Resource Links
Banking/Financial Services Ombudsman
Offers tips for investors and borrowers and what to do if things go wrong.
www.financebrokers.wa.gov.au
Department of Consumer and Employment Protection
Provides advice and information about buying or building and publishes many free brochures including "Homebuyers Survival Guide for WA" and "Contracts - Information You Need To Know". Telephone their Consumer Protection Advice Line for your free copy on 1300 30 40 54 or go to their website
www.docep.wa.gov.au
Landgate
Landgate is the Statutory Authority responsible for Western Australia's land and property information.
Landgate's transition from the Department of Land Information came into effect from the 1 January 2007.
As an authority, Landgate maintains the states official register of land ownership and survey information and is responsible for valuing the state's land and property for the western Australian government.Visit their website at
www.landgate.wa.gov.au
First Home Owner Grant
First home buyers may be eligible for a First Home Owner Grant. This grant is administered through the Office of State Revenue on 1300 363 211 or visit websites www.firsthome.gov.au or www.dtf.wa.gov.au.
Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division Inc
Visit their website for guides to buying, selling and fees
www.aicwa.com.au
Settlement Agents Supervisory Board
For your free set of settlement notes visit their website
www.sasb.wa.gov.au
Foreign Investment Review Board
The Board examines proposals by foreign interests to undertake direct investment in Australia and, against the background of the Government's foreign investment policy, makes recommendations to the Government under on these proposals. They also provide guidance, where necessary, to foreign investors so that their proposals may be in conformity with the policy.
www.firb.gov.au.
Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board
Telephone 9282 0836 for your free set of real estate notes including information about auctions. Under the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 first homebuyers may be eligible for a grant towards the cost of "incidental expenses" associated with buying a partially built or established home through a licensed real estate agent. Incidental expenses may include stamp duty, settlement fees and lending institution fees associated with lodging the home loan application.
www.reba.wa.gov.au.
Assistance with Loans
Keystart has a number of initiatives to assist people who may find it difficult to obtain a loan in the general marketplace. Telephone 1300 361 577 or visit their website
www.keystart.com.au
Assistance with Stamp Duty
First home owners may be eligible for a reduction of stamp duty or a concessional rate of stamp duty. Contact the Office of State Revenue on 9262 1100 or 1300 368 364 or visit their website www.dtf.wa.gov.au and click on Office of State Revenue and then Stamp Duty.
About the Certificate of Title
For more information contact DLI's Tenure Information Services on telephone 9273 7333 or visit their website on www.dli.wa.gov.au
Dividing Fences
Contact your local government authority for relevant local requirements or visit Department of Housing and Works website www.dhw.wa.gov.au for a copy of "Dividing Fences - Rights and Responsibilities".
Smoke Alarms
For information about the location of smoke alarms or smoke alarms for the Hearing Impaired contact FESA via their website www.fesa.wa.gov.au
Curtain and Blind Cord Safety
Call Consumer Protection and ask for their pamphlet "Curtain and Blind Cords" or visit their website on www.docep.wa.gov.au
Safety for Children
Call the Trading Standards Branch, Product Safety on 9282 4319 and ask for the "Safety For Kids" in the home series of brochures produced by Consumer Protection and Kidsafe or visit the website on www.docep.wa.gov.au
Pool Safety
Call Royal Life Saving WA on 9383 8200 or visit their website FAQ at www.lifesavingwa.com.au
Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman
Offer a dispute resolution service that individuals and small businesses have with their financial service provider. Visit their website on www.bfso.org.au.
Finance Brokers' Supervisory Board
Offer tips for investors and borrowers and what to do if things go wrong. Visit their website on www.financebrokers.wa.gov.au.