Residential Conveyancing Adelaide
Buying or selling a home is the largest transaction most South Australians will ever make, and it should not feel like a leap of faith. At Trevor White Conveyancers, we have guided Adelaide buyers and sellers through residential conveyancing since 1991. From reviewing your contract and Form 1 to running searches, calculating adjustments and settling on the day, we handle every step and keep you informed in plain English.
Fixed-fee pricing, an experienced conveyancer on your file, and no surprises at settlement.
What is residential conveyancing?
Residential conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a home from a seller to a buyer. It covers the contract of sale, the Form 1 vendor disclosure statement, searches against the title and public records, the adjustment of council rates and other outgoings, preparation of the transfer, and settlement itself.
In South Australia the transfer is registered with Land Services SA and settled electronically through PEXA. Done properly it is invisible to you. Done poorly it shows up as a delay, an unexpected cost, or a problem you inherit with the property.
The residential conveyancing process, step by step
Every home purchase in South Australia follows the same path. Here is what happens and when.
- Contract and cooling-off. You sign, and the two clear business day cooling-off period begins. We review the contract and Form 1 inside that window and tell you plainly if anything should concern you.
- Searches. We search the title and public records for easements, encumbrances, caveats, unpaid council rates and zoning restrictions, so you know what you are buying before your finance is drawn.
- Finance and preparation. Your lender confirms approval, we prepare the transfer documents, and we calculate the adjustments for council rates, water and emergency services levy.
- Settlement. We coordinate settlement with your bank, the agent and the other party through PEXA. Title transfers and funds move at the same moment, and you collect the keys.
How long it takes
Most residential settlements in South Australia happen 30 to 60 days after the contract is signed, set by the settlement date written into your contract. Finance approval is the step most likely to move that date. We work to the date in your contract, chase what needs chasing, and tell you early if anything threatens it rather than on the day.
If you are selling
Sellers in South Australia must give the buyer a Form 1 vendor disclosure statement, and getting it wrong can give the buyer a right to end the contract. We prepare your Form 1 with the required searches attached, review the contract your agent has drawn, respond to the buyer's enquiries, and arrange the discharge of your mortgage with your bank so the funds reach you on settlement day.
“The team at TW were amazing to work with when I purchased a property. They made the process smooth, and were friendly and very knowledgeable. I'd recommend them to others!”
L B
Google reviewReady to get started? Call us on (08) 8227 1105 or request your fixed-fee quote below. We offer competitive fixed-fee pricing for our conveyancing services (conditions apply).