Property & Conveyancing

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make — and the paperwork shouldn't be the part that keeps you up at night. We review the contract before you sign, explain it in plain English, and guide you all the way through to settlement. No jargon, no surprises, no pressure.

How we help with property & conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of property from one person to another. In Victoria, that involves checking the contract of sale and Section 32 statement, making sure the title is clear, calculating duty and adjustments, and managing the exchange of money and title on settlement day. Done well, it's quiet and uneventful — which is exactly the point.

We act for buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property, including first-home buyers, investors, off-the-plan purchasers and those selling the family home. Because we're a law firm and not a standalone conveyancing service, we can also handle the things that fall outside a routine transfer — a dispute over the deposit, a defect found before settlement, a co-ownership arrangement, or a contract that needs special conditions. Whatever comes up, you have a lawyer in your corner, not just someone processing forms.

Pasha Legal — property and conveyancing advice in Melbourne

What we can help with

From first inspection to settlement day.

Practical, plain-English help across every stage of a property transaction in Victoria.

Reviewing the contract before you sign

We read the contract of sale and Section 32 closely, flag anything that could cost you later, and explain your obligations before you commit — not after.

The Section 32 vendor statement

A Section 32 is the seller's disclosure document. We check it discloses everything the law requires, and tell you what it means for the property you're buying.

Buying & selling — residential and commercial

Houses, units, land and commercial premises. We prepare or review the contract, negotiate special conditions, and act for you through to completion.

Off-the-plan purchases

Off-the-plan contracts carry their own risks — long settlement dates, sunset clauses and variation rights. We explain what you're agreeing to and protect your position.

Cooling-off & deposits

We advise on whether a cooling-off period applies, how to exercise it correctly, and what happens to your deposit if you proceed — or if you need to walk away.

Settlement & transfers

We handle the adjustments, liaise with your lender and the other side, lodge the transfer through PEXA, and make sure title changes hands cleanly on the day.

A few terms, in plain English

What is a Section 32? Under section 32 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic), a seller must give the buyer a written statement before any contract is signed. This "vendor statement" must disclose key facts about the property — the title, any mortgages or covenants, easements, planning and zoning information, rates and outgoings, owners corporation details, and any notices affecting the land. If the Section 32 is inaccurate or leaves something out, a buyer may, in some circumstances, be entitled to end the contract. Having a lawyer review it is the single best way to avoid an unwelcome surprise after you've bought.

Why review the contract before signing? Once you sign a contract of sale, you are generally bound by it. Special conditions, settlement dates, finance and building-inspection clauses, deposit terms and penalty interest are all set at that moment. Reviewing the contract first means we can negotiate fairer terms, add the protections you need (such as a "subject to finance" condition), and make sure the document actually reflects what you agreed at the auction or in negotiations.

Cooling-off. When you buy residential or small rural property in Victoria by private sale, you usually have a three-business-day cooling-off period after signing, during which you can end the contract for a small penalty (the greater of $100 or 0.2% of the purchase price). Important exceptions apply — cooling-off generally does not apply to property bought at, or within three clear business days of, a publicly advertised auction. We'll tell you whether the right is available to you and how to use it properly.

The settlement process. Settlement is the day ownership and money change hands. Between signing and settlement, we examine the title, order the necessary certificates, calculate the duty payable and adjust rates and outgoings between buyer and seller, and coordinate with your bank. Most Victorian settlements now happen electronically through PEXA, so funds transfer and the transfer of land lodges with Land Use Victoria automatically. When it's done, you get the keys.

How it works

Three simple steps, start to settlement.

Initial consultation

Send us the contract and Section 32, or just tell us about the property you're buying or selling. We'll talk through your situation and timing — with no obligation.

Clear plan & costs

We review the documents, explain anything that needs your attention, and give you a clear, fixed quote up front. You'll know exactly what we'll do and what it costs before any work begins.

We act for you

We handle the contract, the adjustments and the lender liaison, and steer the matter through to a smooth settlement — keeping you informed in plain English the whole way.

Common questions

Property & conveyancing, answered.

General information about buying and selling property in Victoria. It isn't legal advice — for guidance on your own transaction, please get in touch.

Should I have the contract reviewed before I sign or bid at auction?

Yes — ideally before you bid or sign anything. Once you're under contract, the terms are largely locked in, and at auction there is usually no cooling-off period at all. Having us review the contract of sale and Section 32 beforehand lets us flag risks, negotiate special conditions and make sure you understand exactly what you're committing to. It's a small step that can save a great deal of stress and money.

What exactly is a Section 32 statement?

It's the seller's mandatory disclosure document under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic), given to the buyer before the contract is signed. It sets out important details about the property — title and ownership, mortgages, covenants and easements, planning and zoning, rates and other outgoings, owners corporation information, and any government notices affecting the land. We check it discloses everything required and explain what each part means for you.

Do I get a cooling-off period?

For most residential and small rural properties bought by private sale in Victoria, there's a three-business-day cooling-off period after you sign, during which you can end the contract for a small penalty (the greater of $100 or 0.2% of the price). However, cooling-off does not apply in several situations — most notably when you buy at, or within three clear business days of, a publicly advertised auction, or where you've received independent legal advice and signed a waiver. We'll confirm whether it applies to you.

How long does settlement take?

The settlement period is whatever the contract specifies — commonly 30, 60 or 90 days for established homes, and often much longer for off-the-plan purchases. In between, we examine the title, order certificates, calculate stamp duty and adjust rates and outgoings, and coordinate with your lender. Most settlements now complete electronically through PEXA on the agreed date.

What costs are involved beyond the purchase price?

Aside from the price, a buyer usually pays land transfer duty (stamp duty), title search and registration fees, adjustments for council and water rates and owners corporation fees, and our professional fees. First-home buyers and certain other purchasers may be eligible for duty concessions or exemptions. We'll give you a clear estimate of the likely costs at the start so there are no surprises at settlement.

What's different about an off-the-plan purchase?

With off-the-plan, you're buying a property that isn't built yet, so the contract is longer and carries extra risks — extended settlement dates, sunset clauses that can allow either party to end the contract if the development isn't completed in time, and rights for the developer to make certain variations. Duty may also be calculated differently. We read these contracts carefully and explain exactly what you're agreeing to before you sign.

Talk to us about your property & conveyancing matter.

Send us the contract and Section 32, or just tell us about the property — we'll review it and explain your options clearly. Your first consultation is completely confidential.

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