BUYING A HOUSE
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Skimping on your conveyance can cost you big. Get an expert Conveyancing Lawyer on your side.
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We have been recognized for outstanding client service and excellence in conveyancing law, earning awards year after year up to and including 2025.
Proven Expertise in Property Law
30+ years of dedicated experience in property transactions ensure your conveyancing process will be smooth and stress-free.
5 Star Reviews Everywhere
We’re committed to excellence and client satisfaction. That’s why our conveyancing services consistently earn 5-star reviews across the board.
Book Your Consultation Today
Your property settlement is our priority. Contact Jameson Law for efficient and reliable conveyancing services without the hassle.
Award-Winning Conveyancing Experts
We have been recognized for outstanding client service and excellence in conveyancing law, earning awards year after year up to and including 2025.
Proven Expertise in Property Law
30+ years of dedicated experience in property transactions ensure your conveyancing process will be smooth and stress-free.
5 Star Reviews
Everywhere
We’re committed to excellence and client satisfaction. That’s why our conveyancing services consistently earn 5-star reviews across the board.
Book a
Consultation Today
Your property settlement is our priority. Contact Jameson Law for efficient and reliable conveyancing services without the hassle.
In Australia, becoming a home owner is a right of passage. It can be both an exciting and stressful time in your life, from finding the perfect property to getting finance to achieve the great Australian dream. While you don’t need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to purchase property, it is highly recommended you speak with one our experienced solicitors to help you navigate the complex conveyancing process involved and avoid the pitfalls of conveyancing.
It is recommended you get legal advice about the conveyancing process from a solicitor rather than a conveyancer, as a solicitor has a broader knowledge of the law. Our property lawyers are fully insured and covered through professional indemnity insurance.
In NSW, there are strict rules and regulations around property transactions. They are covered by the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW).
Common conveyancing terminology
Vendor: The person selling the house.
Private treaty: An agreement between a vendor and purchaser for the transfer of property for the property value set by the vendor.
Auction: A sale of property to the highest bidder usually above a reserve price set by the vendor.
Joint tenants: A tenancy with two or more co-owners who have identical interests simultaneously by the same interest and with the same right of possession. Each joint tenant has a right of survivorship to the other’s share in the property. That means when one joint tenant dies, the other tenant has a right to the other’s share in the property. For example married couples who purchase property together.
Tenants in common: A tenancy by two or more people in equal or unequal undivided shares with each person having a right to possess the property but no right of survivorship. For example friends purchasing an investment property together.
Easements: An interest in land owned by another person, consisting in the right to use or control the land, or an area above or below it, for a specific limited purpose. For example, shared driveway access, utilities such as stormwater, etc.
Caveat: A warning or provision. For example, specifying which type of fence is to be used on the property boundaries.
Certificate of title: The certificate of title sets out what you own. It is registered with the Land Titles Office and states the current owner, a description of the land and any encumbrances on the land e.g. mortgage, caveats and any dealings.
Land tax: In NSW, stamp duty is a tax paid on the purchase of property. You must pay stamp duty within 3 months of signing the contract of sale. If you have purchased your property off the plan and intend to live in it, you may be able to defer payment of stamp duty for up to 12 months. Stamp duty varies with CPI and is based on the property market value. As of 1 August 2020, for the next 12 months first home buyers who purchase new-build homes or vacant land under $800,000 are not required to pay stamp duty.
The NSW government is currently workshopping changes to stamp duty and looking at implementing a yearly land tax payable on all property based on the land valuation rather than an upfront payment at the time of purchase.
In a nutshell...
Conveyancing involves the use of lots of Latin based legal jargon. It is important to have an understanding of these common conveyancing terms. Get legal advice from one our expert property lawyers.
Case Study
John and Susie have sold their family home in Brisbane, Queensland, and are moving to Sydney. They have just purchased a 10 year old home in Parramatta they intend to live in for $750,000.00. Based on the current calculations by the NSW Office of State Revenue, the stamp duty payable is $29,085.00 plus $146.40 for title transfer.
The Conveyancing Process
In a nutshell...
The process of purchasing a house:
Get pre-approval
Search for your property (once you find the right one, get the inspections sorted)
Make an offer
Offer accepted
Cooling off period
Contracts exchanged
Pre-settlement inspection
Settlement day
Conveyancing risks
There are always risks when purchasing a house. That is why it is important to have an experienced property lawyer to guide you through the process. Some of the risks associated with buying include:
Buying off the plan can be a big gamble. Property developers and real estate agents sell the idea of a property but may not deliver on the image of what has been sold. If this happens, you might have recourse under contract law. It is essential you get legal advice as soon as it comes to your attention that what is or has been delivered does not meet what you agreed to. There is also a risk that the property’s market value may be worthless when it is finished than what you have paid for it.
