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Settlement day is meant to be the exciting final step in a property transaction. For buyers, it means finally receiving the keys to a new home or investment property. For sellers, it means receiving sale funds and moving forward with future plans. But when settlement is delayed, the situation can quickly become stressful and confusing. One of the biggest questions buyers and sellers ask is: “Am I entitled to compensation if settlement is delayed?” At SL Conveyancing, we regul

A Simple First Home Buyer Checklist for Australians Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are many moving parts involved in purchasing property, and first-home buyers are often surprised by how much preparation is required before making an offer. From organising finance and reviewing contracts to understanding settlement and budgeting for extra costs, there are many important steps buyers should complete before purchasing property. At SL

Buying or selling property is exciting, but it can also become stressful when settlement delays occur unexpectedly. Many buyers and sellers assume settlement day will simply arrive, paperwork will be completed, and the keys will be handed over without problems. Unfortunately, property settlements do not always go according to plan. At SL Conveyancing, one of the most common questions we hear is: Why has my settlement been delayed? Can settlement be postponed?” Who is responsi

Thinking About Buying Your First Property? Buying your first property is one of the biggest financial decisions most Australians will ever make. For many people, the process feels exciting but also intimidating. Property purchases involve large financial commitments, legal contracts, strict deadlines, and important decisions that can affect your future for many years. First-home buyers often feel overwhelmed by: Rising property prices Finance requirements Deposits Legal paper

When buying or selling property in Australia, one of the biggest decisions is whether the property will be sold through auction or private sale. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and each creates a very different experience for buyers and sellers. Some people enjoy the excitement and speed of auctions, while others prefer the privacy and flexibility of private negotiations. At SL Conveyancing, we help buyers and sellers navigate both sales methods and understand

One of the biggest challenges buyers face is understanding whether a property is fairly priced. With rising property prices, changing market conditions, and emotional competition between buyers, it can be difficult to know what a home is actually worth. Many buyers rely heavily on the advertised price guide, but the reality is that a property’s true value is influenced by many different factors. At SL Conveyancing, we often assist buyers who want greater confidence before mak

Should You Choose an Online or Local Conveyancer? When buying or selling property, one of the first decisions many people make is choosing a conveyancer. Today, buyers and sellers often see advertisements for cheap online conveyancing services promising fast digital settlements and low fees. At the same time, many people still prefer working with a trusted local conveyancer who understands the area and offers more personalised support. If you are buying or selling property in

What Happens During Property Settlement? For many first home buyers, settlement is one of the most confusing parts of the buying process. After weeks or months of searching for property, organising finance, negotiating contracts, and preparing paperwork, buyers often ask: “What actually happens on settlement day?” Settlement is the final legal step in purchasing property. This is when ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. At SL Conveyancing, we regularl

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether you are purchasing your first home, upgrading, investing, or selling property, choosing the right conveyancer can make a significant difference to your experience. Many buyers and sellers across Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland search online for: “Best conveyancer near me” “Local conveyancer Northern NSW” “Conveyancer Gold Coast” “Best conveyancing services

If you’ve been searching for property recently, you may have experienced the frustration of finding a home within your budget, only to discover it sold for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars above the advertised price. This situation has become increasingly common across Australia and has left many buyers confused, discouraged, and unsure about how the property market really works. At SL Conveyancing, we regularly speak with buyers who ask questions like: “Why was

Building and pest inspections are not just recommended they are essential. Changes in consumer protection and building regulation mean buyers must be more proactive than ever. NSW Building Oversight In NSW, oversight sits with NSW Fair Trading. Stronger defect reporting and developer accountability measures have increased transparency, particularly in strata buildings. However, responsibility for inspection still rests with the buyer. Queensland Building Regulation In QLD, bu

Property purchases can go wrong quickly when legal details are overlooked. Here are five common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Not Reviewing the Contract Before Signing In NSW, contracts fall under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In QLD, they operate under the Property Law Act 1974. Once signed, you are legally bound. Solution: Always seek legal review before signing. 2. Missing Finance Deadlines Finance clauses are time-sensitive. Failure to notify within the deadline may voi

Buying property now involves more than signing contracts and arranging finance. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is a critical part of the process. These checks are not optional they are required under Australian law. The Legal Basis for AML Checks AML requirements are governed by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 and monitored by AUSTRAC. These laws aim to prevent: Criminal funds entering the property market Identity fraud Terrorism fin

When buying property in NSW or Queensland, the contract is everything. Once you sign, you are legally bound and many buyers don’t realise how strict those obligations are. Understanding contract conditions before signing can save you thousands of dollars and significant stress. The Legal Framework Behind Property Contracts In NSW, property contracts operate under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In Queensland, they fall under the Property Law Act 1974. Although both states regulate

Buying your first home is exciting but it’s also legally binding. Understanding the Legal Framework In NSW, contracts fall under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In Queensland, they are governed by the Property Law Act 1974. Cooling-off rights differ significantly between states. Extended First-Time Buyer Checklist Written finance approval Clear understanding of cooling-off period Review of fixtures and inclusions Building & pest inspection completion Zoning & planning review Ease

Easter is the perfect time to pause, recharge and enjoy a well earned break with family and friends. Whether you’re heading interstate, visiting loved ones, or escaping for a long weekend getaway, the last thing you want is to spend your holiday worrying about what’s happening back home. Creating a simple Easter vacation checklist before you leave can give you peace of mind and help prevent unnecessary stress, damage, or unexpected surprises. A little preparation goes a long

Land tax is an annual cost that primarily affects investors , developers, and multi property owners. NSW Land Tax Framework Under the Land Tax Act 1956 , administered by Revenue NSW, land tax is payable once taxable land value exceeds the annual threshold. Land tax is calculated on unimproved land value not purchase price which can surprise new investors. Queensland Land Tax Rules Queensland land tax operates under the Land Tax Act 2010 , managed by the Queensland Revenue Off

Stamp duty (transfer duty in Queensland) is one of the largest upfront costs in property transactions. Planning for it correctly can prevent financial strain at settlement. NSW Stamp Duty Concessions In NSW, stamp duty is administered by Revenue NSW under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme. Eligible first home buyers may receive exemptions or reduced rates depending on property value thresholds. However, strict conditions apply: The buyer must move into the property wi

If you’re buying or selling property in New South Wales in 2026, staying informed about legal changes isn’t just helpful it’s essential. Property transactions involve significant financial commitments, and even small updates to legislation can impact contracts, disclosure obligations, and settlement timelines. Stronger Contract Disclosure Requirements Under the Conveyancing Act 1919 , sellers are legally required to attach prescribed documents to the Contract for Sale befor

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make. Traditionally, property settlements involved piles of paperwork, bank cheques , and long waits at settlement tables. Thankfully, technology has changed the process. This is where PEXA comes in. What is PEXA? PEXA stands for Property Exchange Australia. It’s a secure, online platform that enables property settlements and lodgements to happen digitally. Instead of relying on pap