Conveyancing for Property Buyers in Balwyn
Legal advice and conveyancing from contract to settlement
Buying property is one of the largest financial commitments most people make. Grice Legal reviews your contract before you sign, completes the necessary checks, works with your lender, and prepares everything needed for settlement. As property lawyers, we can also advise if a legal issue arises along the way, whether you are buying a home, an investment property or commercial premises.
How we help buyers
Before you sign or bid, we review the contract of sale and vendor statement and explain the key issues, including special conditions, title restrictions, and settlement terms.
Contract and Section 32 advice
We help prepare the duty and land transfer documentation and flag possible concessions or exemptions for you to confirm with the State Revenue Office.
Stamp duty and government requirements
We obtain and review relevant certificates and searches and raise any issues with you or the vendor's representative before settlement.
Searches and due diligence
We prepare the transfer documents, calculate the rates and other outgoings adjustments, and coordinate funds so settlement proceeds on time.
Settlement preparation
We liaise with your lender or broker on loan approval and settlement requirements, and keep you informed about any conditions that need attention.
Working with your lender or broker
We complete settlement electronically as a PEXA-certified firm and confirm the transfer of title into your name.
Electronic settlement and registration
Every purchase is different, but most follow these steps
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Step 1 – Before you sign
Send us the contract and Section 32 statement. We explain the key risks and terms so you can decide whether to proceed, negotiate changes or bid at auction.
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Step 2 – Contract signed
Once you have signed, we check the contract, confirm key dates such as finance approval and settlement, and open your matter.
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Step 3 – Due diligence and finance
We complete searches, review any issues that arise and work with your lender to satisfy finance and settlement requirements.
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Step 4 – Preparing for settlement
We prepare the transfer and duty documents, calculate adjustments and confirm the funds required. We recommend you complete a pre-settlement inspection.
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Step 5 – Settlement
Settlement takes place electronically. We confirm when it is complete so the agent can release the keys, and we attend to registration.
Conveyancing costs for buyers
Once we understand the property and the assistance you need, we will discuss the likely costs with you and provide the required cost disclosure. This explains how our fees will be calculated and gives you an estimate of the likely legal costs, based on the information then available.
Your estimate will also identify likely disbursements, such as search and registration fees. If the transaction becomes more complex, for example because of a title issue or a delayed settlement, we will discuss any material change in the likely costs with you.
Buying property in Boroondara and the inner east
Properties in Boroondara and nearby suburbs often involve older titles, heritage or planning overlays, easements and restrictive covenants. These can affect renovation plans, extensions, or future subdivision, so it's worth understanding them before you commit.
Grice Legal has been based in Balwyn since 1974 and assists buyers throughout eastern Melbourne and across Victoria.
Why Clients Trust Grice Legal
Grice Legal has been based in Balwyn since 1974. We are a boutique firm advising on family law, property and conveyancing, and wills, estates and structures, with a personal, senior-led approach.
Our Whitehorse Road office in Balwyn has served clients across Boroondara and eastern Melbourne for more than 50 years.
Local since 1974
You will know who is looking after your matter and can speak with them directly when questions arise.
Direct access to your lawyer
Conferences are available in person at our Balwyn office, by telephone or by video.
Meet in the way that suits you
Plain-English, practical advice
We explain your options, the risks and the next steps clearly, so you can make informed decisions.
We discuss the likely costs at the start and let you know if the estimate changes.
Open about costs
From Our Clients
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"Nicholas was a patient and a very good listener. He understood my concerns and gave advice accordingly. I feel that I am in good hands."
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"After my appointment with Rachael I am confident that I now have the right person handle my legal issues."
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"Our initial appointment certainly met and exceeded expectations. It was extremely informative and we received the advice we needed. Thank you!"
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"Anna was very professional, friendly and very helpful"
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![Five maroon five-pointed stars in a row]()
"Rachael gives clear, informed goals. She shows understanding and empathy for your particular needs and sets outs steps to achieve them."
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![Five red stars arranged in a horizontal row.]()
"Nicholas provided me with excellent, timely, professional service and I am confident he will continue to do so should I require it."
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![Five maroon-colored stars in a row]()
"Anna was just a pleasure to have working for us. She was always clear and thorough, advocating for us and advising us along the way of buying our new house. We would totally recommend her and her service."
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"I found Grice Legal to be extremely helpful and efficient with their advice and prompt with all the required paperwork in completing my will requirement, veery approachable staff. I can fully recommend their services"
Property Purchase FAQs
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Ideally before you sign a contract or bid at auction. Once a contract is signed, your options may become limited. Early advice gives you a chance to understand the contract, ask questions and negotiate changes while you still can.
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For many private sales of residential property, the buyer has three clear business days after signing to end the contract, but must pay a termination amount, usually the greater of $100 or 0.2 per cent of the price. There is no cooling-off period at a public auction, within three clear business days before or after a publicly advertised auction, or in some other situations.
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It is the vendor's statement required by section 32 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic). It discloses information about the property, such as title details, mortgages, easements, covenants, planning controls, outgoings, building permits and owners corporation information. The vendor must give it to you before you sign the contract.
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Generally, no. Auction contracts are usually unconditional once the property is knocked down to you. Before bidding, have the contract reviewed and confirm your finance position with your lender, because you may be bound to settle even if your loan is not approved.
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The deposit is set by the contract and is commonly 10 per cent of the price, although a different amount can sometimes be negotiated. The deposit is usually held in trust until settlement. Talk to us before signing if you need to pay a smaller deposit or use a deposit bond or guarantee.
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The settlement date is agreed between the buyer and the vendor and set out in the contract. Before agreeing to a date, consider how long your lender needs and whether you need to sell another property first.
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Most purchases attract land transfer duty, payable to the State Revenue Office at settlement. Concessions or exemptions may be available for some buyers, such as eligible first home buyers, while additional duty can apply to foreign purchasers. Eligibility rules change from time to time, so confirm your position before signing.
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Most Victorian property settlements now take place electronically through an online platform such as PEXA. The lawyers and lenders sign and exchange documents and funds online, and the title is then updated electronically. Grice Legal is PEXA certified.
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It is usually sensible. Unless the contract includes a special condition, the purchase will not be conditional on an inspection. If you want one, arrange it before signing or before auction, or ask us about including a suitable condition in a private sale contract.
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Yes. Joint owners can hold property as joint tenants, where the survivor automatically takes the whole property, or as tenants in common, where each owner's share passes under their Will. The right choice depends on your relationship and plans, and it should align with your estate planning.