Step 1: Pre-purchase enquiries

Before locking in a property in Kiama, we conduct thorough enquiries to give you a clear picture of what you’re buying and reduce the risk of unexpected problems later. Finance If you plan to rely on a loan, securing unconditional approval from your lender is essential before signing a contract. Proceeding without this certainty can leave you vulnerable if the bank later declines finance. Property condition When you settle, the property transfers “as-is,” meaning any defects or compliance issues become your responsibility. We recommend arranging appropriate inspections, such as pest and building reports for houses or a strata report for apartments and townhouses. In some cases, further checks like surveys, approval searches, or council records may also be necessary. Contract review Contracts often contain terms that shift risk or impose extra obligations. Our team reviews these documents carefully and explains their implications in straightforward language. This includes examining: What fixtures and fittings come with the property Boundaries, easements, and site restrictions Any applicable strata rules and levies Land zoning and limitations on future development Sewer diagrams or infrastructure placements Ownership type (e.g. joint tenants or tenants in common) Stamp duty obligations and any applicable exemptions By carrying out these pre-purchase assessments, we help you move forward with a clear understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and potential risks.

Step 2: Exchanging contracts

This is the stage where the agreement becomes legally binding for both parties. Until contracts are exchanged, the seller can still accept another offer. Once exchange occurs, the deal is secured under the agreed conditions. Option 1: Exchange facilitated by the agent If your offer is accepted, you sign the contract at the agent’s office and pay a 0.25 percent holding deposit. This takes the property off the market temporarily. Buyers then receive a five-business-day cooling-off period, during which they can withdraw for any reason, although the deposit is forfeited if they do. This short timeframe is often used to complete inspections and finalise finance. Option 2: Exchange coordinated by the seller’s legal representative If you’re ready to proceed without a cooling-off period, we’ll meet with you to carefully review the contract. Once signed, the executed copy is sent to the seller’s legal team to finalise the exchange. This method is usually chosen once all checks and due diligence have been completed.

Step 3: After exchange of contracts

With contracts exchanged, the next focus is finalising your mortgage arrangements. Promptly completing and returning your loan documents helps avoid unnecessary settlement delays. At this stage, we also carry out searches with relevant authorities. For Kiama properties, this includes Kiama Municipal Council, your water provider, and Roads and Maritime Services. If the purchase involves a strata property, we confirm levies are up to date and check the financial standing of the Owners Corporation. Before settlement, you’ll also complete a pre-settlement inspection to confirm the property matches the contract and is in the expected condition.

Step 4: Completion of your purchase – settlement

Settlement is when ownership formally transfers to you. The balance of the purchase price is paid, and you gain possession of the home or investment property. We coordinate with your lender to confirm payment amounts and prepare all requirements for settlement day. This includes calculating council and water rate adjustments, stamp duty, and other associated costs. Once the transfer is complete, we lodge the necessary documents with the relevant authorities and confirm the outcome with you and the selling agent. At that point, the keys are released, and the property is officially yours.

Expertise

Buying Your Property

SPEAK WITH A CONVEYANCING EXPERT IN KIAMA

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Fixed Fee Conveyancing

Kells offers fixed-fee conveyancing, giving you certainty from the start. Whether buying or selling in Kiama, our property team manages the process with accuracy and works to prevent unnecessary delays.

Dedicated Team

Your matter will be handled by a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Property Law, supported by licensed conveyancers and solicitors. We collaborate to move your transaction forward and keep you updated throughout.

Extensive Experience

From first-home buyers in Kiama to commercial sales, investment properties, and off-the-plan purchases, we manage a wide range of matters. Whatever the scale, our experience helps protect your interests and keep settlement on track.

Here To Help

Purchasing a home or investment property in Kiama is a significant step, and a clear understanding of the contract is essential. Have the terms been properly reviewed? Could there be hidden obligations in the fine print?

An exciting opportunity can quickly turn stressful if important details are overlooked. Unexpected costs, title complications, zoning restrictions, or finance delays are common issues that can often be avoided with proper checks.

