Buying a Property in Victoria: A Step-by-Step Guide

I’m looking to buy a property. What should I do first?

As soon as you have found a property you’re interested in, ask the agent for a copy of the Contract of Sale and Section 32 (Vendor Statement) and send them to us for review.

We strongly recommend having the contract reviewed before you sign anything, as it is a legally binding document.

What is “due diligence” when buying a property?

Due diligence means taking reasonable steps before you commit to a purchase to make sure you understand the property and any associated risks.

This can include reviewing the contract, inspecting the property carefully, and making relevant enquiries so there are no surprises after you buy.

What sort of things should I check before buying?

Depending on the property, due diligence may include:

• Reviewing the Contract of Sale and Section 32
• Conducting a thorough property inspection
• Arranging building and pest inspections
• Making enquiries about planning, zoning or restrictions
• Checking whether there are Owners Corporation fees or rules (if applicable)

Not every check is required for every property, but it’s important to understand what applies to your situation.

When should due diligence be carried out?

Ideally, due diligence should be completed before signing the contract or within any conditional period specified in the contract.

We recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can:

• Review the contract before you sign
• Help you understand your timeframes
• Make sure you don’t miss important deadlines

Where can I find more information about buyer due diligence?

Consumer Affairs Victoria provides detailed guidance for purchasers, including what to look out for when inspecting a property and the types of checks you may wish to consider before buying.

You can access their resources here:

👉 https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/buying-and-selling-property/buying-property

We encourage buyers, especially first home buyers, to review this information as part of their preparation.

What does a contract review involve?

We carefully review the contract and Section 32 to identify:

• Any legal risks or unusual conditions
• Important deadlines
• Whether amendments or protections should be requested

We then provide you with clear advice so you can make an informed decision before signing.

How long does a contract review take?

• Standard review: within 3 business days
• Urgent review: within 1 business day (additional fee applies)

Can you help me make an offer?

Yes. We can:

• Help you structure your offer
• Provide a template offer email
• Liaise with the agent or the vendor’s lawyer if any contract changes are needed

My offer has been accepted. What happens next?

Once the contract is signed:

• Send us the fully signed contract (or authorise us to obtain it from the agent)
• We will open your file and send you our initial paperwork
• You’ll complete a Client Authorisation Form , Purchaser’s Checklist , and a Verification of Identity (VOI)

From there, we take care of the conveyancing process through to settlement.

How much will it cost me?

We will provide you with a clear fee estimate at the outset so you know what to expect.

Your overall costs when buying typically include:

• Legal/conveyancing fees
• Disbursements (such as searches and registration fees)
• Stamp duty (if applicable)

We’re always happy to explain costs upfront and answer any questions.

What happens between signing and settlement?

We handle all legal work during this period, including:

• Preparing and managing required documents
• Coordinating with your lender or broker
• Preparing adjustments for rates and outgoings
• Arranging electronic settlement via PEXA

About two weeks before settlement, you’ll also be asked to review and sign the Duties Online form.

Can you help with first home buyer concessions?

Yes. We will prepare the Duties Online form for you and assist with applying any stamp duty concessions or exemptions you may be eligible for as a first home buyer.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can explain how the process works and what information is required.

Do I need to attend settlement?

No. Settlement is completed electronically. You just need to be contactable on the day in case we need to reach you.

We will confirm once settlement has successfully gone through.

When do I get the keys?

Once settlement is complete, you can collect the keys from the agent, usually the same day.

Can you help if something goes wrong before settlement?

Absolutely. If issues arise (for example, problems identified at the pre‑settlement inspection), contact us immediately and we will assist in resolving them before settlement if possible.