Buying a property can be an exciting event, but it is also typically stressful, particularly in today’s market. If you are buying, you will want prompt, sometimes urgent, advice to ensure you can move forward quickly and make informed decisions about your proposed purchase. We provide personalised service and meticulous attention to detail for all our conveyancing clients – whether you are buying your first home or adding to your property portfolio.
What is conveyancing?
When you buy and sell real estate, the legal ownership (title) of the property needs to be correctly transferred from the seller to the buyer – this process is known as conveyancing.
For many people, buying property is one of the largest financial transactions they will undertake, and while conveyancing is often assumed to be a “routine” legal task, there are numerous steps and legal checks involved to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
Entering a binding contract to buy or sell property creates enforceable legal obligations between the buyer and seller. Significant penalties can apply for breaching a contract, so it is important that the parties to a conveyancing transaction are aware of their legal rights and responsibilities and that their interests are protected.
Buying residential property in New South Wales
The conveyancing process when buying residential property in New South Wales involves several stages, from reviewing and negotiating the sale contract to coordinating and completing your purchase through an online settlement platform known as PEXA.
There are numerous steps in between including exchanging contracts, conducting property searches, preparing transfer documents, arranging for the payment of transfer duty on the contract, liaising with lenders, agents, and vendor’s representatives and preparing settlement figures. These activities are time sensitive and need to be accurately coordinated to ensure a seamless process. The importance of having an experienced professional representing your interests cannot be understated.
Due diligence
The contract will include various disclosure documents to give you information about the property you propose to purchase. However, you will also need to conduct your own due diligence to ensure the property will meet your expectations. This includes ordering government searches and enquiries, inspecting council records to ensure that buildings are compliant, and organising qualified professionals to carry out pest and building inspections to report on the condition of any structures and flag potential issues.
How Classic Conveyancing can help
The conveyancing process generally moves quickly and can be a little daunting, particularly for first-home buyers. We provide ongoing support and communication throughout the entire transaction.
A solid understanding of contract and property law, and knowledge of various statutes, regulations, and processes are essential to minimise risk and complete a successful transaction for our purchaser clients.
We will carefully review the contract for the sale of land and explain your rights and obligations as a buyer, including any cooling-off rights. If necessary, we may be able to negotiate additional conditions to help protect your interests. We will go through the disclosure documents to help you understand the implications of specific interests registered over the property such as easements and restrictions; and we can help with arranging additional searches and enquiries.
Our commitment is to ensure our clients are kept informed every step of the way so they can make the right decisions.
We are here to help with your next property purchase. Please call 02 9623 2777 or email co****@***********om.au.
Buying Property FAQS
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership (title) of property from one person to another. It involves preparing and reviewing legal documents, conducting property searches, liaising with all parties involved, and ensuring settlement is completed correctly and on time.
Why do I need a conveyancer or solicitor when buying property?
Buying property involves complex legal documents, strict deadlines, and significant financial commitments. A conveyancer ensures that your legal rights are protected, the contract terms are fair, and that all searches, enquiries, and settlement processes are properly completed to avoid costly issues later.
What does Classic Conveyancing do for buyers?
We handle every stage of your purchase, from reviewing and negotiating the contract to preparing legal documents, arranging searches, managing communications between banks and agents, and completing settlement through PEXA. We also explain every step clearly so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
What is PEXA and how does online settlement work?
PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is an online platform used to complete property settlements securely and efficiently. It allows funds and documents to be transferred electronically between parties, ensuring faster, safer, and more accurate settlements.
What is a cooling-off period and does it apply to all purchases?
In most private residential property purchases in New South Wales, buyers are entitled to a five-business-day cooling-off period after exchanging contracts. During this time, you can withdraw from the contract, although a small termination fee (usually 0.25% of the purchase price) applies. The cooling-off period does not apply to auctions or where it has been waived by agreement.
What searches and checks are carried out during conveyancing?
We carry out a range of searches and enquiries, including title searches, council records, zoning and planning checks, and government authority enquiries. We can also help you arrange pest and building inspections to identify any structural or compliance issues before settlement.
How long does the conveyancing process take?
Most conveyancing transactions in New South Wales take around 6 to 8 weeks from exchange of contracts to settlement, although this can vary depending on factors such as finance approval, search results, or the vendor’s readiness.
What costs are involved in buying a property?
In addition to the purchase price, you may need to pay stamp duty (transfer duty), registration fees, search fees, lender fees (if applicable), and professional legal fees. We will provide you with a clear breakdown of costs upfront so there are no surprises.
Can you help if I’m a first-home buyer?
Absolutely. We regularly assist first-home buyers through every step of the process — from understanding contracts and government grants to finalising settlement. Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
When should I contact a conveyancer?
It’s best to contact us before signing the contract. This allows us to review the terms, identify any potential issues, and negotiate changes to protect your interests before you commit to the purchase.
How do I get started with Classic Conveyancing?
You can contact us by calling (02) 9623 2777, emailing co****@***********om.au, or completing our online enquiry form. We’ll discuss your situation, outline the process, and guide you through the next steps to secure your new property with confidence.