Your settlement date is one of the most important milestones in the property journey. It is the day ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer.
In Western Australia, the standard settlement period is usually 14 to 28 days from when the contract becomes unconditional, but this is dependent on the term of your Contract of Sale.
Sometimes, though, life doesn’t go exactly to plan, and you might find yourself needing to change the settlement date.
Can the Settlement Date Be Changed?
Yes, it can – but only if both the buyer and seller agree in writing.
Once the Contract of Sale has been signed, the dates become legally binding, so any change must be approved by both parties and documented properly (usually through a signed variation to contract prepared by your conveyancer).
Sometimes you are entitled to a 3-day grace period, which is an automatic allowance for extension to settlement allowed to both parties under the Joint Form of General Conditions. It is best to check with your conveyancer to deem if this option is covered or removed in your Contract of Sale terms.
Common Reasons for Changing the Settlement Date
There are many reasons why one party might ask to change the date, including:
- Finance delays – the bank or lender needs more time to finalise loan documents.
- Title or document issues – something unexpected comes up in the settlement checks.
- Building or pest repairs – delays due to conditional clauses being resolved.
- Personal circumstances – moving logistics, illness, travel delays, or work rosters.
- Early completion – sometimes both parties want to bring the date forward to wrap things up sooner.
Whatever the reason, a conveyancer’s role is to help manage communication, negotiate terms, and ensure any new agreement is legally documented.
How to Request a Change
If you think you’ll need more (or less) time before settlement, the best approach is to speak with your conveyancer as soon as possible.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- Notify your conveyancer immediately – they’ll review your contract and the reason for the change.
- Your conveyancer contacts the other party – they’ll negotiate the new proposed date with the other parties representative.
- Both parties sign a variation of contract – once agreed, the revised date is made official in writing.
- All involved parties are informed – including the real estate agent, lender, and settlement agent.
The key is early communication. The sooner you flag it, the easier it is to manage.
What If the Other Party Doesn’t Agree?
If one party refuses to change the date, the original settlement schedule stands.
Failing to settle on time could lead to penalties, default interest, or even termination of the contract, depending on the terms.
That’s why it’s vital to get professional advice before missing a date or assuming an extension will be granted.
How a Conveyancer Helps Keep You on Track
At The Simple Settlement Co, we help make these situations less stressful by:
- Monitoring deadlines and key milestones throughout your settlement.
- Communicating quickly with all parties to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Preparing and managing any necessary contract addendums.
- Ensuring your interests are protected at every step.
When you’ve got a proactive team handling the details, changing settlement dates doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Changing a settlement date in WA isn’t always straightforward – but with clear communication and a good conveyancer, it can be managed smoothly. Whether you’re buying or selling, our team at The Simple Settlement Co is here to keep everything on track so your property journey stays stress-free and simple.
Call (08) 6187 2008 or send us a message to discuss your upcoming settlement.
