Insights
Business and Commercial Law
What Is the Difference Between a Commercial Lease and a Retail Lease in WA? (Simple Explanation for Commercial Landlords)
If you are renting out a shop, office, warehouse or any type of business premises in Western Australia, you will usually sign either a commercial lease or a retail lease. While they may look similar, the two leases are very different, and mixing them up can lead to legal problems, extra costs, or disputes between…
Why Registering Your Commercial Lease with Landgate Matters (and the Risks if You Don’t)
When you rent out a commercial property in Western Australia-such as a shop, café, office, warehouse or industrial site-your lease is one of the most important legal documents you will sign. But many landlords and tenants do not realise that, where a lease is capable of registration, registering the commercial lease with Landgate can be…
How to Protect Yourself as a Vendor/Seller When Offering Vendor Finance in a Business Sale (WA Guide)
Vendor finance is a common tool in business sales across Western Australia. With tighter lending conditions and buyers often struggling to secure full bank finance, many sellers are asked to “carry” part of the purchase price. While vendor finance can help the sale proceed faster, it also exposes the seller to financial and legal risk…
Loan Agreement and Caveat Package: Protecting Your Money and Your Property in WA
Lending money to a family member, friend, business partner or related entity can feel simple at first – especially when the relationship is built on trust and the intention is to help. But in Western Australia, informal loans often become complicated, especially when expectations are unclear or circumstances change. Too many people rely on verbal…
Changing from Sole Trader to Company, Trust or Partnership: A Simple Guide for WA Business Owners
Many small businesses in Western Australia start as sole traders – it’s simple, low-cost, and easy to manage. But as your business grows, so do your risks and responsibilities. You may need a structure that offers better protection, tax flexibility, or room to scale. At West Perth Legal, we help WA business owners transition from…
Share Sale vs Asset Sale in WA: What Business Owners Need to Know
When selling or buying a business in Western Australia, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to structure the deal as a share sale or an asset sale. While both options transfer business value, they differ in legal risk, tax outcomes, and how the transaction is handled. Choosing the right structure and getting…
Business Sale Agreement Lawyer Perth: Professional Drafting for Sellers in WA
Selling your business is a major commercial milestone. After extensive preparation and buyer negotiations, reaching agreement with a serious purchaser is both exciting and complex. At this point, one document becomes critical – the Business Sale Agreement. For Western Australian business sellers, a carefully drafted agreement is what turns a verbal arrangement into a binding,…
Loans between Parents and Children
With rising property prices and the cost of living, many Australian parents are lending money to help their children buy homes, start businesses, or manage significant expenses. Lending money to children often comes from a place of love and trust. However, what happens when misunderstandings arise, or a divorce is involved? These scenarios can strain…
What is Business Settlement?
Business settlement refers to the final stage of a business purchase/sale transaction, during which the transfer of ownership, financial settlement, and other relevant tasks are completed. It is the culmination of the entire negotiation and agreement process between the buyer and the seller, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and obligations. This article aims to…
How a Written Independent Contractor Agreement Can Help Your Business
Many businesses now rely on independent contractors for specific tasks due to their operational demands and the complexities of Australia’s labour laws. Independent contractors offer expertise and flexibility without the long-term commitment of traditional employees. While hiring independent contractors has its advantages, there are also legal considerations. One crucial tool that can safeguard both parties’…