Making an offer before getting financial approval from your lender. If you make an offer before arranging pre-approval, you run the risk of the sale falling through if you are unable to raise the funds for your purchase. If this happens, you may be financially liable for 0.25% (or the amount of the deposit) as the vendor has lost the opportunity to sell the property during that time. You also need to think about the tax implications (stamp duty) and any additional costs that may arise during the conveyancing process such as conveyancing transaction costs (title searches, title transfer and legal fees.
Buying into strata properties. Strata properties are gaining popularity with the housing boom in Sydney. Strata is the purchasing of a lot within a property e.g. apartment, townhouse, etc, with shared ownership of the common property e.g. external walls, staircases, driveway, swimming pool, gardens, etc. Strata properties have a body corporate or owners corporation made up of lot owners who pay annual or quarterly fees used for the upkeep of common areas. The body corporate holds regular meetings about issues impacting on the strata scheme e.g. major works. When buying a strata property, you should inspect the strata scheme’s legal documents such as financial records, current insurance policies, etc. However, there may be additional costs with accessing these records. It is also essential that the strata scheme has appropriate insurance to cover costs associated with large scale events. For example, major structural issues like the ones experienced with Opal Towers.
In a nutshell...
There are many risks involved with purchasing a property that can have a big financial impact e.g. making an offer before getting approval from your lender. Make sure you research the property you are wanting to purchase before making an offer and thoroughly read the contract of sale.
Disclaimer
The above is general legal information and should not be considered legal advice. You should speak with one of our property lawyers for legal advice tailored to your specific legal problem. It should also be noted that there may be conveyancing transaction delays due to COVID-19.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
Conveyancers specialise in real property transactions. A property lawyer not only deals with real property transactions but has a broader knowledge of the law. If you have multiple issues connected with your purchase, for example, trust accounts, tax implications, family law, wills and estate, construction, etc. Both conveyancers and property lawyers are required to be registered and have professional indemnity insurance.
Guzumping is when a vendor accepts your offer only to sell the property to someone else for more money. A sale is not final until contracts have been signed and exchanged. If you are guzumped before the exchange of contract, there isn’t much you can do.
Usually they are much more expensive due to the added value and advice they are able to bring to the table and ensure your conveyance is successful. Having said this, at Jameson Law our conveyancing rates are fixed and very competitive. This is only made possible due to the efficient structure of our dedicated conveyancing team and the effective legal and business processes we follow. Contact us today for a competitive fixed price quote.
The difference between a conveyancing lawyer and a conveyancer is in the name; that is the former is a lawyer while a conveyancer is not.
While a licensed conveyancer specialises in the process of property transfer, they are not property lawyers and are not otherwise familiar with Australian property law or other legal matters or legal issues that may arise. In other words, conveyancers are able to assist you with your conveyancing needs and conveyancing transactions only. Beyond that, you will require a property lawyer to assist with any legal issues relating to property law.
Conveyancing lawyers are those that practice conveyancing. They act in the same capacity as a conveyancer when simply assisting a client with a property transaction, however, they are able to also provide legal advice regarding other property law matters or legal issues that arise.
Our Michael Najem is a senior solicitor with over 25 years of experience in Property Law and Environmental Law. He is also a lecturer in Conveyancing at the University of Sydney and Environmental Law at Notre Dame University
We provide a fixed fee for our professional fees + dibursements. Disbursements can range anywhere from $150 to approx $1000.
Additional professional fees will only come into play if you want us to review contracts for more than 3 properties.
Settlement by default is 6 weeks. We can negotiate varying timeframes on your instructions.
We pride ourselves on excellent communication. Iniitaly you will receive writtent advice on your contract as well as advice regarding property purchases / sales. We will be in contact frequently to obtain instructions and advise you on the other party’s responses up until the contract has been executed.
Once it is time to settle, generally 6 weeks, we will be in touch with you to ensure you are ready to settle. We will advise you of the pre-settlement inspection date, and guide you through the pre-settlement process – assisting and advising on any grivances or concerns you have with the state of the property. Once all issues are resolved, will advise on final settlement date, and keep you updated with any progress. You will then receive a congratulations message from the team 🙂
You will only be required to cover our costs incurred. This is generally only the contract review costs which is stipulated in your costs agreement.