Our fixed-fee conveyancing service is designed to guide you from the initial contract review through to settlement. Whether it’s your first property in Kiama or an addition to your portfolio, we explain the critical points and manage the legal process with clarity and professionalism.

Call (02) 4232 7201

Request a Callback

Conveyancing

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Kiama Conveyancing Specialists Help?

Buying or selling property in Kiama involves more than just paying a deposit and signing paperwork. Every transaction carries legal and financial consequences, and overlooking small details can lead to costly delays.

Issues such as unexpected strata fees, undisclosed defects, or settlement complications are common but often avoidable with proper checks and thorough preparation.

Our team reviews contracts in detail, points out areas that may need closer attention, and manages the process with accuracy from start to finish. Whether it’s a straightforward purchase or a more involved matter, we focus on moving your transaction forward and helping you reach settlement without unnecessary setbacks.

To give you a clearer picture of how we support your property deal in Kiama, here’s an overview of the steps we take:

Step 1: Pre-purchase enquiries
Before locking in a property in Kiama, we conduct thorough enquiries to give you a clear picture of what you’re buying and reduce the risk of unexpected problems later.

Finance

If you plan to rely on a loan, securing unconditional approval from your lender is essential before signing a contract. Proceeding without this certainty can leave you vulnerable if the bank later declines finance.

Property condition

When you settle, the property transfers “as-is,” meaning any defects or compliance issues become your responsibility. We recommend arranging appropriate inspections, such as pest and building reports for houses or a strata report for apartments and townhouses. In some cases, further checks like surveys, approval searches, or council records may also be necessary.

Contract review

Contracts often contain terms that shift risk or impose extra obligations. Our team reviews these documents carefully and explains their implications in straightforward language. This includes examining:
- What fixtures and fittings come with the property
- Boundaries, easements, and site restrictions
- Any applicable strata rules and levies
- Land zoning and limitations on future development
- Sewer diagrams or infrastructure placements
- Ownership type (e.g. joint tenants or tenants in common)
- Stamp duty obligations and any applicable exemptions
By carrying out these pre-purchase assessments, we help you move forward with a clear understanding of your rights, responsibilities, and potential risks.
Step 2: Exchanging contracts

This is the stage where the agreement becomes legally binding for both parties. Until contracts are exchanged, the seller can still accept another offer. Once exchange occurs, the deal is secured under the agreed conditions.

Option 1: Exchange facilitated by the agent

If your offer is accepted, you sign the contract at the agent’s office and pay a 0.25 percent holding deposit. This takes the property off the market temporarily. Buyers then receive a five-business-day cooling-off period, during which they can withdraw for any reason, although the deposit is forfeited if they do. This short timeframe is often used to complete inspections and finalise finance.

Option 2: Exchange coordinated by the seller’s legal representative

If you’re ready to proceed without a cooling-off period, we’ll meet with you to carefully review the contract. Once signed, the executed copy is sent to the seller’s legal team to finalise the exchange. This method is usually chosen once all checks and due diligence have been completed.
Step 3: After exchange of contracts

With contracts exchanged, the next focus is finalising your mortgage arrangements. Promptly completing and returning your loan documents helps avoid unnecessary settlement delays.

At this stage, we also carry out searches with relevant authorities. For Kiama properties, this includes Kiama Municipal Council, your water provider, and Roads and Maritime Services. If the purchase involves a strata property, we confirm levies are up to date and check the financial standing of the Owners Corporation.

Before settlement, you’ll also complete a pre-settlement inspection to confirm the property matches the contract and is in the expected condition.
Step 4: Completion of your purchase – settlement

Settlement is when ownership formally transfers to you. The balance of the purchase price is paid, and you gain possession of the home or investment property.

We coordinate with your lender to confirm payment amounts and prepare all requirements for settlement day. This includes calculating council and water rate adjustments, stamp duty, and other associated costs.

Once the transfer is complete, we lodge the necessary documents with the relevant authorities and confirm the outcome with you and the selling agent. At that point, the keys are released, and the property is officially yours.