Choosing a legal professional

Choosing the right conveyancer or solicitor

An important part of buying or building a home is choosing a professional such as the right conveyancer or solicitor to help with the legalities. When buying a home, it is wise to employ the services of a legal professional to help you. Although you can choose to do it yourself if you wish, you need to decide if taking the risks involved in doing your own legal work outweighs the cost of hiring either a solicitor or a conveyancer. Remember, if you do it yourself, any mistakes you make will come out of your pocket.

If you decide to use a solicitor or conveyancer, make sure you have a clear understanding of what their fees will be and what their services include. Beware of hidden costs such as photocopying and phone calls. Also, make sure that your solicitor is covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance. This means that if a mistake is made on the part of the solicitor, you may be able to seek compensation.

• Prepare or review the Contract of Sale
• Organise a title search to ensure that it is the right of the vendor to sell the property and to discharge any mortgage(s)
• Check if there are any encumbrances or caveats on the title and what they may mean to you before buying the property
• Complete the conveyance on the property
• Protect your interests during the sale/purchase process
• Calculate adjustments for taxes, council and water rates
• Arrange, attend and complete settlement of your purchase

Contact the Law Society in your State/Territory if you’re looking for a solicitor. Or if you’re looking for a conveyancer, call the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.