercial settlements to family transfers, deceased estates, subdivisions, and strata applications, we make the process clear, simple, and stress-free. Our promise is in our values: Independent. Experienced. Personable. With decades of expertise, modern tools like our Pathway to Settlement app, and a down-to-earth approach, we keep you informed every step of the way. Safety Bay Settlements, Driving Property Solutions since 1977.

15/10/2026

When property is involved in a deceased estate, there are specific steps that need to be followed - and having a team who can guide you through them clearly makes a real difference during what is often a difficult time.

💡 What is a deceased estate settlement?

When an owner of a property passes away, what happens next depends on how the property was owned and what documents are in place. Our team will guide you through all of this from the very beginning.

📋 The two most common scenarios:

👥 Joint ownership - survivorship application When two people own a property together and one passes away, a survivorship application is lodged with Landgate to transfer the deceased person's share to the surviving owner. We manage this process and guide the client through each step.

📄 Sole ownership - probate and transmission application When the deceased owned the property solely, their executor applies for probate through the Supreme Court of WA. Probate confirms the executor's authority to deal with the estate - including the property.

Once probate is granted, a transmission application is lodged with Landgate to transfer the property into the executor's name so it can be transacted on.

🏠 Can a deceased estate settlement happen alongside a sale?

Yes - the estate transfer process can happen either as a standalone matter or at the same time as the sale of the property. We manage both and will always explain clearly what is required and when.

We will prompt when we need to sight original documents such as a death certificate or probate grant - and we handle the lodgement process on your behalf throughout.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, we handle deceased estate matters regularly and with the care they deserve.

Whether you are buying, selling or transferring property, if you have an upcoming settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

When you purchase a property in WA, one of the first financial obligations you will encounter is the deposit. But what e...
13/10/2026

When you purchase a property in WA, one of the first financial obligations you will encounter is the deposit. But what exactly happens to that money between the time you pay it and the day settlement is completed?

Here is a plain-English explanation.

💡 What is a deposit?

A deposit is a sum of money paid by the buyer to demonstrate their commitment to the purchase. It is typically a percentage of the purchase price (commonly around 5% to 10%) though the amount is negotiated and agreed upon in the Offer and Acceptance.

📅 When is the deposit paid?

The deposit is generally paid within a specified number of days of the contract being signed by both parties, as stated in the Offer and Acceptance.

🏦 Where does the deposit go?

In WA, the deposit is held in a trust account - either by the real estate agent or the settlement agent - until settlement is completed.

This means the deposit is protected during the settlement process and is not accessible to either party until the transaction is formally completed.

📋 What happens to the deposit if the contract falls through?

This depends on the circumstances:

✔️ If the contract is terminated due to an unsatisfied condition - such as finance not being approved - the deposit is generally returned to the buyer.

➡️ If the buyer defaults on the contract without a valid basis, the seller may be entitled to retain the deposit.

🔑 How is the deposit applied at settlement?

At settlement, the deposit is applied toward the purchase price. The balance is then paid either from the buyer's own funds or through their lender.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, our team manages the flow of funds accurately and ensures every client understands what to expect.

Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or building an investment portfolio, if you have an upcoming purchase or settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

08/10/2026

Knowing where your settlement is at every step of the way makes the whole experience feel far more manageable - and at Safety Bay Settlements, keeping you informed is something we build into every transaction.

📱 Communication that works for you

Everyone has a different preference for how they like to be communicated with. Some clients love regular emails. Some prefer a phone call. Some like to drop in for a chat. Some would rather a text.

We offer all of these - because good communication means communication that actually works for the person receiving it.

🗺️ The Pathway to Settlement App

One of our most popular tools is the Pathway to Settlement app - a simple, convenient way for clients to see exactly where their settlement is at, right from their phone.

✔️ Available from the start of your transaction
✔️ Optional but well worth downloading
✔️ Real-time visibility of your settlement progress at any time

📋 What kinds of updates can clients expect?

✔️ Prompts and reminders for anything that needs to be actioned
✔️ Notification when settlement documents are ready to sign
✔️ Updates at every key milestone leading up to settlement day
✔️ The option to sign documents by DocuSign or in person

Our goal is simple - you should never have to wonder what is happening with your settlement or feel like you need to chase us down for an update.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, proactive communication is something we have built into every part of how we work.

Whether you are buying, selling or transferring property, if you have an upcoming settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

Transfer duty, previously known as stamp duty, is one of the biggest upfront costs a buyer faces when purchasing propert...
06/10/2026

Transfer duty, previously known as stamp duty, is one of the biggest upfront costs a buyer faces when purchasing property in Western Australia.

Here's a plain-English breakdown of what it is, how it's calculated, and what concessions may be available.

💡 What is transfer duty?

A state government tax on the transfer of property in WA. It's calculated on the purchase price or market value (whichever is higher) and is payable by the buyer.

📊 How is it calculated?

On a sliding scale. The higher the price, the higher the duty. Your settlement agent will calculate the exact amount as part of your settlement preparation.

🏠 Are there any concessions?

