We Make Buying and Selling Property Stress-Free
Have access to a Melbourne conveyancing lawyer at your fingertips. We’ll lead you through the maze of requirements in buying and selling residential properties. We also offer you the most practical and cost-effective outcome at a guaranteed fixed fee. And, we’ll solve your conveyancing needs (whether you just need a pre-signing contract review or only need to straight from conveyance to settlement).
We have taken conveyancing services to the digital world: No paper, very little post and everything by email and phone. No need to take time off work for your conveyance. Sign your documents on the go using e-signing technology. No face to face physical meetings, just easy phone calls via phone, tablet or computer.
Obtain an immediate complimentary conveyancing quote for Melbourne, delivered straight to your inbox. Discover the entirety of your conveyancing expenses in a swift 30 seconds. In just half a minute, get a clear breakdown of what you're paying for — from search fees to council costs, with no sneaky extras lurking.
Welcome to LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne, your distinguished ally in the realm of property transactions. Boasting over a decade of experience, our team's savvy in navigating both Melbourne and VIC’s property scenes is second to none. Our crew, ace at Real Estate Services Law, really digs into our vast well of know-how and has a track record of acing the complex bits of property transfers. Steeped in the nitty-gritty of Melbourne's property pulse, LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne stands as a reliable partner for solo buyers and seasoned investors, driven by our steadfast pursuit of excellence. Conveniently situated at Level 5, Suite 7, 454 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, we are at your service.
Experience clarity and predictability in your conveyancing expenses, with no concealed costs to worry about.
Trinh is a compassionate conveyancing lawyer who handles her clients with genuine care — yes, all of the LEAD team wants to help but Trinh's eagerness to help is on a galactically higher pedestal! Aside from that, her knowledge of residential conveyancing in the several States of Australia is top-notch. She can easily hop from state to state like a kangaroo.
Qualifications:
Trinh completed her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons) and Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Psychology) at Deakin University. She obtained her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) at College of Law.
A building and pest inspection is highly recommended if you are buying a property that includes a building in Melbourne, Victoria. This type of inspection is conducted by a licensed building inspector who will identify any significant issues with the property that could result in expensive repairs. The inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any problems with the building's structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and other critical components. They will also check for the presence of pests such as termites, which can cause significant damage to the property. By obtaining a building and pest inspection, you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase or negotiate with the seller to address any issues before settlement takes place. It is always better to be proactive when it comes to property inspections to avoid any unexpected surprises down the line.
It is recommended that you apply for finance as soon as you start seriously considering purchasing a property in Melbourne, Victoria. This will give you plenty of time to gather all the necessary documents and information required by the lender and allow you to compare different loan options and interest rates. It is also important to note that some lenders may have specific timeframes for pre-approvals, so it is best to check with your chosen lender about their application process and timeline. By applying for finance early, you'll be in a better position to make a quick and confident offer on a property when you find the right one.
Leave it to the professionals! Your legal representative will handle settlement for you, and you will not be required to attend. All you should do is to ensure that you have completed all the documents required by your lender and your conveyancer ahead of time, so that they have all that they need to attend settlement on your behalf. This should be done as soon as possible and preferably no later than 14 days prior to settlement, to provide ample time for your professionals to respond and take action.
Electronic settlements streamline the conveyancing process by using an especially designed software created in accordance with the Electronic Conveyancing National Law. There are two software currently in operational known as Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) and Simpli, created to uniform the procedure of settlement nationally, and to theoretically shorten the turnaround time of the whole conveyance matter. The system allows the transfer of settlement funds and the lodgment and registration of transfer documents at settlement contemporaneously, eliminating many risks associated from the time gap between settlement and registration of your transfer, which was unavoidable back in the paper settlement day.
It also means that there is less physical documentation generated that needs to make its way to various parties via snail mail, reducing the administrative burden, and speeds up the overall delivery timeframe for documentation. Many parties are now exchanging documentation via electronic means and requesting signatures via digital signing software in support of the change. Your identity can even be proven via the use of digital ID software that comes with additional security measures, used to combat the increased risk of identity fraud and cyber-criminal activities of recent times.
