Conveyancing

For vendors, we prepare the contract of sale and the section 32 vendor statement required under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic). A defective section 32 can entitle the purchaser to avoid the contract at any time before settlement, so accuracy and completeness matter. For purchasers, we review the contract and section 32, raise any required amendments, and explain what each entry on the title actually means.

Off-the-plan contracts deserve particular care. Sunset clauses, variations to plans of subdivision, finishes schedules and the statutory cooling-off and rescission rights all change the risk profile. We advise on the contract, the plan and the long gap between contract and settlement, and we monitor the developer's compliance through to registration of the plan.

Victorian stamp duty (land transfer duty) is calculated under the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) and depends on the property type, the purchaser's status and the use of the property. We explain which concessions and exemptions may apply — first home buyer, principal place of residence, off-the-plan, pensioner, family farm and related-party transfers — and we coordinate with State Revenue Office requirements.

Most Victorian property transactions now settle electronically through PEXA. We are PEXA-enabled and manage the full electronic workspace — financial settlement schedule, lodgement of transfer and mortgage documents, and disbursement of funds — so settlement proceeds on the agreed date.

We also act on commercial property purchases and sales, transfers between family members, transfers from a deceased estate to beneficiaries, and transfers arising from family law settlements. These transactions often have stamp duty and GST implications that should be planned for before the contract is signed.