Conveyancing is one of those areas of law where the system mostly works — until the day it does not. Most property transactions in Victoria settle on time without drama. The minority that go wrong tend to do so because a clause in the contract was missed, a Section 32 disclosure was misread, or because there was no one paying close attention to the small print between exchange and settlement. My job is to be the person paying close attention.
Buying property — what conveyancing actually involves
Once you have signed a contract of sale (whether at auction, by private treaty, or off-the-plan), conveyancing covers everything from contract review through to settlement. That includes reviewing the Section 32 Vendor's Statement and contract, advising on conditions, organising deposits, lodging caveats where appropriate, dealing with the lender and their solicitors, conducting pre-settlement inspections, completing settlement through PEXA, and ensuring the title transfers correctly. We also coordinate first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions where you are eligible.
Selling property — what to expect
On the sale side, the work starts before listing. We prepare a Section 32 Vendor's Statement that complies with the Sale of Land Act 1962 — missing disclosures can give the buyer a right to terminate, sometimes long after settlement. From contract execution through to settlement we manage the legal aspects: dealing with the buyer's solicitor, organising payouts of any existing mortgage, lodging discharge of mortgage, and ensuring settlement proceeds are received.
PEXA — what it means for you
All property settlements in Victoria are now conducted through PEXA, the electronic conveyancing platform. PEXA replaces the old paper-based settlement process and means that title transfer and funds transfer happen simultaneously, electronically, with no need for parties to attend a physical settlement room. For clients, it is faster and more reliable — but it requires every party (bank, vendor's solicitor, purchaser's solicitor, the title registry) to be properly subscribed and coordinated. I am a PEXA subscriber and settle every matter through the platform.
Government grants and stamp duty exemptions
First home buyers in Victoria may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant ($10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000 in metro Melbourne, with higher amounts in regional areas) and a range of stamp duty concessions, including the principal place of residence concession and the off-the-plan concession. Buyers under a relationship breakdown property transfer may qualify for the family law exemption from stamp duty. I will identify any concessions you are entitled to as part of the conveyance.
How I handle a conveyancing matter
- 1Contract review and risk advice before you sign (highly recommended)
- 2Full conveyance — caveats, mortgage liaison, pre-settlement inspection, PEXA settlement
- 3Grants and concessions identified and claimed
- 4Communication every step — you will not be wondering what is happening
- 5Settlement and registration of title transfer
Frequently asked questions
What is a Section 32?
The Section 32 Vendor's Statement is the disclosure document a seller must give a buyer before contract under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic). It contains zoning, planning, restrictions, owners corporation information, outgoings, and other matters affecting the property. Missing or inaccurate disclosure can give the buyer a right to terminate.
When should I get a lawyer involved if I'm buying?
Before you sign — not after. The cooling-off period in Victoria is only 3 business days (and does not apply to auction purchases at all). Having the contract reviewed before you sign means we can negotiate amendments or special conditions. After signing, your options are far more limited.
Do you handle commercial conveyancing as well as residential?
Yes. I act for buyers and sellers of commercial property, including retail leases and small business sales involving real property. Commercial transactions usually have more conditions and more disclosure obligations and benefit from earlier legal involvement.
What is the family law stamp duty exemption?
When property is transferred between spouses or former spouses pursuant to a family law settlement (consent orders, BFA, or court order), the transfer is exempt from Victorian stamp duty. This is a substantial saving and one of the strong reasons to formalise family law settlements with consent orders or a BFA rather than relying on an informal handshake agreement.
Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Last reviewed 2026-05-22.
This page is general legal information about conveyancing in Victoria, Australia. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free initial consultation.