Yes. This is one of the most important parts of our role.

After we are formally engaged, we always review the contract and disclosure documents, and give you appropriate legal advice. Where appropriate, we will talk to you about matters such as conditions, timing, or whether further investigations are needed before you sign.

For auctions, we charge a fixed fee per contract which is credited towards the full base fee if you are the successful bidder. In all other cases, this part of our service is included in our base fee.

Definitely before you bid at an auction (at least 48 hours in advance is ideal), and otherwise before you give the signed contract to the seller with your deposit.

Unlike in some other States/Territories, in the ACT you will normally be bound to complete your purchase as soon as the contract is signed and dated. You cannot, for example, read the pest report later, and cancel when you realise the house is infested with termites. All important enquiries about the land and improvements must happen early.

After we review the contract, we can explain it to you and flag any legal risks or conditions that should be addressed before you are committed.

Allyson Hogan, our Principal Solicitor and Legal Director, holds a Master of Applied Law (Commercial Litigation) and is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation. Most of the time, Allyson can quickly advise you in relation to options and next steps, without needing to refer you elsewhere. This link will take you through to Allyson’s full profile, and this link will have case studies.

We price our services at the level we feel fairly reflects the required amount of care, skill, and consideration. We do consider overall value and market competitors, but quality of our work is our primary concern. Our base fixed-fee for residential conveyancing starts at $1,980 inc GST + disbursements at cost. Your total cost will include:

• Our base fixed-fee.
• Disbursements (amounts we are required to pay to third parties on your behalf, such as land titles search/registration fees, PEXA fees, Verification of Identity fees, and information certificate charges).
• Land Titles fees/charges
• If you are borrowing, lending fees/charges.
• If you are buying, stamp duty.

We will clearly explain what is included and whether anything may attract an additional charge (for more information, refer to “Are there additional costs if the transaction becomes complicated?”).

Other firms may charge less, or more than us.

You can use this Quote Form to request more information.

Yes, sometimes. For example, where:

• Your loan is linked to more than one property or another loan.
• A lender requires a personal guarantee.
• The buyer and seller are related.
• The land is vacant, or involves an off-the-plan unit or house-and-land package.
• The transaction is a sub-sale or on-sale.
• Court orders apply (note – we offer a specialised “Family Law Transfers” service).
• There is a caveat that needs to be released/discharged at or prior to settlement
• In the ACT, a paper settlement is required (Access Canberra maintains a list of available and unavailable PEXA transactions).
• You are selling without the intervention of a sales agent.
• The sale is subject to tenancy.
• You wish to allow or take early occupation (that is, prior to settlement).
• In the ACT, applying for a Certificates of Compliance or extension of time to build/develop.
• You have negotiated deferred fee arrangements with relevant report providers (for example, the building report provider, or styling service provider) who require payment at settlement.
• Dealing with discrepancies in names (for example, preparing or witnessing statutory declarations).
• Arranging a title change after death of a joint tenant.
• Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration or preparing transmission applications.
• Situations of urgency other than of our making.
• Solving problems and resolving disputes, such as issuing notice of default, notices to complete or termination notice, advising in relation to rescission, or negotiating for withdrawal of contentious caveats.

This list is not exhaustive. We will let you know if something else arises that is not included.

In the ACT, most residential contracts for sale include a 5 business day cooling-off period. This entitles a buyer to cancel a contract at any time before 5pm on the 5th working day after the date of the contract subject to forfeiture of 0.25% of the Price.

This right does not apply if the buyer is a corporation, the property is sold by tender or at or immediately after an auction.

It is normal practice for an ACT seller to request that this right be waived, and ACT buyers will not usually secure the property unless they agree. In order to waive the right, a buyer must obtain legal advice from a lawyer, who must provide a signed “section 1 7 certificate” to give to the seller.