The Complete Guide to the Conveyancing Process in Australia

August 2, 2025 by admin

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Australia, you’re probably already overwhelmed with decisions—finding the right home, getting your loan approved, and planning your move. But in the middle of all this excitement is one crucial step that keeps everything legally sound: conveyancing.

Don’t worry if the word sounds confusing. We’ve created this guide to walk you through the entire conveyancing process in Australia in plain, everyday language.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of a property from the seller (vendor) to the buyer. It starts when your offer on a property is accepted and ends when the keys are officially yours.

This isn’t just about paperwork. It involves checking the title, preparing legal documents, managing settlement, and ensuring you’re getting what you paid for—without any hidden legal problems.

In most cases, a conveyancer or property solicitor handles this process for you, but it helps to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

Why Conveyancing Matters in Home Buying

Think of conveyancing as the legal “safety net” that protects you from expensive mistakes. Without it, you could end up:

Buying a property with legal restrictions you didn’t know about
Inheriting unpaid rates or taxes from the previous owner
Finding out the seller didn’t even legally own the home

In short, conveyancing ensures your property transfer is valid, lawful, and fair. It confirms that the home is legally yours—and gives you peace of mind.

Key Stages of the Conveyancing Process

The conveyancing process in Australia generally follows these key steps:

1. Pre-Contract Stage

Your conveyancer will:

Review the contract of sale
Order property searches (e.g., land title, zoning)
Advise on terms or special conditions

2. Signing and Exchange of Contracts

Once all parties agree:

Both buyer and seller sign identical contracts
A deposit (usually 10%) is paid
Contracts are officially exchanged, making the sale legally binding

3. Cooling-Off Period

Most states offer a short window (2–5 business days) where buyers can withdraw—usually with a small financial penalty.

⚠️ This doesn’t apply to all purchases—like auctions or commercial properties—so always check with your conveyancer.

4. Pre-Settlement Stage

In this phase, your conveyancer helps:

Finalise your mortgage documents
Liaise with the seller’s legal team
Organise a final property inspection
Prepare for fund transfers and government paperwork

5. Settlement Day

This is the big day! Your conveyancer will:

Transfer funds and documents
Register the property under your name
Confirm the deal is completed

You’ll finally receive the keys—and become the legal owner of your new home.

See more: Conveyancing Fees Explained: What to Expect During the Property Transaction

What Documents Are Involved in Conveyancing?

Here are the core documents you’ll likely encounter during the conveyancing process:

Contract of Sale – Outlines the terms and conditions of the purchase
Vendor’s Disclosure Statement (Section 32 in VIC) – Shares info about the property’s condition and legal status
Certificate of Title – Proves ownership and shows any encumbrances (like mortgages)
Transfer of Land Form – Official document used to register the property under your name
Mortgage Documents – Provided by your lender if you’re taking out a home loan
Settlement Statement – A breakdown of all payments and adjustments made at settlement

A good conveyancer will walk you through all of this and explain anything you don’t understand.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

On average, conveyancing takes 4 to 8 weeks in Australia.

That said, the exact timing depends on factors like:

Your lender’s processing speed
Whether the property has title issues
How quickly you and the seller respond to document requests
State-specific rules and contract conditions

⏳ Tip: Always stay in communication with your conveyancer to avoid unnecessary delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Conveyancing

Even with professional help, some first-time buyers fall into common traps. Here’s what to watch out for:

❌ Not reviewing the contract before signing
❌ Failing to get a building or pest inspection
❌ Choosing the cheapest conveyancer without checking reviews
❌ Missing important contract deadlines (like finance approval or settlement)
❌ Assuming your conveyancer handles everything—you still need to be involved

Avoiding these pitfalls can save you stress, time, and potentially thousands of dollars.

Choosing the Right Conveyancer

Not all conveyancers are created equal. Here’s how to find one that fits your needs:

✅ Look for:

Licensed professionals in your state or territory
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Good reviews or personal recommendations
Strong communication skills and fast response times

❓ Ask questions like:

“What’s included in your service fee?”
“Do you specialise in first-home buyers?”
“How will you keep me updated?”

