Conveyancing & Property Law
Buying or selling property is a significant milestone. It’s essential to have trusted legal guidance to help you navigate the process and protect your interests at every stage.
Our conveyancing services are managed by experienced lawyers, some with over 40 years’ experience in Victorian property law. We assist a wide range of clients, including first home buyers, developers, real estate agents, banks, mortgage brokers and surveyors, offering practical advice and clear communication throughout.
✓ Conveyancing matters handled by qualified lawyers, not just conveyancers
✓ Over 40 years of combined experience in Victorian property law
✓ Clear, timely advice tailored to your specific situation
✓ Trusted by first home buyers, developers, agents and financial institutions
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Local knowledge backed by decades of working in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
✓ Prompt communication and dedicated support from start to settlement
Property & Conveyancing Legal Services
Residential and commercial sales and purchases
We guide clients through every step of buying or selling residential or commercial property to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction.
Mortgages and refinancing
We review and manage the legal aspects of mortgages and refinancing to help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected liabilities.
Strata, rural and vacant land sales, and purchases
Our team handles the unique legal requirements involved in strata properties, rural holdings, and vacant land deals.
Leases
We prepare, review, and negotiate residential and commercial lease agreements to protect your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Auction purchases and sales
We provide pre-auction contract reviews and expert legal support to protect your interests in auction property transactions.
First home owners, including assistance with First Home Owners Grant
We support first home buyers throughout the process and assist with applications for the First Home Owners Grant.
Off-the-plan purchases
We advise on off-the-plan contracts and assist with the legal complexities of purchasing property before construction is complete.
Property Subdivisions
We handle the legal steps involved in subdividing land, including liaising with surveyors, councils, and the titles office.
Our conveyancing services are fixed-fee based, so there are no hidden charges. Our office is located in Lilydale, Victoria, and we can communicate by email, phone, and post so that you do not need to attend our office in person. However, if you would like to come into the office, you are more than welcome to between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. For a free quote or to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced property lawyer, contact us today.
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal work needed to transfer ownership of real estate from one party to another. It covers far more than signing a contract: solicitors must verify title, review mortgages, caveats, covenants and easements, confirm zoning and council requirements, and ensure the correct form of tenancy is registered.
Every property carries its own set of obligations; strata by-laws, rural water rights, off-the-plan timelines—so conveyancing demands careful, methodical attention. By managing the paperwork, deadlines and negotiations, our team ensures your sale or purchase is completed smoothly, on time, and fully compliant with Victorian property law.
The Conveyancing Process: Step by Step
1. Preparing the Contract of Sale
The process usually begins with the seller (vendor) preparing a Contract of Sale. This document includes:
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The property’s address and title details
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The agreed settlement period
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Inclusions or exclusions (such as fixtures or appliances)
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Any special conditions specific to the sale
4. Pre-Settlement Period
There is a fixed period between signing the contract and the final settlement. During this time:
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The purchaser finalises their loan, pays stamp duty, arranges insurance, and conducts final checks
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The seller organises discharge of any existing mortgage and prepares to vacate the property
7. Post-Settlement
After settlement, the new owner is registered on the title, and relevant government agencies are notified of the change in ownership.
2. Legal Review and Due Diligence
Before signing anything, the purchaser should:
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Obtain legal advice
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Review the contract in detail
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Arrange building and pest inspections
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Begin organising finance or a mortgage
5. Adjustments
Before settlement, both parties agree on adjustments to the purchase price. These cover shared costs such as council rates, water charges, and other applicable fees.
3. Signing the Contract
Both parties sign the contract. Depending on the circumstances, the agreement may become legally binding at this point. Some contracts allow for a cooling-off period or conditional clauses, so it’s vital to understand your rights before signing.
6. Settlement Day
On settlement day, all funds and documents are exchanged.
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The purchaser (or their bank) provides the required payment
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The seller (or their bank) provides the property title and releases the mortgage
Once everything is completed, keys are handed over and the property is officially settled.
For more information on property and conveyancing in Victoria, you may find the following resources useful.
The Property Council of Australia and the Australian Institute of Conveyancers offer industry insights and standards.
If you're a first home buyer, visit the First Home Owner Grant page for eligibility details. The Office of State Revenue and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action also provide key information on property ownership, duties and land use.
For general guidance, Consumer Affairs Victoria is a trusted source. You can also plan ahead with tools like the Land Transfer (Stamp Duty) Calculator and Mortgage Repayment Calculator.
First Home Buyers Guide
Buying your first home?
Taking the first step onto the property ladder can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin, what should you watch out for, and who can you trust to guide you through it? At Williams & Lay Lawyers, we’ve helped countless first home buyers navigate the process with confidence.
Whether you're eyeing a house, apartment or unit, we offer a no-obligation chat to help you understand your next steps. Buying your first home doesn’t have to be confusing. Let’s make it simple.
Buying a House (Torrens Title)
You’re purchasing the land and the home (usually under a Torrens title).
You’re responsible for the property boundary, structure, and all maintenance. You’ll need to check for easements, covenants, and zoning restrictions. Building and pest inspections are strongly recommended before signing.
Buying a Unit or Apartment (Strata Title)
You own the interior of the apartment, while common areas (e.g. foyers, lifts, gardens) are shared and maintained by an owners’ corporation.
You’ll pay quarterly strata levies for shared maintenance.
You’re also bound by strata by-laws (e.g. pet policies, renovations, noise).
Buying at Auction
There is no cooling-off period—you’re legally bound once the hammer falls. All due diligence (including building inspections and contract reviews) must be done before auction day. You’ll need to have your deposit ready to pay on the spot if successful.