As part of the contract review, we confirm the measurements as dictated by the contract. This is the measurement that should make the basis of your offer, and not rely on any marketing by real estate agents etc.
We conduct all checks on your part. We recommend you obtain your own building inspection and pest inspection reports – though happy to assist in reviewing these with you.
We will provide advice on any structures on the property that are not certified/approved by council as well as any other concerns that are found as a result of the nominal conveyancing searches.
We will organise the inspection with the vendor and provide guidance on what to look out for. We will then convey any concerns you have to the other party and resolve any disputes.
Yes. It is always important to advise us upfront if you require an adjusted settlement date so that we can ensure it is stipulated in the contract prior to execution. If the contract is executed and you change your mind about the settlement date, there are often financial implications. We normally negotiate better rates to ensure that if there are any delays or changes requested by you at a later stage in the settlement period, then the financial implication is more tolerable.
Conveyancing Law Success Stories
Our client is a 25-year-old man who was the holder of an unrestricted Class C (driver’s) licence and a P1
Our client is a 64-year-old man who had no criminal history. In 2012, he was diagnosed with HIV and was
Our client is a 41-year-old male who was charged with one count of ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’ against his
In October 2023, we appeared in Campbelltown District Court on behalf of a 32-year-old man charged with two counts of
Partner SC309 and permanent Partner SC100 simultaneously after claims for domestic violence Congratulations to our client who was granted both
Our solicitor, Mr. Christopher Alis, represented a 19-year-old mother in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The 19-year-old
Our solicitor, Mr Wissam Philopos represented a man at Parramatta District Court in relation to a District Court Appeal. The
There’s nothing more satisfying than winning a life changing case for a client. Though this thank you cake was definitely
Our Solicitor, Nicholas Hardy-Clements, represented a 40-year-old man at Parramatta Local Court in relation to a common assault domestic violence
Our Solicitor, Wissam Philopos, represented a 39-year-old man at Sutherland Local Court in relation to two serious offenses. These offenses
Emergency Bail Application Request I received a call on the evening of Sunday 28 August 2022 from an unknown number.
Common Assault (Domestic Violence related) matter dismissed Our Solicitor, Nicholas Hardy-Clements, represented a 68-year-old man at Wyong Local Court in
WE'RE IN IT TO WIN IT
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COURT HOUSES WE FREQUENT
Local Courts
Balmain Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 368 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Registry: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm
Bankstown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Court Operating Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm
Blacktown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9672 2666
- PO Box 217 BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
- local-court-blacktown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Kildare Road Blacktown NSW 2148
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 -4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Burwood Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9744 4144
- PO Box 235 BURWOOD NSW 1805
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 7-9 Belmore Street BURWOOD NSW 2134
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Campbell Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9821 7888
- PO Box 3435 LIVERPOOL WESTFIELDS NSW 2170
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street LIVERPOOL NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Central Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Downing Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- dclc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- Nearest Train Station: Museum Station (Liverpool Street entrance is directly opposite)
- Levels: Local Court matters are heard on levels 4 and 5.
- Public Transport: Well-served by buses and trains, with easy access to nearby bus stops and Museum Station.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available, and there are several public parking garages nearby.
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Fairfield Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Spencer St & Court Rd, Fairfield NSW 2165
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Hornsby Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9847 9955
- PO Box 96 HORNSBY NSW 1630
- local-court-hornsby@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 294 Peats Ferry Rd HORNSBY NSW 2077
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Liverpool Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Manly Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Newtown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Parramatta Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 92 Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
- local-court-parramatta@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Penrith Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Sutherland Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 37, Sutherland 2232
- local-court-sutherland@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Flora and Belmont Street, Sutherland NSW 2232
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Waverley Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Windsor Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
District Courts
Downing Centre District Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- downingcentredc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Parramatta District Court
- (02) 8688 7777
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Penrith District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-penrith@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 64-72 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Campbelltown District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Railway Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Liverpool District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-liverpool@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Wollongong District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 97-99 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Supreme Courts
Supreme Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- 1300 352 000
- (02) 9230 8000
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Lionel Bowen, Building, 97/99 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2001
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
- 1300 720 980
- (02) 9230 8020
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fedcourt.gov.au
- 97-99 Goulburn St in the heart of the Sydney CBD
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
High Court
- (02) 6270 6811
- (02) 6270 6868
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
- enquiries@hcourt.gov.au
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Specialised Courts
Children’s Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Coroner’s Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Land and Environment Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