In a paper settlement, which is becoming less and less common with time, involves the presentation of physical transfer documents during a Settlement booked to occur at a physical location, with all parties’ representatives present to undertake in-person checks of the documents brought forward by the parties. In a basic traditional settlement:
LEAD Conveyancing invoices generally reflect our initial quote for fixed legal fees and estimated costs for mandatory searches. Whilst we will quote for the expected charges that are passed to you on our invoices, we do not include what is paid by
you direct to external third parties incidental to the conveyance matter. Hence, you should be aware of and budget for the following expenses:
Our client costs agreement provides further information regarding additional fees. Please feel free to review the same and ask your paralegal if you need clarification.
A Title search will always be ordered by your paralegal or lawyer, regardless if you’re buying or selling a property. A plan image search is crucial for purchases to verify if the property's location aligns with your inspection findings. If you are buying a property, you are also expected to complete mandatory searches, such as council rates, water rates, land tax, and owners corporation searches(if applicable). These help in calculating adjustments during settlement. Failure to order these searches might result in you covering the seller's portion of these costs post-settlement.
In Victorian property sales, a Section 32 is a mandatory document prepared by the seller, disclosing crucial information like title details, mortgages, encumbrances, rates, and even potential issues like easements or building restrictions. It provides copies of relevant certificates, including the title search, building permits, and other pertinent information that may influence the buyer's decision to acquire the property.
This document is vital for the buyer to make a well-informed choice regarding the property, guaranteeing a just and transparent deal. As per Victorian legislation, it is a legal obligation for sellers to present a thorough and accurate Section 32 document. Neglecting to do so may lead to legal repercussions for the seller.
Buyer’s caveat is a type of restriction that you can lodge on title as a way of protecting your interest in the property as the buyer under a contract. It stops the seller and third parties from trying to deal with the property without your consent. It is a recommended risk mitigation step to take.
To ensure a smooth process as a first home buyer, please remember the following:
First, consult with your finance broker or legal advisor to determine which "First Home Owner" grants and concessions are applicable to you.
Second, obtain a professional property valuation from a real estate agent before making an offer on the property. This will provide you with an accurate understanding of its true worth and help ensure that your purchase price is fair and reasonable.
Third, if you require financing to make a purchase, it is advisable to apply for pre-approval to determine your chances of securing the necessary funds. Pre-approval offers several benefits, including a clear understanding of your budget, the ability to make more informed offers, and a stronger negotiating position with sellers. It also helps to speed up the home buying process as you'll already have financing in place, making the transaction more efficient and less stressful.
Finally, after selecting a property, arrange for a Contract Review with a lawyer as their expertise can help you understand what should be included in the contract to safeguard your interests throughout the transaction process.
Yes, it is possible to purchase a property in Melbourne, or any other location in Australia, even while residing abroad. You will be required to pay foreign acquirer duty with your stamp duty. This is calculated at 8% of either the market value or the purchase price, whichever is higher, and applies to the proportion of property held by foreign individuals. This duty is in addition to your obligations under the Foreign Investments Review Board for being able to buy a property in Australia. For detailed information regarding your estimated transfer duty for the transaction, please visit the Victorian government website at https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/foreign-purchasers-of-property.
While it is technically possible to handle your own conveyancing process, it is not advisable. The law is constantly evolving, and your responsibilities and obligations under the contract can also vary. It is always better to alleviate the stress of conveyancing by hiring a lawyer with knowledge and experience in handling Melbourne properties to guide you through the process. This will ensure that you will not put yourself at risk if you're unsure about any aspect of the conveyance.
The standard Victorian contract of sale provided by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the Law Institute of Victoria also requires that the parties engage professionals that are subscribers of an electronic settlement platform to complete the transaction. Hence, it has become a more standardised approach to hire a professional for your conveyance process rather than try to DIY what may well be the most expensive transaction in many people’s lifetimes.
The cooling-off period provides buyers with the freedom to cancel a real estate contract for any reason at any time within 3 business days after the buyer signs the contract. This measure is implemented to prevent impulsive purchases that buyers may later regret due to financial constraints or the unsuitability of the property. However, if a buyer decides to withdraw during this period, the seller is entitled to receive 0.2% of the purchase price as compensation for any inconvenience caused.
