Significant differences exist between different titles (e.g. strata titles and off-the-plan titles). DIY conveyancing is risky. Mortgages are offered in many forms. The First Home Owners Grant has strict eligibility terms. Compare real estate agents’ costs when selling. Buyers should be prepared for auction tactics and signing the sale contract. Cooling-off applies but deposits can be forfeited if the contract is broken. Buyers must pay stamp duty and pay for caveats and Land Registry searches.

Contributors

Laura Vickers

Principal Solicitor, Nest Legal

Marta McCormack

Solicitor, Nest Legal

Buying or selling a house: Contacts

Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC)
Tel: 9194 0601
Email: trs.enquiries@delwp.vic.gov.au
Web: www.arnecc.gov.au

Australian Taxation Office
Tel: 13 28 65
Web: www.ato.gov.au

Business Licensing Authority (BLA)
Tel: 1300 135 452
Email: bla@justice.vic.gov.au
Web: www.consumer.vic.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/public-committees-and-boards/business-licensing-authority

Consumer Affairs Victoria
Tel: 1300 558 181
Web: www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Land Use Victoria – Land Information Centre
Victorian Government Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 9102 0401
Web: www.land.vic.gov.au

LANDATA – Land Victoria
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 9102 0402
Web: www.landata.vic.gov.au

LANDATA provides property information online including title, survey, valuation and property sales, property certificates and planning certificates.

State Revenue Office Victoria (SRO)
Tel: 13 21 61
Web: www.sro.vic.gov.au

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Houses, communities and the road

Buy the chapter ‘Buying or selling a house’