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Buying a property, wether it is an apartment or a house, is pretty daunting.
"Deciding to buy" will get you prepared with valuable information on financial
and legal matters.


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How to choose a legal representative



By Patrick Bright, a buyers’ agent and author of several property books, including; "The Insider’s Guide to Buying Real Estate".

The role of a solicitor or licensed conveyancer is to take responsibility, not only for completion of the conveyancing process, but also for providing legal advice. Good legal advice is advice provided before problems arise.

It’s best to prevent problems arising – however, if they do be sure your solicitor is experienced enough to sort them out.


I would recommend that a significant part of your solicitor’s business is property conveyancing, that they are experienced in conveyancing and that they will be available to assist you. I would look for a solicitor who works close to your home or place of work, as you may need to visit their office.

If you are buying the property in a different state or territory to the one you live in, I suggest you seek out a solicitor in that state as there are different laws in each state and you want to select a solicitor that is across them.

Suggested questions to ask a prospective legal representative you are considering to act for you:

  • Is a significant part of your business property related?
  • Do you have current professional indemnity insurance cover? (All should have this, but it is good to ask)
  • What are your fees and what does that cover?
  • Who will be my point of contact?
  • Who can I speak with if you are unavailable?

Finding a Property Conveyancer


There are several ways to locate a solicitor who does property conveyancing. word of mouth from friends, family, bank managers or co-workers.

Check out the website of your local law society:
NSW
www.lawsociety.com.au
QLD
www.qls.com.au
WA
www.lawsocietywa.asn.au
VIC
www.liv.asn.au
SA
www.lawsocietysa.asn.au

Also search for specialists in ‘property law’ in your local area. Submit a form on www.lawmatch.com.au and they will find you a lawyer to suit your needs.

  
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