Victorian Conveyancing Resources 

Australian resident property sellers generally need a valid ATO clearance certificate before settlement. Without one, the buyer may have to withhold 15% of the property value and pay it to the ATO.

Purchasers of new residential premises or potential residential land may need to withhold part of the price at settlement and pay it directly to the ATO. The contract should contain a supplier notification.

Since 1 January 2024, Victorian law has restricted sellers from passing land tax to buyers. For 2026, the prohibition applies to property sold below the indexed threshold of $10.7 million.

Fixtures generally form part of the land and stay with the property, while removable fittings or goods only remain if the contract includes them. Unclear inclusions should be resolved before signing.

Where a contract requires vacant possession, the buyer should receive the property at settlement without occupants and with the seller’s belongings removed, subject to the contract’s terms.

Victorian buyers are commonly advised to arrange building insurance effective from the date the seller signs the contract, rather than waiting until settlement or moving day.

When a sole owner or tenant in common dies, the executor or administrator generally needs authority from the Supreme Court and a transmission step before dealing with the title.

Where Victorian property is held as joint proprietors, the deceased owner’s interest generally passes to the survivor. The title must still be updated through a survivorship application.

A caveat is a notice recorded on a Victorian title by a person claiming a proprietary interest in the land. It can prevent registration of inconsistent dealings and delay settlement.

Vacant land is not automatically ready or suitable for the home a buyer wants to build. Planning controls, title restrictions, services and site conditions must be checked before signing.

The cost of conveyancing in Melbourne is not always easy to compare. One quote may show a single professional fee, while another separates contract review, searches, settlement work and additional charges.

A subject to finance clause can protect a Victorian property buyer if the required loan is not approved, but it is not a general right to walk away. The exact wording, dates and notice requirements matter.

A building or pest inspection condition can give a Victorian buyer an important opportunity to investigate the property before becoming unconditionally bound. However, the protection depends on the wording.

An auction can move quickly, but the legal commitment is immediate. If you are the successful bidder in Victoria, you will usually be required to sign the contract and pay the deposit on the auction terms.

The general conditions in a Victorian Contract of Sale are only part of the agreement. Vendors frequently add special conditions that amend the standard position, impose extra obligations or limit a buyer’s rights.

The final inspection is the buyer’s last practical opportunity to check the property before settlement. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that a buyer is entitled to inspect the property at any reasonable time during the week before settlement.

A settlement date is a contractual deadline, not an estimate. If a buyer or seller cannot settle on time, the consequences depend on the Contract of Sale, the cause of delay and any agreement between the parties.

A property deposit is usually held in trust until settlement, but a Victorian seller may ask for it to be released early under section 27 of the Sale of Land Act 1962. A buyer should not treat the request as routine paperwork.

The amount a buyer pays at settlement is not simply the purchase price minus the deposit. Settlement adjustments apportion certain property income and outgoings between buyer and seller so each party bears the agreed share up to or from the settlement date.

When you buy an apartment, unit or townhouse affected by an owners corporation, you are also taking on shared rules, expenses and building risks. The apartment itself may look excellent while the owners corporation records reveal major works, disputes or rising levies.

From 1 July 2026, conveyancers and other property professionals must verify their clients' identity under Australia's new AML/CTF laws. Here's what these checks involve, what documents you'll need, and why they protect you.

Many buyers assume they can always change their mind after signing a contract. But in Victoria, the "cooling-off period" has strict exceptions—especially if you buy at or near an auction. Here is what you need to know to avoid a costly mistake.

Many property sellers wait too long to engage a conveyancer. In Victoria, early involvement can help prevent delays, reduce legal risk, and ensure your Contract of Sale and Section 32 are ready before your property hits the market.

Settlement day is often seen as the final step in a property transaction, but unresolved issues at this stage can still cause delays, penalty interest, or financial loss. This guide explains the key risks that can arise on settlement day in Victoria and why final settlement checks are critical.

Settlement Day is the high-risk climax of your property journey. Discover the three most common reasons settlements fail at the last minute and how our expert checks protect your deposit and property title.

Purchasing off-the-plan involves a major risk: the Sunset Clause. We break down how this clause can be exploited by developers to cancel your contract and explain the legal steps needed to protect your investment.

The Australian government has announced a major new policy for overseas buyers, causing confusion for many potential investors. This article provides a clear breakdown of the new rules and outlines the types of properties you are still legally able to buy in Victoria.

The Victorian government has announced significant reforms to the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT). This article provides a detailed breakdown of the 2025 regulations, helping property investors understand their impact and prepare accordingly.

A clear, step-by-step guide to buying a home in Victoria—from finance pre-approval and contract/Section 32 review to inspections and PEXA settlement.

Understand the key role of Section 32 in Victorian property transactions.

Learn your rights during the cooling-off period after signing a property contract.

Discover how stamp duty is calculated and when it must be paid.

Find out how a conveyancer helps protect your interests when buying a property.

Explore the key risks buyers should know when purchasing off-the-plan.

A guide to transferring property titles between family members in Victoria.

Understand the process and significance of settlement day in property sales.

Breakdown of major costs you need to budget for when purchasing a home.

Learn about Land Use Victoria's role in title registration and property records.

Why reviewing your contract before signing is critical to a safe property purchase.