News

It’s easy to get ahead of yourself when buying or selling a property. However, before you can break open the bubbly, you’ll need settlement to go through without a hitch. Occasionally (not often) there can be delays with settlement – and when this happens it can be...

Not sure of the role of a settlement agent? (We can help). In simple terms, a settlement agent handles the legal and administrative process of transferring property ownership, coordinating with banks, and ensuring funds and documents are exchanged correctly. But of...

It’s the middle of winter, and it’s getting chilly out there. But it’s not just the air temperature that’s cooling down. Most experts believe that the Australian property market is cooling down as well, and when you look at the data it’s hard to argue. Of course, just...

Strata properties are an increasingly popular option for buyers in the Mandurah region. Depending on your budget, you can choose from canal-front apartments, marina developments, beachside units in suburbs like Halls Head and Dawesville, retirement-oriented villa...

Every tax reform creates opportunities for those who are prepared to look. In the case of the government’s changes to negative gearing, many shrewd property investors are focusing their attention on the City of Mandurah, and its potential to generate high yields....

In recent weeks, there has been plenty of discussion about the Federal Government’s proposed changes to negative gearing. While it’s a long way from becoming reality, there are implications for many property investors should the proposals go ahead. So what is...

Property prices in the Greater Perth region continue to surge. Based on the latest data from REIWA, 32 suburbs joined Perth’s ‘million-dollar club’ in 2025. This takes the total number of suburbs with a median house sale price of $1 million or more to 126. (this is...

In a few short decades, climate change has gone from being an abstract environmental topic to something that influences money and risk in everyday property decisions across the country. According to recent research from the Climate Council, millions of Australian...

At C & R Settlements in Mandurah, we’ve been around long enough to remember the days when thick folders and cheques ruled the day. (oh my goodness, how did we all survive?) Today, settlements are fast and increasingly done from behind a screen — thanks to the...

You’re probably familiar with fixed interest loans, and variable home loans, or even split fixed and variable loans. But there’s another way to get your hands on money for the purchase of a property – it’s called Bridging Finance. Put simply, Bridging Finance is a...

If you’re planning on selling your home in Greater Perth this spring, there’s a good chance you’ll have plenty of interested buyers. (after all, it’s still very much a seller’s market). Home prices have increased by 9.2% to a median of $865,000 in the year to August....

With a chronic shortage of housing, and rising house prices, the Australian property market is no place for the faint-hearted - and if you’re a budding first homebuyer, it can be downright soul-destroying. One of the most hotly debated aspects of housing policy is...

Thousands of homebuyers in Western Australia are choosing ‘off-the-plan’ property purchases that can provide financial, practical, and life-style related advantages. (But before you get too excited, you’ll need to tread carefully). Let’s start with a quick definition;...

Are you in the process of buying or selling a property? If so, then you’ll need to organise a property settlement. Given the amount of money involved can be in excess of $1,000,000, it’s vital to do your homework on the professional assistance that’s right for...

I wish we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard this question asked over the decades. No doubt there are people who are sitting back waiting for what they think is the perfect time to buy a property. So they’re looking at interest rates (are they going up or down?)....

Like any profession, there are particular terms and phrases that are commonly used. It’s the same in the conveyancing industry - and we realise it can be confusing. Typically, the only time you’ll need to get your head around industry terms in conveyancing is when...

Recently, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced that the official cash rate has been cut by 25 basis points to 3.60%. (and most experts believe interest rates will drop further in coming months). Importantly, the latest cut has eased the pressure for tens of...

Since the introduction of electronic conveyancing in Western Australia in 2015, ID checks for property settlements in WA are now far more rigorous - and this can only be a good thing.The standard 100-point check is gone. It was too easy for criminals to obtain utility...

With the costs of buying property in WA going up and up, it’s been a tough time for first homebuyers. Again, to all first homebuyers who have managed to scrimp and save to get intothe property market in the last few months, congratulations to you. In fact, depending...

In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scammers. This is an extraordinary amount of money. Yet, believe it or not, it’s actually a decrease of 13% from the previous year when scammers stole $3.1 billion from hardworking Australians. Scammers are opportunists who...

The cost of property in Australia is going up and up. Last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed the average dwelling in the country is now valued at $1,002,500 - not the sort of news budding first home buyers want to hear. It’s the first time the average...

In a highly regulated country like Australia, there is no choice but to try and navigate the exacting demands of local, state and Federal governments. (and often that means having the right paperwork). For example, you’ll need the right paperwork to apply for an...

Congratulations. Your offer to purchase a property that ticks all the boxes has been accepted. (that’s the good news). Now for some bad news; there are all sorts of costs associated with the purchase of a home or an investment property. For example, on top of the...

Today’s announcement by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut the official cash rate by 0.25 to 3.85% seems to have caught almost no one by surprise. Yesterday, 96% of economic forecasters in Australia predicted Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock to announce...