Conveyancing
Purchase of Property
From contract review to settlement day — expert conveyancing support so you can buy with confidence and peace of mind.
Purchasing a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. The legal process involves reviewing complex documents, conducting due diligence, managing critical deadlines, and coordinating with lenders, agents, and the vendor's legal team. A single missed step or overlooked clause can have serious financial consequences. At Legal Wave, our conveyancing lawyers provide thorough, proactive legal support at every stage of your purchase — from reviewing the Contract of Sale before you sign through to a smooth, on-time settlement via PEXA.
How We Can Help
Contract of Sale and Section 32 Review
Before you sign anything, we review the Contract of Sale and Section 32 Vendor Statement in detail. We identify any red flags — such as unusual special conditions, undisclosed encumbrances, or building permit issues — and explain your rights and obligations in plain language so you can make an informed decision.
Negotiation of Contract Terms
We help you structure your offer and negotiate contract terms that work in your favour — including settlement dates, finance clauses, building and pest inspection conditions, and any special conditions relevant to your circumstances. We liaise with the vendor's legal representative on your behalf.
Due Diligence and Title Searches
We conduct comprehensive searches on the property, including title searches, council zoning and planning certificates, land tax clearances, and water and drainage searches. This stage helps uncover potential legal or practical issues — such as easements, covenants, or planning overlays — before you are committed to the purchase.
Stamp Duty and First Home Buyer Concessions
We advise on stamp duty obligations and any concessions or exemptions you may be entitled to — including the First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession, the Principal Place of Residence concession, and the off-the-plan duty concession. We ensure all duty obligations are met accurately and on time.
Finance and Settlement Coordination
We coordinate with your lender or mortgage broker to ensure your finance approval aligns with key contract dates. We track all critical deadlines, manage communication between all parties, and ensure all documents and payments are completed accurately on settlement day.
Electronic Settlement via PEXA
We are registered PEXA members and conduct settlements electronically through the PEXA platform. Electronic settlement is faster, more secure, and eliminates the risk of manual errors. Title registration occurs automatically after settlement, giving you certainty that your ownership is recorded promptly.
5 Things Every Purchaser Should Know
Always Review the Contract Before Signing
Never sign a Contract of Sale without having it reviewed by a qualified property lawyer. The contract is legally binding once signed, and the cooling-off period (three business days for private sales) provides limited protection. We review the contract and Section 32 before you sign, identifying any issues and advising on your options.
Budget for All Purchase Costs
The purchase price is only one part of the total cost of buying property. You should also budget for stamp duty (which can be substantial — for example, approximately $31,070 on a $700,000 purchase in Victoria), legal fees, building and pest inspection costs, loan establishment fees, and adjustments for council rates and utilities at settlement.
Get a Building and Pest Inspection
A professional building and pest inspection is one of the most important steps in the purchase process. These reports identify structural defects, safety hazards, and hidden issues such as termites or rising damp that could affect the property's value or require costly repairs. We advise on including a building and pest inspection condition in your contract where possible.
Understand Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants can significantly affect how you use or develop your property. An easement may give a utility company or neighbour the right to use part of your land, while a covenant may restrict what you can build. We examine the title and Section 32 to identify these encumbrances and explain their practical implications before you commit.
Foreign Buyers Face Additional Requirements
Foreign persons (including temporary visa holders in some circumstances) generally require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing residential property in Australia. Additional surcharges on stamp duty and land tax also apply to foreign purchasers in Victoria. We advise on FIRB requirements and ensure all obligations are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Buy Property in Victoria?
Our conveyancing lawyers provide expert, fixed-fee legal support for your property purchase. Contact us today for an initial consultation.