Don’t be afraid to shop around or ask for quotes. This is one of the most important legal services in your homebuying journey.

Final Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Navigating the conveyancing process for the first time can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are a few extra tips:

📌 Get pre-approval for your home loan early
📌 Ask questions—even if they feel silly
📌 Make sure all your documents are in order (ID, finance, inspections)
📌 Book your final inspection a day or two before settlement
📌 Celebrate when it’s done—you just legally became a homeowner!

Conclusion: Your Homeownership Journey Starts with Smart Conveyancing

Conveyancing may not be the most glamorous part of buying a home—but it’s one of the most essential. It ensures your property transfer is smooth, your legal rights are protected, and your home is truly yours.

🎯 Need help finding a trusted conveyancer in Australia?
Drop your questions in the comments or reach out to a local licensed professional. Buying your dream home starts with understanding the process—and now, you’re one step ahead.

Can I File For A Divorce In Georgia If We Still Live Together?

May 6, 2024May 2, 2024 by admin

This is Part 1 of the ‘Can I file for a Divorce in Georgia if…?’ series. In the twenty years I have been handling divorce cases in my Lawrenceville office I have been asked numerous questions about filing for divorce. This series is focused on addressing common questions that many have asked when considering filing for divorce in Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro area. If you have any questions after reading this post please contact me at my Lawrenceville office for a free consultation.

Filing for Divorce when the husband and wife are still living together is common in Georgia

I receive a number of calls at my Lawrenceville office asking if a husband and wife have to be living in separate residences in order to file for divorce. The answer is no. Each year I handle a number of divorce cases in Gwinnett County and in the metro-Atlanta area and I have found that just about half of the time the parties are still living together when the divorce action is filed.

Why spouses may choose to continue to live together during the Georgia Divorce process

I have learned over the twenty plus years that I have been practicing law in Georgia that the main reasons that husbands and wives continue to live together during the divorce process is to be able to interact with their children on a daily basis and to save money. Although the facts of each case are different and my advice may differ depending on the specific circumstances, it is usually the better practice not to leave the marital residence. ( However, of course, if there has been violence, the threat of violence, or a concern about violence in the home, then you must take the appropriate immediate action to protect your children and yourself – such action may include removing yourself and the children from the situation, calling the police and/or filing an request for atemporary restraining order.)

4 Steps for spouses to take to help them live together during the Georgia Divorce process

Communicate – Although tension and emotions often run high in a divorce case it is very important that the parties be able to communicate about such important issues as the children and the payment of bills and expenses.

Establish a Separate Room or Space for Each Spouse – It is important for both parties to have some privacy within the house. If it is at all possible try to designate a separate bedroom or area in the house that each party can go to enjoy some private time whether it be overnight or just a place to go to during the day to be by themselves to get away from the stresses of being involved in a divorce case.

Plan a Schedule for the Care of the Children – The parties must be able to work out a general agreement or understanding of how they will handle the children’s schedule and activities. This will help avoid any disputes and confrontation that can flare up which can be so disruptive especially if played out in front of the children. Both parents must understand that they each have a right to the children until a court enters an Order setting out their specific rights. Thus, it is important for spouses to sit down and map out a schedule to follow so that they have something to live by and rely upon until either the parties can reach a settlement agreement or the judge enters an Order in the case. It is also important that during this very difficult time for a child or children that they see the parents treat each other civilly and with respect. Parents should do all they can to avoid involving or exposing the children in any way to conflict and the discussion of the issues of the divorce. Most courts, like Gwinnett County, require parents to attend a divorcing parents seminar early in the divorce process. I have been told my numerous clients that the seminar is very informative and helpful in regards to how to deal with children during the divorce process.

Establish a Household Budget – Spouses should get together and have a civil conversation about how each bill is to be paid, when it is to be paid, and by whom. Spouses often agree to use a joint bank account to pay the household bills during the time they are living together while the divorce is pending. (However, one must consider the fact that the other spouse can withdraw some or all of the money from the account at any time since it is a joint account with both parties having access to the account). In many instances it may be a better practice for each spouse to have their own separate bank account from which they can use to pay their portion of the bills and expenses of the household.

