Buying a property

Start with a contract review

Once you’ve found a property, send us the contract before signing or bidding at auction. We identify important conditions and restrictions, explain the findings and help you decide what to do next.

• Land tax provisions
• Flood and bushfire affectations
• Restrictive covenants affecting use of the land
• Easements and rights of carriageway
• Heritage and conservation restrictions
• Riparian land affectations involving waterways, access and environmental obligations

Contract review fees

Our contract review service costs $250 including GST. This fee is waived if you successfully purchase the property reviewed.

Building and pest inspections

A building and pest report is an important part of understanding the condition of a property, whether strata or Torrens title. Issues can include incorrect ceiling heights, unauthorised structures, loose or drummy tiles, mould and pest activity. A vendor’s report may not cover everything you need. We can discuss whether an independent report is appropriate and put you in touch with an inspector.

Strata reports

For a strata property, a report helps you understand the owners corporation, the building and its finances. Our existing guide lists indicative report costs of $300–$400; confirm the current price directly with the inspector. We look for potential red flags and recommend specialist advice where needed. A conveyancing review is not a building or financial assessment.

• Past and planned building maintenance and repairs
• Upcoming special levies
• Capital works fund and the owners corporation’s financial position
• Recent general meeting minutes
• Current by-laws

Requesting changes and making an offer

We review the special conditions and discuss any changes needed to meet your circumstances. We communicate with the seller’s representative and explain the outcome of negotiations, so you understand the terms before committing to the purchase.

When your offer is accepted

Before exchange, we check the buyer’s details, price, settlement date, inclusions and agreed changes. The seller’s representative prepares amendments to the sale contract. Please speak with us before signing, and do not feel pressured to proceed until you understand the contract and your obligations.

Understanding cooling off periods

Most NSW residential purchases by private treaty have a five business day cooling off period after exchange. Off the plan residential purchases generally have ten business days. There is no cooling off period for a purchase at auction, or an exchange on the same day after the property is passed in. A section 66W certificate may waive cooling off rights in other circumstances. Any extension needs the seller’s agreement. We explain the deadline and consequences for your particular contract before you commit.