Conveyancing FAQ.

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person or entity to another.

Whether you're buying, selling or transferring property, conveyancing involves preparing and reviewing documents, completing property searches, managing important deadlines and coordinating settlement.

Our role is to look after the conveyancing process and keep you informed along the way.

A conveyancer manages the legal and administrative requirements involved in transferring property ownership.

Depending on your transaction, this may include:

• Preparing or reviewing contracts and Section 32 Vendor Statements.
• Conducting property searches and enquiries.
• Explaining important conditions and deadlines.
• Liaising with banks, real estate agents and other parties.
• Preparing transfer and settlement documents.
• Coordinating settlement and registration of the property transfer.

At Haines Conveyancing Service, we aim to make the process straightforward, with clear communication and practical guidance from beginning to end.

Both conveyancers and lawyers can assist with buying, selling and transferring property in Victoria.

Licensed conveyancers can undertake conveyancing work and provide legal advice relating to the transfer of property. Property lawyers can also provide broader legal advice, including on matters outside the scope of a conveyancing transaction.

Haines Conveyancing Service is part of Bacchus Marsh Lawyers and Ballarat Lawyers, giving our clients access to a broader legal team when more complex legal issues arise.

Ideally, before you sign a Contract of Sale.

A contract may contain conditions and obligations that affect your rights, finances and ability to proceed with the purchase.

We offer a separately charged pre-purchase contract review service to help you understand what you're agreeing to and identify potential concerns before signing.

Even if you've already signed, it's important to contact us as soon as possible so we can explain the next steps and any important deadlines.

A Section 32 Vendor Statement is a document that a seller must provide to a prospective buyer before they sign a Contract of Sale in Victoria.

It contains important information about the property, which may include title details, mortgages, easements, planning information, rates, building permits and owners corporation matters, where applicable.

However, a Section 32 doesn't necessarily disclose every issue that could affect a property.

Having the contract and Section 32 reviewed before signing can help you understand the property you're purchasing and identify matters requiring further investigation.

Yes, you can request conditions in your offer, but the seller must agree to them.

A finance condition may provide certain protections if your loan approval doesn't proceed, while a building and pest inspection condition may give you rights if specified issues are identified.

The wording of these conditions is important. Not every finance or building inspection clause gives a buyer an automatic right to withdraw.

We recommend obtaining advice before signing so you understand the protections and limitations of your contract.

In many private residential property sales, eligible purchasers have a cooling-off period of three clear business days from the day they sign the contract.

However, important exceptions apply, including purchases at auction or within three clear business days before or after a publicly advertised auction, certain commercial and farming properties, and purchases by companies.

Cooling off can also involve a financial penalty.

If you're thinking about withdrawing from a contract, contact us immediately so we can advise you about your circumstances and any applicable deadlines.

Conveyancing costs depend on the type of property transaction and the services required.

At Haines Conveyancing Service, we provide a written costs disclosure outlining our professional fees and applicable additional charges before you engage us.

Depending on your matter, additional costs may include property searches, government charges, settlement expenses, identity verification and other disbursements.

Pre-signing contract reviews and services outside the standard conveyancing scope may attract separate fees.

Contact our team for a quote tailored to your transaction.

Yes. In addition to the purchase price and conveyancing fees, buyers may need to budget for:

• Land transfer (stamp) duty.
• Land registration and mortgage registration fees.
• Property searches and settlement costs.
• Building and pest inspections.
• Loan establishment or other lender fees.
• Adjustments for council rates, water charges and other property outgoings.

The amounts depend on the property and your individual circumstances.

We can help explain the anticipated conveyancing and settlement costs so you can plan ahead.

Eligible first home buyers may qualify for a land transfer duty exemption or concession.

In Victoria, eligible first home buyers purchasing a property with a dutiable value of up to $600,000 may receive a full duty exemption, while eligible purchases between $600,001 and $750,000 may qualify for a concession.

Eligibility requirements apply, including residency conditions.

Our team can help identify potential entitlements and assist with the relevant duty documentation as part of your purchase.

When selling, your conveyancer helps prepare the legal documentation and manage the transaction through to settlement.

This commonly includes preparing the Contract of Sale and Section 32 Vendor Statement, liaising with your real estate agent, managing important contract dates, coordinating with your lender and arranging settlement.

We also help identify information that must be disclosed to buyers, including relevant property and building matters.

It's best to contact us before your property is advertised so the required documentation can be prepared.

Settlement is when the balance of the purchase price is paid and ownership of the property is transferred.

Most Victorian property settlements are completed electronically through PEXA.

Your conveyancer coordinates with the other parties, including relevant banks, to arrange payment, adjustments and the documents needed to transfer ownership.

Once settlement is completed, we'll confirm the outcome and, where you're buying, the real estate agent can generally arrange the release of the keys in accordance with the contract.

Yes. Not every property transfer involves buying or selling on the open market.

We can assist with transfers between family members, transfers following separation or divorce, and other changes in property ownership.

These transactions may involve mortgage arrangements, stamp duty considerations and additional legal requirements.

As part of Bacchus Marsh Lawyers and Ballarat Lawyers, we can also arrange broader legal assistance where needed.

Yes. We assist with property transfers and sales involving deceased estates.

Depending on the circumstances, this may involve transferring property to beneficiaries or arranging a sale by the executor or administrator.

Estate transactions can involve additional documentation and legal requirements. Our connection with Bacchus Marsh Lawyers and Ballarat Lawyers means broader wills and estates legal assistance is available where required.

Choosing a local conveyancing team means having people who understand the communities and property markets in which you buy and sell.

Established in 1989, Haines Conveyancing Service has assisted with more than 15,000 property transfers throughout Victoria.

With a local presence in Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat, we combine decades of experience with clear communication, personal service and access to broader legal expertise.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, selling an investment property or arranging a family property transfer, we're here to help.

Haines Conveyancing Service – Conveyancing Made Simple.