When purchasing a property in Victoria, the State Revenue Office charges Transfer duty – also known as Stamp Duty. The amount of duty payable depends on the purchase price and the purpose of the purchase. This tax applies to all types of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
The Titles Office requires a fee to process the transfer of the property title into the buyer's name. This fee, known as the Titles Registry Lodgement Fee, varies based on the property's purchase price and must be paid by buyers at settlement.
Service Area: | Melbourne, 3000 -37.9725665, 145.0531353 |
Phone Number: | 03 8657 4328 |
Business Name: | LEAD CONVEYANCING |
Status: | Registered |
Holder Name: | Lead Legal Services Pty Ltd |
ABN: | 86 640 514 558 |
ACN: | 640 514 558 |
Business Address: | LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne Level 5, Suite 7, 454 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia |
Email: | info@leadconveyancing.com.au |
Contact Us: | View this link |
Customer Service: | View this link |
Privacy Policy: | View this link |
Hours: | MONDAY 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM TUESDAY 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM THURSDAY 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM SATURDAY 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM SUNDAY CLOSED |
Driving Directions: | Click here for Google Maps |
Social Links: | |
Author Biography: | Trinh Thai |
Principle / Head Solicitor: | Trinh Thai |
Category: | Conveyancer |
Services: |
Melbourne Property Solicitor Melbourne Conveyancing Near Me Cheap Conveyancing Melbourne Fixed Fee Conveyancer Melbourne Property Conveyancing Melbourne |
Your offer for the property has just been accepted. The agent sends you a copy of the Contract of Sale and Section 32. So what's next?
You will need to have that contract and Section 32 reviewed for you before you sign or move forward. With that, you will need to find a reputable legal representation and conveyancing service. But what should you really look for in a firm? Here's a checklist you may want to start with.
There are firms, especially big law firms, who still charge by the hour or per call. This will be too expensive and unnecessary. Nowadays, you can already get a lawyer or solicitor that offers their services at a fixed price. Next, when you ask for a quote, you should expect one with a complete breakdown of all costs involved and all figures you'll be seeing in your invoice. There are some who will entice you with a seemingly competitive price but will not tell you about other costs until they send you the bill. Lastly, going with a property lawyer or solicitor is always worth the extra buck. A conveyancer may be cheaper by a couple of hundred dollars but won't give you that peace of mind.
Once the Contract of Sale and Section 32 is in your hands, and you have decided on a solicitor who will do your conveyancing, the next thing you have to do is to get those two documents reviewed. Your solicitor should scrutinise every detail and let you know if it's good to sign.
You'll be able to tell that you have gone with the right firm if they treat this as a very crucial step. Extra care is taken because it's like a doctor giving you a diagnosis. Once they give you the go signal, you're sure it's safe for you to proceed with the purchase. If there's anything in the contract that would pose a risk for you as the buyer, it will be clearly stated in the report they send you. If you need some clarifications and you want to discuss with your assigned lawyer, they'll gladly spend time with you on the phone explaining everything you need to know. From that point, you will now decide if you still want to buy the property or not. If you want to make some amendments to the contract, your solicitor will provide proper wording and communicate with the other side.
At LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne, this is precisely what you get - on point property lawyer service. Our team consists of well-seasoned top-notch solicitors who know the ins and outs of the business. Protecting your interest is our main concern. When you get our services, you can surely sleep at night worry-free.
A lot of people are still scared of getting a solicitor or lawyer. Some will say, “I don't need a lawyer. I just want a conveyancer.”
That's because people still think lawyers are expensive. It is still actually true for some. I've seen some lawyers who would charge $450 an hour! But the reality is, you just have to know what you should look for. There are reputable law firms that provide legal services for reasonable prices. LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne has one of the most competitive prices in the market. And here's how we did it.
You may ask, “Do I really need to spend an extra $100-$200 for a solicitor? Will a conveyancer not do the job for me.”
The answer to that is yes and yes. Yes, a property solicitor or property lawyer is worth the extra $100-$200 dollars difference. And yes, a conveyancer will be able to do the job for you. But here are some points you should remember.
