Buying or selling a property in Sydney is one of the biggest financial steps most people take. Whether you are purchasing your first apartment in the city, selling an investment in the suburbs, or upgrading to a family home, the process can feel overwhelming. Contracts, deadlines, and legal terms often move faster than you expect, and it is easy to feel uncertain about whether you are making the right decisions.
That is where conveyancing comes in. At its core, conveyancing is about making sure your property transaction is legally sound, your rights are protected, and the settlement goes through smoothly. In Sydney, with its busy auction scene, large number of strata properties, and growing developments, having the right guidance matters more than ever.
We want to walk you through what property conveyancing Sydney involves, what you can expect as a buyer or a seller, and why choosing a local conveyancer like Your Move Conveyancing can make all the difference.
What is property conveyancing and why it matters in sydney
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. While it might sound straightforward, there are a lot of moving parts. Contracts need to be reviewed, searches need to be done, banks and brokers need to be coordinated, and deadlines must be met.
In New South Wales, the rules are specific, and every mistake can cost time, money, or even the property itself. That is why most people turn to a licensed conveyancer. At Your Move Conveyancing, our role is to manage all the legal and administrative work, explain the details in plain English, and make sure your transaction is as stress free as possible.
A common question we hear is: what is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor? Both can handle property transactions, but conveyancers focus solely on property law. This allows us to be more specialised, more efficient, and often more cost effective than engaging a solicitor.
Conveyancing for buyers in Sydney
If you are buying a property in Sydney, the process usually starts before you even make an offer. The first step is having a conveyancer review the contract of sale. Contracts here can be complex, especially for apartments or off the plan developments, and it is risky to sign anything without understanding what you are committing to.
Here are some of the key ways we help buyers:
- Contract review: We check for clauses that might disadvantage you, and explain them in simple terms.
- Searches and checks: We make sure there are no restrictions, easements, or strata levies that could cause future problems.
- Explaining costs: We walk you through stamp duty, first home buyer assistance schemes, or other NSW-specific requirements
- Settlement coordination: We work with your lender, broker, and the other side to ensure funds and documents are ready on time
One of the biggest stress points for buyers in Sydney is speed. Properties often go to auction, or private treaty offers move quickly. We know how important it is to have a contract reviewed within hours, not days. Having a conveyancer ready at this stage can give you confidence to bid or negotiate without second guessing yourself.
Conveyancing for sellers in Sydney
If you are selling in Sydney, you will need a contract of sale prepared before you can even list your property. Many sellers do not realise this, but it is a legal requirement in NSW. Your conveyancer drafts this contract, making sure it includes everything needed to protect you and meet disclosure obligations.
A contract of sale typically covers:
- Title details and zoning.
- Inclusions and exclusions (fixtures, appliances, etc.).
- Disclosure documents such as sewer diagrams or strata reports.
- Special conditions that might apply.
Once your property is listed, your conveyancer also manages the process of answering buyer questions, reviewing proposed changes, and making sure negotiations stay on track. When an offer is accepted, we oversee the exchange and settlement so you are not left chasing paperwork.
In Sydney, where multiple buyers often compete at auctions or submit fast offers, having your contract properly prepared from the start makes your property more attractive and reduces the chance of delays.
Special considerations when buying or selling in Sydney
Sydney’s property market has a few unique aspects that are worth understanding:
- Strata properties: Apartments are common here, and buying into a strata scheme means taking on responsibilities for levies, by laws, and shared facilities. At YMC, we always check strata reports carefully so there are no surprises after settlement.
- off the plan purchases: New developments in areas like Parramatta, Green Square, or Olympic Park are sold years before completion. These contracts are lengthy and can include clauses around settlement dates, finishes, and developer rights. Extra care is needed before signing.
- Auctions: Unlike private sales, auctions in Sydney do not include a cooling-off period. Once the hammer falls, the contract is binding. That is why having your contract reviewed before auction day is essential.
- Heritage and zoning rules: Older suburbs like Paddington and Balmain often have restrictions on renovations. We check zoning and planning details early so you know what is possible.
- Foreign buyers: Sydney attracts a lot of international investors. Foreign buyers need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and may also face additional stamp duty.
How long conveyancing takes in Sydney
A standard property conveyancing Sydney process usually takes between six and eight weeks from exchange to settlement. The timeline can be shorter for cash sales or longer if issues come up.
Some common causes of delay include:
- Waiting for finance approval.
- Outstanding strata information or council searches.
- Requests for contract changes.
- Disputes about settlement dates.
Part of our job at Your Move Conveyancing is to keep the process moving, chase up outstanding items, and make sure you are kept in the loop at every stage.
How much conveyancing costs in Sydney
Costs are always on a buyer’s or seller’s mind. In Sydney, conveyancing fees can vary depending on the complexity of the property. Most conveyancers will either charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate.
We believe fixed fees are best, because they give you certainty. You know upfront what you are paying, and there are no surprises at settlement. This usually covers contract reviews, standard searches, settlement handling, and ongoing advice throughout the transaction.
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but cutting corners at this stage can be risky. Missing a small clause in the contract or failing to check an easement can cost far more than any savings on fees.
Common questions we hear from clients
Here are a few of the questions we answer most often:
- Do I need a conveyancer before making an offer?
Yes, it is best to engage a conveyancer as early as possible. That way, you are ready to move quickly when the right property comes up. - Can I do conveyancing myself?
In theory, yes, but in practice, it is risky. The paperwork and legal requirements are detailed, and mistakes can cause the settlement to fail or even lead to legal disputes. - Is it different buying a house vs an apartment?
Yes. Apartments usually involve strata schemes, which come with extra checks and ongoing responsibilities. - What happens if settlement is delayed?
If one side cannot settle on time, penalties can apply. A conveyancer helps manage extensions and negotiations to avoid disputes. - Can everything be done remotely?
Yes. Most of our work is now handled online, including contract exchanges and settlements. This means you do not need to come into our office unless you prefer to.
Why choosing a Sydney-based conveyancer matters
Property law is state based, and while anyone licensed in NSW can act for you, working with a conveyancer who knows Sydney inside and out is a real advantage. Local knowledge means we are familiar with council requirements, common strata issues, and the pace of the Sydney auction market.
We also understand how stressful buying or selling here can feel. At YMC, our role is not just about ticking legal boxes but also about keeping you informed, explaining things clearly, and making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Buying or selling property in Sydney is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you do not have the right guidance. Conveyancing is the backbone of a smooth transaction, protecting you from risks and ensuring settlement happens without unnecessary drama.
At Your Move Conveyancing, we believe in making the process simple, transparent, and affordable. Whether you are purchasing your first apartment, selling a family home, or investing in Sydney’s fast moving market, we are here to make sure every detail is handled with care.
If you are planning a move in Sydney, reach out to us for clear advice, fixed fees, and a conveyancing process that puts your peace of mind first.
