Property Lawyer Sydney (2026)

What can a title search tell me about my property?

A NSW title search identifies the registered owner, the land description and registered interests affecting the property, such as mortgages and easements. NSW Land Registry Services maintains the title register and related dealings.

For concerns about access, drainage or restrictions on use, NS Legal will explain how the title, plan and dealing documents affect your proposed use. Bring any existing searches, survey material and correspondence so that we can work from the actual property documents.

How should I structure or resolve a co-ownership arrangement?

Joint tenancy and tenancy in common have different consequences when an owner dies. A surviving joint tenant generally acquires the deceased owner’s interest by survivorship. A tenant in common holds a share that forms part of their estate on death.

NS Legal will prepare a co-ownership agreement or buyout proposal addressing contributions, mortgage responsibilities, occupation and an exit. Tell us whether you want to buy together, change an existing arrangement or resolve a disagreement about selling, and provide the existing agreement and correspondence. For family contributions, include any documents recording whether money was advanced as a loan or a gift.

What needs checking before I sign a contract or mortgage?

NSW residential sale contracts must include prescribed documents, including a title search, drainage diagrams, a council planning certificate and relevant easement documents. An ordinary residential purchase usually has a five business day cooling-off period after exchange; an off-the-plan purchase usually has 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 buyer can waive cooling-off rights by giving the vendor a section 66W certificate. Send the complete contract and any revised versions for our property contract review.

A registered mortgage is removed from the title through a discharge of mortgage. NS Legal will review the contract with your loan and mortgage documents, explain cooling-off and settlement obligations, and arrange the proposed amendments, consents or releases; related business premises can be included in our commercial property advice.

Which court or tribunal deals with a Sydney property dispute?

The Supreme Court of NSW’s Real Property List deals with proceedings concerning interests in land, sale contracts and easements, among other property matters. Strata disputes may fall within the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s jurisdiction. Mediation with NSW Fair Trading must generally be attempted before most strata disputes proceed to NCAT.

NS Legal will select the applicable procedure from the issues and orders you seek and prepare the material for negotiation, mediation or proceedings. If you have been served with a claim, provide the complete documents and details of service.

Who handles transfer duty and land tax disputes in NSW?

Revenue NSW administers transfer duty and receives objections to tax assessments, including land tax assessments. Objections to the underlying land valuation go to the NSW Valuer General. A gift of property or acquisition of an interest without payment can also attract transfer duty, subject to any applicable exemption or concession.

A tax objection must give written reasons and supporting evidence. If you disagree with the objection decision, external review may be available through NCAT or the Supreme Court of NSW. NS Legal will use your assessment, transaction records and decision notice to prepare the appropriate correction, objection or review application and its supporting material.

What should I bring to a Sydney property consultation?

Bring the documents you already hold and a short explanation of the decision or problem you need help with. You do not need to order unfamiliar searches simply to book; put your existing documents in date order, bring copies and keep the originals safe.

• The full sale contract and attachments, including available title searches, plans, planning certificates and drainage diagrams.
• Loan, mortgage and guarantee documents, plus any co-ownership agreement and records of contributions.
• Notices, correspondence, court documents and any tax assessment or objection decision.
• Identity documents and records connecting you to the property.

Our Sydney office is at Level 7/263 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000; call +61 2 8251 1999. Book through NS Legal’s contact form and send your contract, notices and urgent dates. Once you submit the form, we will confirm the meeting place and available times. Arrangements for a first consultation are explained when you book.

Compiled from official sources; updated 29 October 2026.