Buying a Property in Sydney

Expert Conveyancing Lawyers

Buying a home or investment property is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Along with the excitement comes a maze of contracts, inspections, and obligations that can easily overwhelm even seasoned buyers. At GJA Law, our Sydney conveyancing lawyers guide you step by step, ensuring your interests are protected from the moment you make an offer to the day you pick up the keys.

Why Legal Support Matters When Buying Property

Property purchases in New South Wales are governed by strict legal requirements. Contracts are binding, deadlines are inflexible, and even small oversights can lead to costly outcomes. With an experienced conveyancing team on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that every detail, from the contract review to settlement, is being managed carefully and strategically.

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    Step-by-Step Process for Buying a Property in NSW

    1. Finding and Negotiating

    Once you’ve found the right property, the first step is to reach an agreement on price with the vendor through the agent. Consider recent comparable sales, parking or access issues, noise, and the property’s orientation.

    GJA Property Purchase Information.

    These factors influence value and future resale potential.

    2. Contract Review

    In NSW, contracts for sale of land are standardised but often include special conditions. Typical inclusions are:

    • Title search and deposited/strata plans
    • Zoning certificates from council
    • Sewer drainage diagrams
    • Special conditions from the vendor’s solicitor
      GJA Property Purchase Information  – Link to PDF

    Your lawyer reviews each annexure to confirm there are no hidden surprises—such as easements, restrictions, or compliance issues.

    3. Finance and Inspections

    Building and pest reports, or strata inspections for units, are critical to avoid unpleasant surprises. At the same time, you’ll want written confirmation of finance, since lenders may impose loan-to-value ratios or require mortgage insurance.

    GJA Property Purchase Information – Link to PDF

    4. Cooling-Off Periods

    Most contracts allow a 5-business-day cooling-off period, except at auction. This gives you time to change your mind, though you’ll forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price. Vendors can also request a Section 66W certificate, waiving your right to cool off.

    GJA Property Purchase Information – Link to PDF

    5. Buying at Auction

    Buying at auction is legally binding with no cooling-off period. To succeed, preparation is key:

    • Engage the right agent and set a realistic limit
    • Ensure finance and inspections are completed beforehand
    • Consider staging a bid strategy and be ready to act quickly

    Birdeye 20 tips to go to auction – Link to PDF

    6. Settlement

    Settlement usually occurs six weeks after contracts exchange, though longer periods may be negotiated. At this stage, funds are transferred, the title is updated, and you officially become the registered owner.

    Fixtures, Fittings and Inclusions

    A common source of buyer confusion is what actually stays with the property. Think of it this way: tip the house upside down—whatever falls out is not a fixtureDifference between Fixtures and Fittings – Link to PDF

    • Fixtures: Built-in wardrobes, kitchens, light fittings, heating systems.
    • Fittings/Chattels: Curtains, rugs, free-standing appliances.

    To avoid disputes, all inclusions and exclusions should be listed in the contract.

    Common Buyer Questions

    • What happens if finance falls through? – If contracts are exchanged without finance in place, you risk losing your deposit.
    • Can I renegotiate after exchange? – Only in limited circumstances; pre-exchange is the safest time.
    • What is gazumping? – When another buyer exchanges before you, even after your offer has been accepted
      GJA Property Purchase Informati…

    Why Choose GJA Law for Buying Property

    • Over 30 years of conveyancing experience in Sydney and NSW.
    • Personal guidance from contract review to settlement.
    • Transparent fees with no hidden extras.
    • Local knowledge of Neutral Bay and surrounding suburbs.