Is there a cooling-off period in Western Australia?

No. Western Australia does not have a statutory cooling-off period for standard private treaty residential property sales. Buyers must rely on contractual conditions such as finance and inspection clauses to protect themselves.

How can I protect myself when buying in WA without cooling-off?

Include subject-to-finance and subject-to-inspection clauses in your contract. Get unconditional finance approval before signing if possible. Complete building and pest inspections before exchange. Have a solicitor review the contract thoroughly before you sign.

Do off-the-plan purchases in WA have cooling-off?

Off-the-plan sales in Western Australia may have specific protections and cooling-off provisions. Check the terms of the specific contract and consult a solicitor for off-the-plan purchases.

Is there a cooling-off period in Western Australia?

No. Western Australia does not have a statutory cooling-off period for standard private treaty residential property sales. Buyers must rely on contractual conditions such as finance and inspection clauses to protect themselves.

How can I protect myself when buying in WA without cooling-off?

Include subject-to-finance and subject-to-inspection clauses in your contract. Get unconditional finance approval before signing if possible. Complete building and pest inspections before exchange. Have a solicitor review the contract thoroughly before you sign.

Do off-the-plan purchases in WA have cooling-off?

Off-the-plan sales in Western Australia may have specific protections and cooling-off provisions. Check the terms of the specific contract and consult a solicitor for off-the-plan purchases.

Cooling-Off Period in Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia has no statutory cooling-off period for residential property. Learn how to protect yourself with contractual conditions and what alternatives exist for WA buyers.

Definition

Western Australia Cooling-Off Period

Western Australia cooling-off is No statutory cooling-off period under the No specific cooling-off legislation for standard residential sales.

Quick Facts

Duration	No statutory cooling-off period
Penalty	N/A — no statutory cooling-off
Legislation	No specific cooling-off legislation for standard residential sales
Starts	N/A
How to Exercise	N/A — buyers must rely on contractual conditions (finance, inspection) to exit
How to Waive	N/A

Exceptions

The cooling-off period does not apply in the following situations in Western Australia:

Off-the-plan purchases may have specific cooling-off provisions

Does Cooling-Off Apply at Auction?

No. Properties purchased at public auction in Western Australia do not have a cooling-off period. The contract becomes legally binding from the fall of the hammer. This means all due diligence — including building and pest inspections, contract review, and finance approval — must be completed before auction day. If a property is passed in at auction and sold by private treaty shortly afterwards, cooling-off may also be excluded depending on the timeframe and state legislation.

Can the Cooling-Off Period Be Waived?

Since Western Australia does not have a statutory cooling-off period for standard residential sales, the concept of waiving cooling-off does not apply. Buyers should ensure they include appropriate contractual conditions (such as finance and inspection clauses) to protect themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions — WA Cooling-Off

Cooling-Off in Other States

NSW— 5 business VIC— 3 business QLD— 5 business SA— 2 clear TAS— Varies —ACT— 5 business NT— 4 business

Read the full guide: Cooling-Off Periods Explained Across Australia

Related Resources

Exchange of Contracts Explained — Understand what happens when contracts become legally binding.
Pulling Out After Signing a Contract — Your options and financial consequences if you change your mind.
How to Read a Property Contract — A buyer's guide to understanding every clause before you sign.

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