Doing business with WA from the East Coast

Buying land in WA from the East Coast is easy once you’ve got the practical side sorted. Most of the friction comes from small things: calling too early, missing an email, not knowing how to sign a contract from 4,000km away. This guide covers the details so nothing trips you up.

Understanding WA time

WA runs on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) and doesn’t use daylight saving. That means the difference between WA and the East Coast changes during the year for most states.

Your state	Difference in winter	Difference in summer
NSW	WA is 2 hours behind	WA is 3 hours behind
VIC	WA is 2 hours behind	WA is 3 hours behind
ACT	WA is 2 hours behind	WA is 3 hours behind
TAS	WA is 2 hours behind	WA is 3 hours behind
QLD	WA is 2 hours behind	WA is 2 hours behind
SA	WA is 1.5 hours behind	WA is 2.5 hours behind

Daylight saving on the East Coast generally runs from early October to early April. During that period, the gap with NSW, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania grows to 3 hours.

What that means in practice

East Coast time (summer)	WA time
8:00am	5:00am
10:00am	7:00am
12:00pm	9:00am
3:00pm	12:00pm
6:00pm	3:00pm

The sweet spot for calls is usually late morning to late afternoon on the East Coast, which is business hours in WA.

Talking to Terry

Terry McBratney looks after sales at Hidden Valley. You can reach him on 0408 554 444 or through the enquiry form. Tips for a good first conversation:

• Have the lot plan open in front of you.
• Know which lots you’re interested in.
• Have your questions written down.
• Ask for the contour survey plan, aerial photos and a sample contract.

If you leave a message, include the best time to call you back in your own time zone. It avoids early-morning surprises.

Getting documents

Most documents will come by email. Make sure:

• The email address you give is one you check daily.
• Emails from Terry, your settlement agent and your lender don’t end up in junk. Add them to your contacts.
• You have a way to read and save PDFs on your phone or computer.

Signing the contract remotely

WA land sales use the REIWA offer and acceptance contract. You can complete and sign it without travelling. Ask Terry how he’d like to receive it: some contracts are signed electronically, others printed, signed and scanned. Before you sign, have your settlement agent or solicitor review it. Read the Hidden Valley contract, explained.

Paying the deposit

The $10,000 deposit is due within 7 days of acceptance and is held in the settlement agent’s trust account. Practical tips:

• Confirm the account details by phone with a known number before transferring. Email scams that change bank details are common across the property industry.
• Allow time for transfers between banks.
• Keep the receipt.

Working with a settlement agent from interstate

WA settlements are commonly handled by licensed settlement agents. Many work with interstate buyers all the time, using email, phone and electronic signing. Settlement itself is usually done electronically, so you won’t need to travel.

Talking to your lender

Most major lenders operate nationally. Tell them early that you’re buying vacant rural residential land in WA with settlement expected in mid-2027.

Staying organised

• Keep one folder, physical or digital, with your contract, receipts, survey plan and correspondence.
• Keep a list of key contacts: Terry, your settlement agent, your lender and the Shire of Irwin.
• Note key dates: deposit due, finance deadline and expected settlement.

Communication during the build

If you build while living on the East Coast, time zones matter again. Builders start early, so mid-morning East Coast time is often a good time to catch them. Read building in WA while living on the East Coast.

Visiting

When you visit, remember you’ll gain 2 or 3 hours flying west. Read planning a site visit from the East Coast.

Phone and internet in Dongara

Every Hidden Valley lot has high-speed NBN, which makes video calls and remote work easy once you’ve built. Mobile coverage varies by provider, so check with yours.

A sample week of communication

Here’s how a typical week might look for an East Coast buyer in the middle of a purchase.

• Monday, 11am Sydney time (8am WA): email Terry to request the sample contract.
• Tuesday, 2pm Sydney (11am WA): call Terry with questions about two lots.
• Wednesday: send the contract to your settlement agent for review.
• Thursday, 3pm Sydney (12pm WA): call your settlement agent to discuss the sunset clause.
• Friday: confirm finance with your lender and send Terry your details.

Planning calls around WA business hours keeps everything moving.

Tools that help

• Calendar apps that show two time zones side by side
• A world clock widget on your phone set to Perth
• Electronic signing if offered
• A shared folder for documents if you’re buying with others
• Video calls for walk-throughs during the build

Public holidays

WA has some public holidays that differ from the East Coast, such as WA Day in June. Offices may be closed on days you’re working, and vice versa. Check the WA public holiday calendar when planning calls and deadlines.

Postal mail

Most of the purchase happens by email, but some documents, like council rates notices after settlement, may come by post. Make sure the Shire has your correct postal address once you own the land.

Keeping your details current

If your phone number, email or address changes during the purchase, tell Terry, your settlement agent and your lender straight away. Missed notices can cause real problems with contracts.

When to pick up the phone instead of emailing

Email is great for documents, but some things are better by phone:

• Clarifying anything you don’t understand
• Confirming bank details before paying a deposit
• Urgent questions close to a deadline
• Discussing which lot suits your plans

Building a relationship across the country

Buying land from interstate works best when you build a good working relationship with the people involved. Be responsive, be clear about what you need and ask questions early. Terry, your settlement agent and your lender all want the purchase to go smoothly.

Common questions

Is WA on daylight saving?

No. WA stays on AWST all year.

Can I sign the contract remotely?

Yes. Ask Terry how he prefers to receive the signed contract, and have your settlement agent review it first.

What’s the best time to call Terry?

Late morning to afternoon East Coast time is usually business hours in WA.

How do I pay the deposit safely?

Confirm bank details by calling a known number before transferring, and keep the receipt.

Do I need to attend settlement?

Usually not. Settlements are generally handled electronically.

What if I miss a call?

Leave a message with the best time to call back in your time zone.

Is the time difference the same all year?

For Queensland, yes (2 hours). For NSW, VIC, ACT and TAS it’s 2 hours in winter and 3 in summer.

How long do bank transfers take?

It varies by bank. Allow time so your deposit arrives within 7 days of acceptance.

Can I get documents by post?

Most documents are sent by email. Ask Terry if you need something posted.

Who do I contact with questions?

Terry McBratney, on 0408 554 444 or via the enquiry form.

Are WA public holidays different?

Some are. WA Day in June is one example. Check the WA public holiday calendar.

Should I use email or phone?

Email for documents, phone for questions, clarifications and confirming bank details.

What if my contact details change?

Tell Terry, your settlement agent and your lender straight away.