Selling your property in South Australia without using a real estate agent is entirely legal and increasingly popular among homeowners. Whether you're doing it to save money or to maintain control of the sale, it’s crucial to ensure your paperwork is in order. A smooth transaction relies heavily on having the right documentation ready from the start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential paperwork you’ll need to sell house in SA without agent, so you can confidently manage the process yourself.

1. Form 1 – Vendor’s Disclosure Statement

The Form 1 document is arguably the most important piece of paperwork when selling a property in South Australia. This is a statutory disclosure statement required under the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994. It outlines essential information for the buyer, including:

• Title details
• Easements and encumbrances
• Zoning information
• Outstanding rates and taxes
• Any known defects or issues

The Form 1 must be served on the purchaser at least 10 clear days before settlement or 2 clear business days before the contract becomes unconditional (whichever is earlier). You can’t legally proceed with the sale without providing this document. You can prepare it with the help of a conveyancer or solicitor.

2. Contract of Sale

When you sell house in SA without agent, you’ll need a legally binding Contract of Sale. This document sets out the terms and conditions of the transaction and must be signed by both parties. The contract typically includes:

• Purchase price
• Settlement date
• Conditions (e.g., subject to finance, building inspections)
• Names of the buyer and seller
• Description of the property, including land title and improvements

You can purchase a contract template through a legal stationer, but many people engage a conveyancer to prepare this document to ensure it complies with state laws.

3. Proof of Ownership (Certificate of Title)

You’ll need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Title to confirm you are the legal owner of the property. This document will show any existing encumbrances, such as mortgages, easements, or covenants.

You can obtain a copy of your title through Land Services SA. Your conveyancer will usually handle this process if you're working with one.

4. Identification Documents

As the seller, you must verify your identity. This usually includes providing certified copies of:

• Driver’s licence or passport
• Medicare card or utility bill

Identity verification is required during property transfers to reduce the risk of fraud, and it’s typically handled by your conveyancer or solicitor as part of the verification of identity (VOI) process.

5. Mortgage Discharge Form (If Applicable)

If you have a home loan, you’ll need to organise the discharge of your mortgage. Contact your lender to complete a mortgage discharge form, which authorises the removal of the lender’s interest from the property title once settlement occurs.

This must be lodged with Land Services SA, usually by your lender or your conveyancer.

6. Building and Pest Inspection Reports (Optional but Recommended)

While not legally required, providing recent building and pest inspection reports can build buyer confidence and speed up the sale process. This can be especially helpful in private sales where buyers might feel more cautious without the involvement of an agent.

If you don’t have one, buyers may request it as a condition of sale.

7. Energy Efficiency and Safety Compliance Documents

Depending on the property, you may also need to provide:

• Smoke alarm compliance: Ensure alarms are installed in accordance with SA laws.
• Swimming pool compliance (if applicable): Pools must meet safety and fencing regulations.
• Electrical and gas compliance certificates if recent work has been done.

These documents help demonstrate that your home is safe and legally compliant, making the transaction smoother.

8. Settlement Statement

Your conveyancer will prepare a settlement statement before the transaction concludes. It outlines all financial aspects of the sale, including:

• Sale price
• Adjustments for council rates, water charges, etc.
• Remaining mortgage payout
• Net amount you’ll receive

This document is typically finalised just before settlement and reviewed by both parties.

Why Work With “For Sale By Home Owner”?

Using a trusted private sale platform like For Sale By Home Owner ensures you get access to essential resources, templates, and support as you go through the process of selling your property independently. We offer tailored tools to help South Australians manage their property sale without paying high agent commissions.

With For Sale By Home Owner, you stay in control while receiving guidance on everything from listing your property to preparing your paperwork correctly.

Final Thoughts

Selling your house privately in South Australia is a practical and rewarding option if you’re organised and informed. Having the correct paperwork is essential not just for legal compliance, but also for building trust with buyers.

If you prepare your documents thoroughly—especially your Form 1 and Contract of Sale—you’ll have everything you need to sell house in SA without agent and successfully complete the transaction on your terms.