In the end the question is not whether a spouse can file for divorce while the parties are still living together, but rather should the spouses continue to live together when the divorce is filed or during the divorce process. If the parties do decide to live together while the divorce case is pending following the above tips should help make the home environment less stressful and the situation more manageable.

Do you or someone you know have a question regarding filing for divorce or just a question about divorce in general? If so please do not hesitate to contact me for a free telephone consultation.

Lawrenceville Attorney Douglas W. Lewis has over twenty years of experience in Gwinnett County and the Atlanta Metro area handling family law and divorce cases, personal injury cases, criminal defense, civil litigation cases and estate planning matters. If you have any questions or want to schedule an office consultation then please contact Doug Lewis via email.

Other resources:
How to file for Divorce in Gwinnett County Superior Court?
Gwinnett County Has Three New Superior Court Judges

How to file for Divorce in Gwinnett County Superior Court?

May 5, 2024April 15, 2024 by admin

Determine if you can file for divorce in Georgia. Generally speaking you must be a resident of the State of Georgia for at least the previous six months before you can file a divorce action in Georgia.

To file the divorce action in Gwinnett County your spouse must be a resident of Gwinnett County. If you live in Gwinnett County, but your spouse lives in Fulton County then you must file the divorce in Fulton County (unless your spouse waives venue). If you live in Barrow County, but your spouse lives in Gwinnett County, then the divorce action would be properly filed in Gwinnett County.

All divorces filed in Georgia must be filed in the appropriate Superior Court. All divorces filed in Gwinnett County must be filed with the Gwinnett County Superior Court clerk. The clerk’s office is on the first floor of the courthouse located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia (the courthouse is also known as the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center “GJAC”).

When you file the divorce action you must pay the clerk’s eFiling fees in the amount of $237.00 (said fee is subject to change).

There must be a Summons attached to the divorce petition or complaint. The divorce pleadings (the Summons, the Divorce Petition and any Standing Orders) must be served upon your spouse. Usually the Defendant Spouse is personally served with a copy of the divorce pleadings by a deputy sheriff or by a private process server. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department charges a fee of $50.00 to attempt service on a Defendant. If you want to use the services of a private process server In Gwinnett County then a motion must be filed with the court to request that a particular process server be appointed by the judge to personally serve the Defendant with the divorce pleadings. The fee charged by private process servers varies depending on travel time and other circumstances.

When a divorce action is filed the case will then be given a specific case number. The last digit of the case number will indicate which judge has been assigned to your case. For example, in Gwinnett County Superior Court if the last digit of your case number ends in 7 then you know your case has been assigned to Chief Judge Melodie Snell Conner. There are ten (10) Gwinnett County Superior Court judges.

Once your spouse has been properly served with a copy of the divorce pleadings then your case will proceed. A divorce case will either be an uncontested case or a contested case. An uncontested or settled divorce case means the parties have signed a Settlement Agreement which resolves all issues in the divorce case and the Agreement has been approved by the judge assigned to the case. (If the judge does not approve of the terms of the Settlement Agreement then the case is not settled.) A contested divorce case is a case in which the parties are unable or unwilling to settle and thus the case will go to trial before the judge or a jury. For more information please read Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce cases in Gwinnett County.

Each divorce case is unique and some can be quite complex. Many divorce cases involve some or all of the following: Answer and Counterclaim, Interrogatories, Request for Production of Documents, Request for Admissions, Depositions, Emergency Hearings, Temporary Hearings, Contempt Hearings, Domestic Relations Financial Affidavits, Mediation, Guardian ad Litems, Child Support Worksheets, Child Support Addendums, Parenting Plans, Quit Claim Deeds, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO), Protective or Restraining Orders, Parenting Seminars, and Final Hearings.

If you have any questions about divorce or the Gwinnett County divorce process please do not hesitate to contact for a free consultation.

Other resources:
The Importance of Due Diligence in Conveyancing
What to Expect During the Property Transaction