Most contracts to buy real estate in Western Australia are made using a standard two-page Contract for sale of land or strata title by offer and acceptance (O&A) published by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) and the Law Society of Western Australia.

The seemingly simple document incorporates a set of General Conditions set out in a separate 21-page booklet that is far more complicated.

Both the O&A and the General Conditions are updated from time to time. If you’re buying or selling real estate, you need to understand both the O&A and the General Conditions – or have access to a professional who does.