Conveyancer Sydney

What can a conveyancing solicitor do for buyers and sellers?

Buyers need advice on the seller’s proposed contract; sellers need a contract available before a residential property is marketed. The required attachments include title and plan information, a drainage diagram and a council planning certificate. Additional documents depend on the property.

NS Legal reviews and negotiates the contract for buyers, prepares the contract and disclosure documents for sellers, and coordinates the legal arrangements for completion. For a linked purchase, provide both contracts and tell us which transaction is further advanced, including any proposed settlement dates. Indicate any special conditions already discussed and any items you expect to be included in the sale.

You can enquire about buying property or selling property with the documents you have received so far.

How does the NSW cooling-off period work in 2026?

An ordinary NSW residential private treaty purchase generally has a five business day cooling-off period after exchange. Residential off-the-plan purchases generally have ten business days. There is no cooling-off period for an auction purchase or a contract exchanged on the auction day after the property is passed in. A cooling-off period can also be waived or varied through the applicable procedures.

If the agent asks for an immediate exchange or a waiver, provide that request with the contract and explain your finance position and any enquiries still outstanding. NS Legal will advise on the proposed signing terms and the consequences of withdrawing before you commit.

What searches and settlement work will I need?

A NSW Land Registry Services title search identifies the registered owner and recorded interests, which may include a mortgage, easement, covenant or caveat. Provide any plans and registered documents you already hold with the contract.

A strata purchase also calls for examination of strata information. Building and pest inspections are separate enquiries. NS Legal will raise enquiries about title or report issues affecting your purchase and negotiate contract changes on your instructions.

Once you instruct us, the work can proceed through these stages:

1. 01Confirm your identity and authority to deal with the property, and obtain the required client authorisation.
2. 02Review or prepare the contract, negotiate requested changes and arrange exchange on your instructions.
3. 03Coordinate with the lender and the other party’s representative, including adjustments required by the contract and settlement funds.
4. 04Check the electronic settlement documents and follow up completion and the registration of the transfer.

The completion date comes from your contract. Settlement also depends on the necessary documents and funds being ready. For settlement advice, provide the contract date, proposed completion date and any correspondence about outstanding documents or finance.

Which NSW property taxes need attention in 2026?

Transfer duty, commonly called stamp duty, is payable to Revenue NSW. It is generally due by settlement or within three months of signing the contract, whichever is earlier. Eligible off-the-plan purchases may qualify for deferred payment.

Land tax is a separate NSW tax assessed by reference to land ownership at midnight on 31 December each year. A principal place of residence exemption has eligibility conditions.

NS Legal will arrange the tax documents and payment steps required for the transaction and identify the matters to take to your tax adviser.

What should I prepare for the first consultation?

Start with the complete contract and any deadline you have been given. Identity and right-to-deal checks require supporting evidence; the documents depend on whether you are buying, selling or acting for another owner. Prepare what you already have from the following:

• The contract with all attachments, the property address and the auction or proposed settlement date.
• Current identification and relevant loan documents.
• For a sale, council rates, utility or land tax notices and evidence of ownership.
• Any building, pest or strata reports, together with the contract questions you want answered.

Tell NS Legal if the property is held by a company or trust, if an owner is overseas, or if someone will sign under an authority. We can identify the additional documents to request. You can also ask us to focus the initial review on a particular decision, such as whether to accept a proposed settlement date or special condition.

How do I book with NS Legal in Sydney?

Our Sydney office is at Level 7/263 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000; phone +61 2 8251 1999. Use our contact form to book and tell us whether you are buying or selling, where the property is and which deadline comes next. Once you submit the form, we will confirm the meeting place and available times.

Arrangements for a first consultation are explained when you book.

If contracts have already been exchanged, include the exchange date and the other representative’s details with the complete contract.

Compiled from official sources; updated 29 October 2026.