FAQ

While it is possible to handle some aspects yourself, property transfers involve complex legal requirements, strict deadlines, and significant financial risk. A licensed conveyancer ensures contracts, searches, and settlement are handled correctly and helps avoid costly mistakes.

Engage a conveyancer as soon as you plan to buy or sell. Early involvement allows contract review before you sign, timely searches, and smoother coordination with agents, lenders, and the other party.

Fees depend on the property type, transaction complexity, and required searches. We provide a clear quote upfront covering professional fees and typical disbursements so you know what to expect before proceeding.

Most residential matters take between 4 and 8 weeks from contract to settlement, depending on finance, searches, and parties meeting deadlines. We keep you updated at each stage.

On settlement day, funds and legal documents are exchanged electronically. Once complete, ownership transfers to the buyer and keys are released. We coordinate with your lender and the other party’s representative.

Yes, if both parties agree in writing or if contract conditions are not met. Delays can affect finance and moving plans, so we work to resolve issues quickly and communicate options clearly.

In some states, buyers of residential property may have a short cooling-off period after signing the contract, allowing them to withdraw with a penalty. Rules vary by state— we advise based on your contract and location.

Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf, such as title searches, government fees, and settlement charges. They are separate from professional conveyancing fees and are listed transparently in your quote.

Payment terms are explained in your engagement letter. Typically, part of the fee is due when work begins and the balance at or before settlement, together with disbursements as they are incurred.

Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a state government tax on property purchases, usually paid by the buyer. Amounts vary by price, location, and concessions. We help calculate and arrange payment at settlement where applicable.

We aim for full transparency. Your quote outlines professional fees and expected disbursements. If unexpected costs arise due to your matter’s complexity, we discuss them with you before proceeding.

Searches may include title, plan of subdivision, council rates, water authority, land tax, and other registers relevant to your property and state. The exact set depends on the transaction type and location.

Searches reveal encumbrances, outstanding charges, zoning issues, and other matters affecting the property. They help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises after purchase.

We explain the findings in plain language and advise on next steps—such as renegotiating, seeking further enquiries, or in some cases withdrawing if contract terms allow.

You will usually need photo identification, the contract of sale, finance approval (if applicable), and any certificates or notices related to the property. We provide a checklist tailored to your matter.

In Victoria, the Section 32 (Vendor’s Statement) discloses information about the property for buyers before contract signing. Other states have similar vendor disclosure requirements. We review these documents as part of your purchase.

The Certificate of Title (or title register) records legal ownership and interests affecting the land, such as mortgages or easements. We verify title details and arrange transfer registration after settlement.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.

Timelines depend on finance, conditions, and the other party. We give you a realistic schedule at the start and update you if anything changes.

Typically identification, contract documents, and lender instructions. We send a tailored checklist once you engage us.

We provide a clear quote before work begins, including professional fees and estimated disbursements. No surprises on settlement day.

We can only act for one party in the same transaction to avoid conflicts. We are happy to refer the other side to a trusted firm if needed.