Australian Capital Territory
Wainwright Legal assists buyers, sellers and investors with conveyancing transactions across the Australian Capital Territory. Whether our clients are purchasing or selling in Canberra, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin or surrounding ACT regions, our team provides clear guidance and dependable legal support from start to finish. We take the time to understand your goals, anticipate the practical steps ahead, and ensure every stage of your matter is handled with care and precision.
Our team offers responsive, practical advice throughout the entire process, ensuring your ACT property transaction is managed with accuracy, attention to detail and the level of professional insight every matter deserves. As all ACT properties are leasehold rather than freehold, we explain how ACT’s property system operates and what it means for your rights and obligations. We also clarify the 5‑business‑day cooling‑off period that applies from exchange so you understand your options early in the process.
We keep you informed and confident at every stage, answering questions as they arise and guiding you through the process with clarity and steady communication. Our clients always feel informed about each step, with straightforward updates and explanations on how their transaction is moving forward. With Wainwright Legal, your ACT matter receives consistent attention and thoughtful guidance, making your property experience feel calm, organised and well supported.
Buying in ACT
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If you have a property you wish to make an offer on, kindly contact our office and we will guide you through the next steps. Once we receive the contract, our team completes a thorough review and provides written advice within 1 business day, including any recommended amendments to request from the vendor before you proceed to exchange.
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We explain how Tasmania’s 5 business day cooling off period operates from the time contracts are exchanged. If you choose to terminate during this period, 0.25 percent of the purchase price is forfeited, and you may withdraw without needing to provide a reason.
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We clarify that Tasmanian contracts are not subject to finance or building and pest conditions unless these are specifically negotiated and inserted before signing. Because these protections are not standard, we help you understand the implications and ensure you are comfortable with the contractual position before proceeding.
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When purchasing property in the Australian Capital Territory, you may be required to pay conveyance duty, commonly known as stamp duty. The amount payable depends on factors including the value and use of the property and whether you are eligible for an exemption or concession. You can estimate your conveyance duty using the official ACT Revenue Office Conveyance Duty Calculator:
https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/help-and-resources/calculators/calculate-your-conveyance-duty
The calculator should be used as a guide only. The actual duty payable will depend on the circumstances of your property transaction and any concessions or exemptions that apply.
We walk you through when stamp duty is due, how to prepare for payment, and whether any concessions may apply to your purchase.
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Following exchange of contracts, we manage your matter through to settlement by liaising with your lender, reviewing settlement figures, coordinating with the vendor’s solicitor and keeping communication flowing so everything progresses smoothly to completion.
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If settlement does not proceed on the due date, we explain how interest is payable under the contract’s special conditions on the balance of the purchase price. The vendor may also issue a notice to complete requiring settlement within 14 days, and we guide you through the steps to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
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When purchasing property in the ACT, the following approximate third-party fees will apply:
PEXA Fee: $ 137.39
Lodgment Fees: $807.00
Section 119 Certificate: $332.00
Mandatory Verification of Identity Fee: $45.00 for individuals
Office Sundries & File Retention Fee: $70.00
All of the above fees are estimates only to assist you with a preliminary understanding of the associated costs in running your matter. The actual fees incurred could be more or less than the above items.
Selling in ACT
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If you have a property you wish to make an offer on, kindly contact our office and we will guide you through the next steps. Once we receive the contract, our team completes a thorough review and provides written advice within 1 business day, including any recommended amendments to request from the vendor before you proceed to exchange.
-
We explain how Tasmania’s 5 business day cooling off period operates from the time contracts are exchanged. If you choose to terminate during this period, 0.25 percent of the purchase price is forfeited, and you may withdraw without needing to provide a reason.
-
We clarify that Tasmanian contracts are not subject to finance or building and pest conditions unless these are specifically negotiated and inserted before signing. Because these protections are not standard, we help you understand the implications and ensure you are comfortable with the contractual position before proceeding.
-
Following exchange of contracts, we manage your matter through to settlement by liaising with your lender, reviewing settlement figures, coordinating with the vendor’s solicitor and keeping communication flowing so everything progresses smoothly to completion.
-
If settlement does not proceed on the due date, we explain how interest is payable under the contract’s special conditions on the balance of the purchase price. The vendor may also issue a notice to complete requiring settlement within 14 days, and we guide you through the steps to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
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When selling property in the ACT, the following approximate third-party fees will apply:
Discharge of Mortgage Fee: $172.00;
PEXA Fees: $137.39
Mandatory Verification of Identity Fee $45.00 for individuals
Office Sundries & File Retention Fee: $70.00
All of the above fees are estimates only to assist you with a preliminary understanding of the associated costs in running your matter. The actual fees incurred could be more or less than the above items.