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Conveyancing & Property Law

Real estate is a sizeable investment, so it is essential that when buying or selling property you are guided by professionals and can make informed decisions throughout the entire process.

Our conveyancing services are offered at competitive rates, and we deliver them through a highly qualified and experienced team. We provide conveyancing and property law services in New South Wales and Victoria and have helped many clients with a range of property transactions including:

  • Conveyancing for residential, rural, and commercial properties
  • Preparing and reviewing contracts for the sale or purchase of land
  • Property settlements and negotiations
  • Commercial and retail leasing
  • Auctions and off-the-plan sales and purchases
  • Assistance for first home-owner grants / duty exemptions and concessions
  • Property transfers
  • Mortgages, refinancing, and property deposit bonds
  • Property development and subdivision

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the transfer of legal title in property from one party to another. Typically, the process moves quickly, and conveyancing is often considered a ‘routine’ process. However, there are numerous steps involved from accepting a buyer’s offer to the final completion of a conveyancing transaction and transfer of title from the seller to the purchaser.

Signing a contract to buy or sell property creates binding obligations between the parties, making the penalties for default under a contract significant and placing much at stake. It is important to be guided by professionals and to always understand the legal implications of your decisions. Contact Skinner & Associates for comprehensive advice.

Selling a residential property

Selling your home can be stressful, especially if you are relying on the sale to purchase another property. Much needs to be considered – from preparing a compliant contract that includes all prescribed documentation that is also tailored to your circumstances; negotiating with proposed buyers; and liaising with your lender to discharge any mortgage over the property; to settling your sale on the required completion date. While the legal implications are considered, there is also a myriad of practical matters to attend to such as getting ready to move, disconnecting and reconnecting services.

Buying a residential property

Purchasing a property involves a significant financial commitment. Purchasers need all the information necessary to make an informed decision to ensure that the investment is right for them. Although the law requires a vendor to disclose certain information to a prospective purchaser, there are certain matters that are your own responsibility to research.

We will recommend a range of due diligence searches and enquiries to undertake at various stages of the purchasing process to help protect your interests. We will also explain your rights and obligations under the contract, including any cooling-off rights and rights to rescind. Once you are happy to proceed with your purchase and you enter a binding contract, we will help you navigate the process to ensure as smooth a transaction as possible.

Commercial and retail leases

A commercial lease sets out the terms and conditions through which a tenant (lessee) may occupy the commercial or retail premises owned by a landlord (lessor) to run its business. Commercial leasing disputes may arise because of poorly drafted lease provisions, cashflow problems of the lessee, or a failure for both parties to properly understand their rights and obligations.

Retail leases are commercial leases that are regulated by specific legislation aimed at protecting lessees by stipulating specific requirements and limiting certain provisions that may be deemed unreasonable for a lessee. The legislation typically applies to premises within shopping centres or that are used wholly or predominantly for conducting a retail business. A retail leasing arrangement must comply with these laws and regulations which also oblige the lessor to fulfil specific disclosure obligations throughout the negotiations.

Our experienced solicitors can provide lessors and lessees alike with advice before entering their lease agreement.  We ensure that the terms of the agreement are clearly set out, and all parties understand their rights and responsibilities to minimize disputes between both parties.

Property development and subdivisions

Property development usually concerns the improvement of land for profit. Whether your project involves the subdivision of one lot into two, or multiple lots for a complex development, there are many legal and financial matters to consider.

Property development is governed by legislation, regulations, planning schemes and policies administered by local councils and other government bodies. It is important to understand the overlap of the relevant laws, and the processes required to achieve the proposed objectives and minimise costly mistakes.

In collaboration with our team and other professionals, we can check off due diligence matters, liaise with relevant authorities, and prepare and explain titling and legal concepts for you in understandable terms to minimise mistakes, and ensure cost-effective developments and subdivisions on your property.

We understand the needs of buyers and sellers and have extensive experience in all types of property projects – from individual conveyancing transactions, family transfers, off-the-plan purchases, to large residential and commercial developments. Our clients include first home buyers, homeowners, investors, property developers, real estate agents, banks, mortgage brokers and surveyors.

If you need assistance, contact one of our lawyers at [email protected] or call (02) 6058 0000 for expert legal advice.