Yes, depending on your circumstances:

✔️ First Home Owner concession - reduced or waived duty for eligible first home buyers below certain thresholds
✔️ Principal place of residence concession - a reduced rate if the property will be your main home
✔️ Off-the-plan concession - available in certain circumstances for off-the-plan apartments

Eligibility depends on specific criteria and must be applied for correctly at settlement.

📅 When is it payable?

Generally at or before settlement. Your settlement agent will advise the amount and timing.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, our team calculates transfer duty accurately and makes sure all applicable concessions are applied.

Buying your first home, upgrading, or building a portfolio? We're here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM! 🎉We hope today is as legendary as yourself!
06/10/2026

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM! 🎉
We hope today is as legendary as yourself!

01/10/2026

At Safety Bay Settlements, hands-on support is simply how we work - for every client, at every stage of their settlement.

🤝 A real team, always accessible

When you work with us, you have access to a real team of experienced people throughout the entire process.

Pick up the phone and someone will answer. Walk in and you will be welcomed - no appointment necessary.

With over 49 years of experience in WA property settlements, our team has the knowledge to answer your questions clearly and confidently at any stage of the process.

🏠 However you like to communicate - we are here for it

Some clients love a phone call. Some prefer to manage everything digitally from home. Some like to pop in for a chat. Some prefer email updates.

We work around what suits you - because a settlement experience that fits into your life is a better one.

✔️ Call at any stage - someone will be there
✔️ Walk in anytime - no appointment needed
✔️ Manage everything online if that suits your lifestyle
✔️ Download the Pathway to Settlement app to track your settlement progress in real time

💡 Why this matters

Settlement involves a lot of moving parts - and having a team that is genuinely accessible and communicative throughout takes a significant amount of the weight off your shoulders. You always know where things stand, what is coming next, and who to call if you have a question.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, being here for our clients is something we take real pride in.

Whether you are buying, selling or transferring property, if you have an upcoming settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY OWN SARAH 🎉Sarah, you are one of the greatest, we hope your day is filled with love and cel...
30/09/2026

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY OWN SARAH 🎉

Sarah, you are one of the greatest, we hope your day is filled with love and celebrations!

During the property settlement process, your settlement agent will conduct a thorough search of the Certificate of Title...
29/09/2026

During the property settlement process, your settlement agent will conduct a thorough search of the Certificate of Title. One thing that can appear and is often misunderstood by buyers, is an easement.

Here is a plain-English explanation of what easements are and why they matter.

💡 What is an easement?

An easement is a legal right that allows a person, organisation, or authority to use part of a property for a specific purpose - even though they do not own that property.

Easements are registered on the Certificate of Title and attach to the land itself. This means they remain in place regardless of who owns the property. As a buyer, you take on any existing easements when you purchase.

📋 What are common examples of easements in WA?

✔️ Right of way - grants another party the right to access or cross your property, such as a shared driveway
✔️ Utility easements - allow government authorities or utility companies to access the property for infrastructure maintenance
✔️ Party wall easements - relevant to properties that share a boundary wall

🏠 How does an easement affect you as a buyer?

An easement may restrict what you can build or do in the affected area of your property. For example, you may not be able to erect a structure over a drainage easement.

It is important to understand the nature and extent of any easement on a property before you commit to purchasing - particularly if it affects areas you intend to use or develop.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, our team reviews every title carefully to ensure our clients understand exactly what they are purchasing.

Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or building an investment portfolio, if you have an upcoming purchase or settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

24/09/2026

When a separation involves property, the settlement process follows a different path to a standard sale - and understanding how it works can make the journey feel much more manageable.

💡 What is a court order settlement?

A court order settlement is the transfer of property following a separation. Rather than being driven by a standard sale contract, the transfer is carried out in accordance with either a Family Court consent order or a binding matrimonial financial agreement.

These documents set out exactly how the property is to be dealt with, and everything is followed strictly in line with those terms.

📋 What does the process involve?

There are specific legal requirements and timelines that need to be met, which is why court order settlements benefit from a settlement agent who is experienced in this area. Our role is to make sure the documentation is in order, every legal requirement is met, and the process moves forward clearly and efficiently.

💰 Transfer duty on court order settlements

One helpful detail worth knowing - when a transfer is done in accordance with a court order or financial agreement, it is generally assessed at a nominal duty rather than full transfer duty. This is something we make sure our clients are across and benefit from correctly.

🛡️ We are here to guide you through it

Going through a separation is rarely straightforward, and having a clear and steady team managing the property side of things can take a significant load off. We are experienced in these matters and approach them with the care and sensitivity they deserve.

With 48 years of WA settlement experience and more than 20,000 settlements completed, court order settlements are something our team handles with confidence and clarity.

Whether you are buying, selling or transferring property, if you have an upcoming settlement, we are here to help.

Get in touch via the link in our bio or give us a call.

📣 What's On Wednesday - School Holiday Edition! 📣With School Holidays beginning this weekend, City of Rockingham – Local...
23/09/2026

📣 What's On Wednesday - School Holiday Edition! 📣

With School Holidays beginning this weekend, City of Rockingham – Local Government has a number of local events for all ages throughout these Spring school holidays!

Head to the link below and register your interest - Bookings are essential!
👇
https://rockingham.wa.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/libraries/for-the-kids

Address

173 Parkin Street
Rockingham, WA
6168

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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