Residential conveyancing
Purchase and sale of houses, apartments, townhouses and vacant residential land. We handle Form 1 vendor statements, cooling-off periods and PEXA electronic settlements throughout South Australia.
From first conversation to final settlement
1
Initial consultation
We sit down — in person or via video — and listen to the full picture. Whether you are purchasing your first home, subdividing land, or dealing with a boundary dispute, we map out the legal landscape so nothing catches you off guard. There is no charge for this first meeting.
2
Document review and due diligence
We examine contracts of sale, section 7 statements, certificates of title, easement plans, and any relevant council or planning documents. If something looks wrong, we flag it immediately and explain what it means in practical terms.
3
Negotiation and amendment
Contracts rarely arrive in perfect shape. We negotiate special conditions, sunset clauses, finance terms and vendor warranties on your behalf, keeping your interests front and centre while maintaining a workable relationship with the other side.
4
Settlement coordination
We liaise with banks, real-estate agents, the Lands Titles Office and the opposing solicitor to ensure settlement runs smoothly. You receive a clear breakdown of all adjustment figures — council rates, water, strata levies — before the day arrives.
5
Post-settlement support
After keys change hands, we confirm registration of the new title, verify discharge of any existing mortgages and send you a complete file of every document for your records. We remain available if questions arise down the track.
Practice areas
Our team handles the full spectrum of property-related legal work across South Australia.
Commercial leasing
Drafting and reviewing retail and commercial lease agreements, rent review mechanisms, make-good obligations and assignment or sub-lease arrangements for landlords and tenants alike.
Off-the-plan purchases
Reviewing disclosure statements, sunset clause protections and staged payment structures for buyers entering contracts on properties yet to be built, including community title developments.
Property disputes
Boundary disagreements, encroachment claims, easement access issues and failed settlement disputes. We aim to resolve matters through negotiation before escalating to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal or court.
Subdivision and development
Land division applications, community title scheme creation, planning consent conditions, infrastructure agreements and council compliance for residential and mixed-use developments.
Estate and succession planning
Transferring property into family trusts, structuring ownership for tax efficiency, preparing wills that account for real-estate assets, and advising on capital gains tax implications of inherited property.
Common questions about property law
What is a section 7 statement and why does it matter?
Under the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994, a vendor must provide a Form 1 vendor statement that includes a section 7 search. This search reveals encumbrances, easements, caveats, zoning information and any notices affecting the property. Without reviewing it carefully, a buyer may inherit problems — such as unapproved structures or heritage restrictions — that are expensive to resolve after settlement.
How long does residential conveyancing usually take?
A standard residential settlement in South Australia takes between 30 and 60 days from exchange of contracts. The exact timeline depends on finance approval, building inspections, and whether any special conditions need to be satisfied. Off-the-plan purchases can extend significantly — sometimes 12 to 24 months — depending on the construction schedule.
Do I need a solicitor if I already have a conveyancer?
Licensed conveyancers can handle straightforward transfers, but they cannot provide legal advice, represent you in court, or deal with complex matters like disputed contracts, trust structures or development agreements. If your transaction involves any unusual conditions or potential conflict, a solicitor offers broader protection.
What costs should I expect beyond the purchase price?
Buyers in South Australia should budget for stamp duty (transfer duty), Lands Titles Office registration fees, search fees, mortgage registration costs, building and pest inspection fees, and legal or conveyancing fees. First-home buyers may be eligible for stamp duty concessions or the First Home Owner Grant, which we help you assess during the initial consultation.
Can you help with a property I am purchasing interstate?
Our primary practice covers South Australian property law. However, we maintain referral relationships with trusted firms in every other state and territory. If you are buying interstate, we can coordinate with local counsel to ensure consistent advice and a smooth experience.
Get in touch
Whether you have a contract in hand or are simply thinking ahead, we are happy to have a no-obligation conversation about your property situation.
