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The Role of a Conveyancer: What they do and why you need one

The Necessity of Legal Assistance in Real Estate Transactions

Australians regularly purchase several types of property without legal assistance, whether groceries, clothing, or other everyday items. However, mandatory forms and government registration become necessary as purchases become more regulated—such as with cars or motorhomes.

When it comes to real property, such as land, houses, units, and apartments, the complexity significantly increases. There is substantial legal paperwork and an array of state and federal laws to comply with. Failing to meet these legal obligations during a conveyancing transaction can result in severe financial repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to enlist the services of an experienced conveyancer or property lawyer to manage the transfer of ownership on your behalf.

Let's delve deeper into the role of your licensed conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor when buying a property.

Failing to meet your legal obligations during a conveyancing transaction can have significant financial consequences. This is why it’s essential to engage an experienced conveyancer or solicitor to handle the transfer of ownership on your behalf.

The property purchase agreement is formalized in a contract between you and the seller. This contract includes strict time frames for the completion of various tasks and critical dates, such as:

  • Payment of the deposit
  • Satisfaction of key conditions, such as finance approval and building inspections
  • Preparation of legal paperwork for co-signing by the seller
  • Payment of the balance of funds at settlement

 

It is crucial to adhere to these time frames, as failure to do so can result in penalty interest and legal costs for breaches such as missing the deposit due date. Serious breaches of the contract can lead to even more severe risks.

A Step-by-Step Guide For Conveyancing Process

The conveyancing process can vary depending on the circumstances of the transaction, but here are the main steps involved:

  1. Contract Preparation – The conveyancer prepares the legal contract to sell the property.
  2. Property Inspections – The buyer conducts inspections of the property to ensure that it is in good condition and meets its requirements.
  3. Liaising with Buyer and Preparing for Settlement – The conveyancer liaises with the buyer to ensure that all legal requirements are met and prepares for settlement.

What Does a Conveyancer Do When Selling a property?

When selling a property, a conveyancer ensures that all legal aspects of the transaction are completed accurately. Here are some critical steps a conveyancer will take:

Contract Preparation

One of the essential tasks for a conveyancer when selling a property is preparing the contract of sale. The conveyancer must ensure the contract is accurate to avoid disputes or legal action. Mistakes or omissions can lead to the buyer challenging the agreement or seeking a reduced price. For example, if the contract does not correctly reflect the agreed sale price, the buyer may dispute the agreement and negotiate a lower price.

Property Inspections

Arranging for a property inspection is another key task performed by the conveyancer. The inspection identifies any issues or defects with the property that may need attention before the sale can proceed. For instance, if the inspection reveals a significant structural problem not previously disclosed, the buyer may cancel the sale or request compensation for repair costs.

Liaising with the Buyer and Preparing for Settlement

A conveyancer also liaises with the buyer’s conveyancer and prepares for settlement. This involves coordinating the transfer of funds, arranging for the property to be vacated by the seller, and ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and signed. Failure to prepare for settlement properly can result in delays or even cancellation of the sale. For example, if the conveyancer does not secure the required documents or clearances, the buyer may be unable to take possession of the property on the agreed date.

What Does a Conveyancer Do When Buying a property?

A conveyancer protects the buyer’s interests throughout the transaction when buying a property. Here are some key steps a conveyancer will take:

Preparing All the Legal Documents

One of the most critical roles of a conveyancer is preparing legal documents, including contracts of sale, transfer of land documents, and mortgage documents. These documents need to be corrected to avoid delays or result in the sale falling through. For example, if the transfer of land document has errors or needs to be completed, the Land Registry may not register the transfer of ownership, preventing the buyer from owning the property.

Property Inspections

Conveyancers arrange property inspections to identify defects or issues the buyer may have yet to be aware of, focusing on structural problems. This is crucial because matters missed could result in the buyer owning a property with significant, expensive problems. For instance, if an inspection fails to identify structural issues, the buyer could have unsafe or uninhabitable property.

Reviewing Vendor’s Statement

The Vendor’s Statement outlines essential information about the property being sold. The conveyancer must thoroughly review it to identify any issues or discrepancies that could cause problems later. For example, if the seller fails to disclose a planning restriction, the buyer may purchase a property that cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Mortgage and Legal Advice

Conveyancers advise on matters such as mortgages and stamp duty. With this advice, buyers may avoid unexpected legal issues or be able to afford the property. For example, not advising the buyer on the legal implications of a mortgage product could result in unfavorable terms or an unaffordable mortgage.

Financial Matters and Settlements

Finally, conveyancers ensure that all financial matters related to the purchase are handled correctly, including settling the purchase price and any other associated costs. Please do so to avoid significant delays or put your sale at risk. For example, if the conveyancer does not ensure timely payment of the purchase price, the seller may terminate the contract and sell the property to someone else.

The Importance of Hiring the Right Conveyancing Lawyer

While saving money by handling the conveyancing process yourself may be tempting, there are several compelling reasons to hire a professional conveyancer instead.

A skilled and experienced conveyancer can provide invaluable advice and support throughout the process, helping to ensure that all legal requirements are met, and the transaction runs smoothly.

When choosing a conveyancer, looking for someone with a track record of success in the field, effective communication skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality service is essential.

It is also a good idea to seek out local conveyancers familiar with the local property market and can provide tailored advice based on their experience.

Working with a Kingsford Lawyers conveyancer can help to reduce the risk of mistakes and delays in the property transaction process, saving time, money, and stress in the long run. Contact us to find out how we can help by calling 1300 244 342 or by email at admin@kingsfordlawyers.com.au.

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