A conveyancer cannot review your contract the way a lawyer can and will. Most conveyancers would either check if it's a straightforward contract with no special conditions, then they'll give you the “go ahead”. If it's a complicated contract and you need to make amendments and re-negotiate, a conveyancer won't be able to do that for you as well as a lawyer can. They will also not be able to defend you legally and some will even tell you they have a team of lawyers but they actually just outsource to a law firm if the need arises. That's when huge bills and problems start.
So unless you want to save a measly $200 but make that gamble of getting potential headaches down the road, it's better to get a well-seasoned, experienced and reputable property lawyer.
Melbourne is the capital and the most populous city of Victoria and also the second-most-populous city in Australia. It has a temperate marine climate with warm to hot summers and cool but not cold winters. Due to its location on the boundary of hot inland areas as well as the cool southern ocean, Melbourne has been known for its changeable weather conditions. This temperature difference is most noticeable in the spring and summer months and can cause strong cold fronts to form. These cold fronts can cause different forms of severe weather ranging from gales to thunderstorms and hail, huge temperature drops and heavy rain. Winters are usually very stable, however, but rather damp and most of the time cloudy.
Melbourne is also susceptible to isolated convective rains forming when a cold pool crosses the state, especially when there is substantial daytime heating. These rains are mostly heavy and may include squails, hail, and serious drops in temperature, but they often finish very quickly with a swift clearing trend to sunny and moderately calm weather and the temperature going back to what it was before the shower. This can happen in a span of minutes and can be repeated several times a day, making Melbourne known for having “four seasons in one day”, a phrase that is part of local culture. The lowest temperature recorded is -2.8 degrees Celsius on the 21st of July 1869 while the highest temperature on record was 46.4 degrees Celsius on the 7th of February 2009. While snow is every so often seen at higher elevations in the edges of the city, it has not been on record in the Central Business District since 1986.
Since the mid-1990s, Melbourne has kept a notable growth in population and employment. There has been considerable international investment in the city's business and property market. Major inner-city re-establishment has occurred in several areas like Melbourne Docklands, Southbank, Port Melbourne, and more recently, South Wharf. Melbourne kept the highest population increase and economic development rate of any capital city of Australia from 2001 to 2004. Since 2006, the growth of the city has expanded into the “green wedges” and past the city's urban growth boundary. Melbourne was also less affected by the late-2000's financial crisis compared to other cities in Australia. Today, more fresh jobs are created in Melbourne than any other city in Australia - almost the same number as the next two fastest-growing cities, Perth and Brisbane, combined. Melbourne's property market also remained highly-priced, which resulted in historically high property prices and extensive rent increases. In 2020, Melbourne was listed as an Alpha city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. You can see property software here on these top pages.
Melbourne has less public housing and huge demand for rental housing, which has become unaffordable for some. Public housing is commonly provided by the Housing Commission of Victoria and operates inside the framework of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement, by which state and federal governments provide funding for housing. Melbourne is also going through high population growth, which generates high demand for housing. This boom in housing has increased house rents and prices, as well as the availability of all types of housing. Subdivision commonly occurs in the outskirts of Melbourne, with several developers offering house and land packages. After the release of Melbourne 2030 in 2002, however, planning policies have motivated medium-density and high-density growth in existing areas with better access to public transport and other services. The middle and outer-ring suburbs of Melbourne have seen notable brownfield land development.
Melbourne is also home to many of the best-known landmarks in Australia, such as the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Being famous for its cultural heritage, the city gave growth to Australian cinema, Australian impressionism, and to Australian rules football. More recently, it has also been recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and a worldwide centre for live music, street art, and theatre.
Even if the Melbourne housing market went down again over the spring of 2020 due to the effects of severe lockdown, it managed to bounce back aggressively over the final months of the year as shutdown restrictions were cleared. The city was one of the strongest performing markets across the nation all throughout February with a record of a 2.1 per cent increase in home values over the month.
While both unit and house values are increasing across Melbourne, unit values are continually being outpaced by the growth of houses over the month. The detached housing market increased by 2.4 per cent while units showed a growth of 1.2 per cent. Melbourne topped all other capital cities in statistics of quarterly growth with dwelling prices up by 3.5 per cent and house prices higher by 4.2 per cent over the last three months compared with a 1.9 per cent increase in unit prices.
Level 5, Suite 7, 454 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia