Conveyancer Melbourne | Buying and Selling in 2026

What should I check before making an offer or bidding?

Your starting documents are the contract of sale and the Section 32 statement, together with every attachment. The vendor statement discloses matters including title, easements, restrictive covenants, zoning and outgoings. Explain whether you plan to occupy, rent out or alter the property, and flag any particular use that matters to your decision.

Eligible Victorian private residential sales have a cooling-off period of three clear business days, counted from the day after you sign. It does not apply to a purchase at a public auction or within three clear business days before or after one; other exclusions also apply. Tell us the signing date and sale method if you have already signed.

For a proposed property purchase, NS Legal explains your cooling-off position and prepares the finance, inspection and settlement terms you need to put to the seller.

How are title issues and a seller’s documents checked?

A Victorian title search identifies the registered owners, land description and recorded encumbrances, including mortgages and caveats. Copies of relevant registered instruments can also be obtained. Send the contract and plan together so that the land being sold and relevant title entries can be identified.

For property affected by an owners corporation, send any available certificate and supporting documents for review of the disclosure requirements. If you are selling a property, include your existing title information, notices, lease and relevant approvals.

Tell us early if you have promised the buyer repairs, a particular settlement date or the inclusion of certain items. NS Legal prepares the contract and disclosures, arranges additional certificates and addresses enquiries from the buyer’s representative.

Which Victorian property taxes should I budget for?

Land transfer duty, commonly called stamp duty, is administered by Victoria’s State Revenue Office. Dutiable value is generally the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. The assessment also depends on any available concession or exemption and whether foreign purchaser additional duty applies.

Land tax is a separate annual tax. Liability rests with the owner at midnight on 31 December of the previous year. A qualifying principal place of residence may be exempt. Restrictions on passing the seller’s land tax liability to the buyer depend on the contract date and sale price.

Tell us whether you plan to live in the property or rent it out, and whether a company or trust is involved. NS Legal prepares the duty documentation, reviews proposed tax adjustments and identifies tax questions to discuss with your accountant before you decide how to purchase.

What happens between signing and settlement?

The contract’s settlement date guides the transaction timetable. Send your lender’s contact details and finance progress early, and tell us if you wish to propose a different settlement date. Keep the signed contract and any later written variations together. Further information is available about the settlement process.

Victorian property transfers require a Digital Duties Form, including transfers for which an exemption is claimed. At electronic settlement, the electronic lodgement network pays duty to the SRO and simultaneously lodges the title documents. A notice of acquisition is generated automatically during electronic conveyancing to update land tax, council rates and other property records.

You may inspect the property at a reasonable time during the week before settlement. Keep a record of any missing contract items or changes in condition and send it to us promptly, together with photographs and any correspondence with the agent.

The Supreme Court of Victoria has a Property List for suitable disputes about rights over land. NS Legal coordinates settlement documents and funds, proposes responses to delays or inspection issues, and advises on the remedy and appropriate court if proceedings are needed.

What should I send before my first consultation?

Send the complete documents you already have and explain whether you are buying, selling or seeking advice about a signed contract. If you are still searching, give us the property address and proposed auction or offer date. Useful materials include:

• The contract, Section 32 and attachments, with any signed versions clearly identified.
• Available title and plan information, rates notices and property tax correspondence.
• Your lender’s contact details, finance progress and proposed settlement date.
• The parties’ names and contact details, and whether you intend to occupy or rent the property.
• Available inspection reports, owners corporation documents, leases and correspondence with the agent.

A lawyer acting in a conveyancing transaction must verify the client’s identity. NS Legal arranges the applicable identity verification and document signing. Mention any overseas signing or proposed representative when booking, and provide the relevant authority documents if you already have them.

How do I arrange a Melbourne property appointment?

The Melbourne office is at Suite 1001, 50 Market Street, Melbourne 3000. Call (03) 9620 3275 or submit an appointment request, and include your contract, Section 32 and any approaching auction, finance condition or settlement date. 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.