In this guide(7 sections)
For a seller, conveyancing is mostly about getting the paperwork right before you go to market — because a defective Section 32 is one of the few things that can cost you the sale or land you in a dispute. Here's what's involved, what it costs, and how to keep the sale on track.
At a glance — conveyancing for sellers in Victoria
| What you get | Section 32 prepared, contract drafted, settlement handled |
| What you pay | Conveyancing fee ($660–$990) + the mortgage discharge fee + disbursements |
| Biggest risk | A defective Section 32 — the buyer can rescind before settlement |
| Stamp duty | Not payable by the seller (the buyer pays it) |
| Who prepares it | A senior solicitor at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild |
| Start when | Before you list — the Section 32 must be ready before a buyer signs |
What does a conveyancer do for a seller?
For a seller, a conveyancer (or solicitor) prepares your Section 32 vendor statement under the Sale of Land Act 1962, drafts the contract of sale with any special conditions you need, orders the title and certificate searches that back the statement, negotiates the buyer's conditions, coordinates the discharge of your mortgage, and attends the PEXA settlement so the title transfers and you're paid. The whole job is geared at one thing: a clean sale that completes without a dispute.
Get your Section 32 prepared — start with a free chat → | Call 03 4328 5084
Why does a clean Section 32 matter so much for sellers?
Because if your Section 32 is incomplete or inaccurate, the buyer may have the right to rescind the contract before settlement — losing you the sale, often after you've committed to your next purchase. The statement must correctly disclose title, encumbrances, planning, outgoings, owners corporation details and any notices. Getting it right before you list is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy. (See our full Section 32 guide.)
A senior lawyer preparing it — rather than a template — is what catches the gaps that turn into rescission claims.
What does a seller pay for conveyancing?
As a seller you pay the conveyancing fee ($660–$990 fixed at our firm, covering the Section 32 and contract preparation through to settlement), the mortgage discharge fee your bank charges to release its loan (typically $150–$350), and the disbursements for the searches and certificates. You do not pay stamp duty — that's the buyer's cost. Both buying and selling sit in the same fixed-fee range with us.
How does settlement work for a seller?
On the settlement date set in the contract, your lawyer attends the electronic PEXA settlement: your mortgage is discharged, the title transfers to the buyer, and the balance of the sale proceeds is paid to you. Keep the property in the same condition for the buyer's final inspection, and cancel your building insurance and utilities only once settlement confirms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a conveyancer to sell my house in Victoria?
In practice, yes — a seller must provide a legally compliant Section 32 vendor statement and a contract of sale before a buyer can sign, and errors create real rescission risk. A conveyancer or solicitor prepares both.
When should I start the conveyancing as a seller?
Before you list. The Section 32 has to be ready before any buyer signs, and preparing it properly takes about 5–10 business days.
Do sellers pay stamp duty?
No. Stamp duty is paid by the buyer in Victoria. Sellers budget for the conveyancing fee, the mortgage discharge fee and disbursements.
Can I prepare my own Section 32?
Technically yes, but it's rarely wise — the document is legally significant and a mistake can cost you the sale. Professional preparation is small insurance against that risk.
What if I'm selling one place and buying another?
We can run both matters together and usually offer a small discount on the second — and coordinating the two settlements avoids timing gaps. See conveyancing for buyers.
Selling soon? Let's get your Section 32 right.
📞 Call 03 4328 5084 · 📧 info@fogartyoliverandrothschild.com.au · 📍 84 Chapel Street, St Kilda
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.