In this guide(7 sections)
When you're buying, the contract is written by the seller's side — so the one person looking out for you is your conveyancer. Here's exactly what that involves in Victoria, what you'll pay, and the risks worth catching before you sign.
At a glance — conveyancing for buyers in Victoria
| What you get | Your contract + Section 32 reviewed, searches, settlement handled for you |
| What you pay | Stamp duty + conveyancing fee ($660–$990) + disbursements (~$200–$600) |
| Biggest risk | Signing before the Section 32 is read by a lawyer |
| Cooling-off | 3 clear business days (private sale); none at auction |
| Who reviews it | A senior solicitor at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild — not a paralegal |
| First review | Free, no obligation |
What does a conveyancer do for a buyer?
For a buyer, a conveyancer (or solicitor) reviews the contract of sale and Section 32 vendor statement before you sign, orders and checks the title and certificate searches, calculates your stamp duty and adjustments, liaises with your lender and the seller's side, and attends the electronic PEXA settlement so the title transfers to you safely. In short, they make sure you know exactly what you're buying — and that nothing goes wrong on the day.
At Fogarty Oliver Rothschild that work is done by a senior solicitor, so the substance of the Section 32 is actually read against your plans, not just ticked off a template.
Get your contract reviewed free before you sign → | Call 03 4328 5084
What does a buyer pay for conveyancing?
As a buyer in Victoria you pay three things: stamp duty to the State Revenue Office (by far the largest, unless a first-home-buyer exemption applies), the conveyancing fee for the legal work ($660–$990 fixed at our firm), and disbursements — the searches and certificates, typically $200–$600, plus the PEXA settlement fee. Estimate the lot with our conveyancing fee and stamp duty calculator.
First-home buyers pay no stamp duty up to a $600,000 purchase, and a concession applies to $750,000 — which can save tens of thousands.
What should a buyer check before signing?
Before you sign, check that the Section 32 discloses no nasty surprises — restrictive covenants or easements that limit what you can build, planning overlays (heritage, flooding, bushfire), and, for apartments, owners corporation issues like special levies or disputes. Also confirm your finance covers the price and you understand your cooling-off rights. At auction there's no cooling-off, so the review has to happen first.
This is the whole game for a buyer: the moment before you sign is the only point you can still negotiate or walk away at no cost. (See our full buyer's checklist.)
How does settlement work for a buyer?
Settlement happens on the date set in your contract — commonly 30, 60 or 90 days after signing. In the final week you do a pre-settlement inspection to confirm the property is in the same condition, your lawyer agrees the settlement figures, and the transaction settles electronically through PEXA: your funds and loan are paid, the title transfers into your name, and the agent releases the keys. See how long conveyancing takes for the full timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a conveyancer to buy a house in Victoria?
You're not legally required to, but it's strongly advisable — the contract is drafted for the seller, and a buyer's conveyancer is the only one checking the Section 32 and protecting your interests before you're locked in.
When should I engage a conveyancer — before or after I find a property?
Before you sign anything. Ideally send the contract and Section 32 for review as soon as you're seriously interested, and well before an auction. Our first review is free.
How much does conveyancing cost for a buyer?
A fixed $660–$990 for the legal work, plus disbursements (~$200–$600) and stamp duty. Use the calculator for your all-in estimate.
Can I get out of the contract after signing?
For a private sale you have a 3-business-day cooling-off period (a penalty applies). At auction there's no cooling-off — which is why a pre-auction review matters. If the Section 32 is defective you may also have a right to rescind.
Who pays stamp duty — buyer or seller?
The buyer pays stamp duty in Victoria. Sellers don't.
Buying soon? Start with a free contract review.
📞 Call 03 4328 5084 · 📧 info@fogartyoliverandrothschild.com.au · 📍 84 Chapel Street, St Kilda
🌐 Request your free contract review →
Written and reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Conveyancing and property law in Melbourne since 2012.Last reviewed 26 June 2026.
This guide is general information about Victorian conveyancing, not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free 15-minute consultation.