Victoria
Wainwright Legal assists buyers, sellers and investors with conveyancing transactions across Victoria. Whether our clients are purchasing or selling in Melbourne, regional centres, coastal areas or anywhere across the state, our team provides clear guidance and dependable legal support from start to finish. We take the time to understand your goals, anticipate the 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 property transaction is managed with accuracy, attention to detail and the level of professional insight every matter deserves. From reviewing the Section 32 statement and contract conditions, to coordinating with agents, lenders and inspectors, we focus on delivering a smooth and efficient experience while protecting your interests at every turn.
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 Victorian property matter receives consistent attention and thoughtful guidance, making your experience feel calm, organised and well supported.
Buying in VIC
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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 Victoria’s 3 business day cooling off period works, when it begins, and how it applies once the contract and Section 32 statement have been signed. If you terminate during this time, 0.2 percent of the purchase price is forfeited, and you are not required to provide a reason for withdrawal.
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We clarify how finance, building and pest conditions operate in Victoria, including the need for these conditions to be marked in the contract. The usual time frame for building and pest inspections is 14 days from exchange, although this can be amended. Termination under these conditions is only permitted for major structural defects to the main building, and you must provide the vendor with a report from a registered building practitioner. You do not forfeit any of your deposit if you terminate under these provisions.
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When purchasing property in Victoria, you may be required to pay land transfer duty, commonly known as stamp duty. The amount payable can vary depending on the value of the property, how the property will be used and whether you are eligible for a concession or exemption. You can estimate the land transfer duty payable using the official State Revenue Office Victoria Land Transfer Duty Calculator:
Land transfer (stamp) duty calculator | State Revenue Office
The calculator provides an estimate based on the information you enter as the final amount payable will depend on the circumstances of your transaction and any concessions or exemptions for which you qualify.
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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When purchasing property in VIC, the following approximate third-party fees may apply:
Title Search: $38.00
Land Tax Certificate: $55.23
PEXA fee: $167.42
Land information certificate: $120.00
Water information statement: $45.74
Section 151 Strata Certificate: $350.00
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 VIC
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We prepare a clear, compliant VIC Contract of Sale and Section 32 Statement that includes all required documents and vendor disclosures, guiding you through your statutory obligations and ensuring your property is ready to be listed without delay.
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We maintain steady communication with your agent so they have what they need to market the property, respond to enquiries, and progress negotiations smoothly.
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We explain how Victoria’s 3 business day cooling off period works, when it begins, and how it applies once the contract and Section 32 statement have been signed. If the purchaser terminates during this time, 0.2 percent of the purchase price is forfeited, and the purchaser is not required to provide a reason for withdrawal.
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We clarify how finance, building and pest conditions operate in Victoria, including the need for these conditions to be marked in the contract. The usual time frame for building and pest inspections is 14 days from exchange, although this can be amended. Termination under these conditions is only permitted for major structural defects to the main building, and the purchaser must provide a report from a registered building practitioner. The purchaser does not forfeit any of the deposit if they terminate under these provisions.
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After exchange, we maintain momentum by liaising with your lender about their discharge process and coordinating with the other side so your sale stays on track through to completion.
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When selling property in VIC, the following approximate third-party fees may apply:
Title Search: $38.00
Strata Plan: $6.99
Instruments / Dealings on Title - each: $26.35
Section 32: $16.05
Sewers and Drains plan - Water: $44.36
Asset plan - Water: $34.80
Land Tax Certificate: $55.23
PEXA fee: $167.42
Land information certificate: $120.00
EPA Certificate: $35.00
VIC Roads Certificate: $35.00
Owners Corporation Certificate: $171.90
Building Approval Certificate: $120.00
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.