The current reform focuses on enabling the electronic creation and execution of mortgagor counterpart documents for eligible Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) mortgages lodged electronically with Landgate.
This reform represents the first tranche of a broader electronic transactions reform program and aims to reduce reliance on paper-based documents where electronic processes are already in place.
The reform follows extensive consultation undertaken with stakeholders across the banking, legal, conveyancing, property development and broader community sectors. Feedback demonstrated support for expanding electronic transactions while maintaining appropriate safeguards to protect consumers and transaction integrity.
Current legislative status
The Property Law and Electronic Transactions Legislation Amendment (Electronic Mortgages) Bill 2025 was introduced into the Western Australian Parliament on 3 December 2025. Information on legislative progress and commencement arrangements will be published below as it becomes available.
| Legislative milestone | Current status |
| Bill introduced to WA Parliament | 3 December 2025 |
| Legislative Assembly | Pending |
| Legislative Council | Pending |
| Royal Assent | Pending |
| Commencement date confirmed | Pending |
| Commencement – law in effect | Pending |
What is changing?
- Electronic mortgage documents for borrowers - Once commenced, the legislation will enable eligible mortgagor counterpart documents (the borrower's mortgage document) to be created, signed and executed electronically without the need for a witness.
- Improved customer and industry experience – The reforms support more streamlined mortgage processes by allowing eligible mortgage documents to be created and signed electronically. This removes existing legislative requirements for paper-based signing and witnessing and can improve accessibility and convenience for customers, including those in regional and remote areas.
- Supporting end-to-end digital transactions – While eligible mortgages can already be lodged electronically, parts of the mortgage process still rely on paper-based signing and witnessing. The reform supports a more complete end-to-end digital mortgage process.
- Alignment with other jurisdictions – The reforms align Western Australia with other Australian jurisdictions that have already legislated to support electronic mortgage execution.
Important information
- Existing arrangements remain in place until commencement - Current mortgage and lodgement processes remain unchanged until the reforms commence.
- Lenders will determine how the reforms are implemented - Lenders will determine how and when they implement this new digital option, including any associated changes to customer processes.
Electronic mortgages are supported by robust security measures to ensure the integrity and safety of property transactions. The digital signing applications currently in use ensure all transactions occur through secure, platforms that use multi-factor authentication, encryption, and maintain detailed audit trails. These safeguards, combined with compliance with privacy and information security standards, help protect consumers who choose to sign mortgage counterparts electronically while enabling faster, more accessible property dealings.
Frequently asked questions
A mortgagor counterpart is the mortgage document signed by the borrower in support of a mortgage transaction.
The reforms apply to eligible mortgages lodged electronically with Landgate. If your lender adopts the reforms following commencement, you may be able to sign your mortgage documents electronically without requiring a paper document or witness. Your lender will advise whether electronic mortgage documents are available to you.
The reforms are not yet in effect. Commencement is subject to completion of the legislative process and will be confirmed at a future date.
Future electronic transactions reform
The electronic mortgages reform represents the first tranche of a broader electronic transactions reform program.
Landgate is leading legislative reform on behalf of the State Government to support the electronic creation and signing of additional documents over time, including all land related deeds but excluding Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Powers of Attorney documents.
Information about future reform opportunities and consultation activities will be published as it becomes available.