Step 1: Pre-purchase enquiries

Before committing to a property, we carry out three key assessments to help you move ahead with confidence. Finance If you’re relying on a loan, it’s important to have full approval from your lender before signing anything. Moving forward without this can leave you exposed if the bank later refuses to fund the purchase. Property condition You acquire the property as-is, meaning any defects or compliance issues become your responsibility after settlement. That’s why we recommend having the right inspections in place. For houses, this typically includes pest and building reports. For strata-titled homes, a strata report is useful. Depending on the circumstances, further checks like surveys, building approvals, or council searches may also be appropriate. Contract review Even standard contracts can contain clauses that shift risks or impose extra obligations. We examine the fine print and explain what each part means in plain terms. This includes reviewing: 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 This process helps you avoid surprises and gives you a clearer view of the legal and financial position before moving forward.

Step 2: Exchanging contracts

This is the point where both parties are legally bound to the deal. Until this step is complete, the seller may still accept other offers. Once contracts are exchanged, the terms are locked in and the transaction moves ahead under the agreed conditions. Option 1: Exchange facilitated by the agent When your offer is accepted, you sign the contract at the real estate agency and pay a 0.25 percent holding deposit. This temporarily takes the property off the market. As the buyer, you’re given a five-business-day cooling-off window, which allows you to withdraw for any reason. If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited. This time is often used to complete the inspections and finalise finance discussed earlier. Option 2: Exchange coordinated by the seller’s legal representative Once you're ready to proceed without relying on a cooling-off period, we’ll meet with you to go over the contract in full. After signing, we send the executed copy to the seller’s legal team to finalise the exchange. This approach is typically chosen when all checks are complete and you're prepared to commit.

Step 3: After exchange of contracts

Once contracts are signed, the next focus is on finalising your loan arrangements. Promptly signing and returning your mortgage documents will help avoid settlement delays. At this stage, we also carry out required checks with key authorities. These include Sutherland Shire Council, your local water provider, and Roads and Maritime Services. If the property falls under a strata scheme, we confirm financial standing with the Owners Corporation and check that all contributions are current. You’ll also complete a pre-settlement inspection to confirm the property is in the expected condition.

Step 4: Completion of your purchase – settlement

Settlement marks the official transfer of the property into your name. This is when the remaining balance is paid and you take possession of the home or investment property. We work closely with your lender to confirm payment amounts and prepare for settlement day. This includes calculating council and water rate adjustments, as well as any applicable stamp duty and transaction costs. Once the transfer is complete, we lodge the documents with the relevant departments and confirm the outcome with you and the selling agent. From there, the keys are released and the property is ready for you.

Expertise

Buying Your Property

SPEAK WITH A CONVEYANCING EXPERT IN SHELLHARBOUR

Call (02) 4221 9311

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Fixed Fee Conveyancing

We offer fixed pricing for all conveyancing matters, giving you cost certainty from the outset. Whether you are purchasing or selling, our team handles the legal work with precision and clarity. Our aim is to keep the process streamlined and to help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Dedicated Team

Your property matter will be managed by a team that includes a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Property Law, supported by licensed conveyancers and skilled solicitors. We apply a collaborative approach to each matter and keep you informed with regular communication as your transaction progresses.

Extensive Experience

Our team manages a wide variety of transactions, from first home purchases to sales of investment properties, commercial premises, and off-the-plan agreements. No matter the scale or complexity, we draw on years of experience to keep your matter moving and help you reach a settlement without added stress.

Here To Help

Buying a home or investment property is a big move, and clarity around the contract is crucial. Have you reviewed the terms properly? Are there unexpected obligations buried in the fine print?

What begins as an exciting step can quickly become stressful if key issues are missed. From surprise fees and title issues to zoning restrictions or finance setbacks, these problems are often avoidable with the right checks in place.

Our fixed-fee conveyancing service helps streamline your purchase from contract review through to settlement. Whether you're buying your first property or expanding your portfolio, we explain what matters and handle the legal requirements clearly and professionally.

Call (02) 4221 9311

Request a Callback

Conveyancing

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Shellharbour Conveyancing Specialists Help?

A property deal involves more than a deposit and a signed contract. Each transaction carries legal and financial implications, and overlooking one detail can cause delays or added costs.

You might run into unexpected strata levies, hidden property defects, or last-minute settlement issues. These are often preventable with early review and well-prepared paperwork.

We take care of the contract checks, highlight anything that may need closer attention, and manage your transaction with care and precision. Whether it's a routine purchase or something more complex, our team is ready to move your matter forward and help you complete the deal smoothly.

To give you a clearer idea of how we assist with your property purchase in Shellharbour, here’s a step-by-step outline of our approach:

Step 1: Pre-purchase enquiries
Before committing to a property, we carry out three key assessments to help you move ahead with confidence.

Finance
If you’re relying on a loan, it’s important to have full approval from your lender before signing anything. Moving forward without this can leave you exposed if the bank later refuses to fund the purchase.

Property condition
You acquire the property as-is, meaning any defects or compliance issues become your responsibility after settlement. That’s why we recommend having the right inspections in place. For houses, this typically includes pest and building reports. For strata-titled homes, a strata report is useful. Depending on the circumstances, further checks like surveys, building approvals, or council searches may also be appropriate.

Contract review
Even standard contracts can contain clauses that shift risks or impose extra obligations. We examine the fine print and explain what each part means in plain terms. This includes reviewing:
- 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
This process helps you avoid surprises and gives you a clearer view of the legal and financial position before moving forward.
Step 2: Exchanging contracts

This is the point where both parties are legally bound to the deal. Until this step is complete, the seller may still accept other offers. Once contracts are exchanged, the terms are locked in and the transaction moves ahead under the agreed conditions.

Option 1: Exchange facilitated by the agent
When your offer is accepted, you sign the contract at the real estate agency and pay a 0.25 percent holding deposit. This temporarily takes the property off the market. As the buyer, you’re given a five-business-day cooling-off window, which allows you to withdraw for any reason. If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited. This time is often used to complete the inspections and finalise finance discussed earlier.

Option 2: Exchange coordinated by the seller’s legal representative
Once you're ready to proceed without relying on a cooling-off period, we’ll meet with you to go over the contract in full. After signing, we send the executed copy to the seller’s legal team to finalise the exchange. This approach is typically chosen when all checks are complete and you're prepared to commit.
Step 3: After exchange of contracts

Once contracts are signed, the next focus is on finalising your loan arrangements. Promptly signing and returning your mortgage documents will help avoid settlement delays.

At this stage, we also carry out required checks with key authorities. These include Sutherland Shire Council, your local water provider, and Roads and Maritime Services. If the property falls under a strata scheme, we confirm financial standing with the Owners Corporation and check that all contributions are current.

You’ll also complete a pre-settlement inspection to confirm the property is in the expected condition.
Step 4: Completion of your purchase – settlement

Settlement marks the official transfer of the property into your name. This is when the remaining balance is paid and you take possession of the home or investment property.

We work closely with your lender to confirm payment amounts and prepare for settlement day. This includes calculating council and water rate adjustments, as well as any applicable stamp duty and transaction costs.

Once the transfer is complete, we lodge the documents with the relevant departments and confirm the outcome with you and the selling agent. From there, the keys are released and the property is ready for you.