If you’ve ever bought or sold a property, you’ll know there’s a lot more going on than just signing a contract. The paperwork is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath it all is the process of conveyancing — and if it seems mysterious or overly complex, you’re not alone in thinking that.
Let’s break it down, so you know what actually happens behind the scenes when a property changes hands.
What does conveyancing actually mean?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It’s what makes a sale official, lawful, and properly recorded. Without it, there’s no guarantee that the buyer actually owns the property they just paid for, or that the seller has met their legal obligations.
The process kicks in as soon as a sale is agreed and usually wraps up on settlement day, when ownership officially changes hands.
It’s not just about paperwork
A good chunk of conveyancing is about checks and balances. Conveyancing lawyers Canberra make sure the title is clean, the contract is sound, and there are no nasty surprises hiding in council records or unpaid fees. It’s about protecting both the buyer and the seller while keeping the deal moving towards settlement.
The job isn’t just filing forms. It involves real legal work: reviewing terms, interpreting regulations, chasing information, fixing issues, and coordinating multiple parties who often work to different timelines. It’s why even a “simple” sale can take weeks to finalise.
What happens before contracts are signed?
This first stretch is all about preparation. If you’re the buyer, this is when your solicitor or conveyancer starts digging. They’ll go through the draft contract, review any attached disclosures, and advise you on risks or conditions. At the same time, they’ll kick off property searches, which look into things like zoning, drainage, and ownership details.
The seller’s team is getting the contract ready. That includes attaching required documents – like title details, building approvals, or notices from council – and making sure the legal right to sell is in place.
A lot of people don’t realise how much can go wrong in this early phase. Errors in the contract, missing documents, or unclear clauses can cause delays before the ink is even dry.
What’s going on between signing and settlement?
Once contracts are signed by both parties, things become legally binding. That doesn’t mean it’s over – far from it. This middle phase is where most of the real action happens.
If you’re buying with finance, your lender gets involved now. Your conveyancer liaises with them, making sure the loan aligns with the settlement date and that funds will be available on time.
At the same time, adjustments are worked out. These cover things like council rates, water usage, or body corporate fees. The idea is to split costs fairly, so the seller isn’t paying for things after they’ve moved out, and the buyer isn’t covering bills from before they owned the property.
There’s also a final wave of searches and checks. Your legal rep is making sure no new issues have popped up since the deal was agreed. It’s not uncommon for last-minute red flags to appear, especially in complex sales.
A quick word on property searches
Your conveyancing lawyer will also carry out property searches. These aren’t just formalities. They catch issues that can affect your future use of the property or even its value. For example, finding out that a structure was built without council approval can change the whole conversation.
- Title search – Confirms legal ownership and checks for mortgages or caveats
- Zoning and planning – Reveals if the land use matches local laws and plans
- Rates and water checks – Ensures no unpaid bills will roll over to the new owner
- Land tax clearance – Protects the buyer from any hidden liabilities
- Easements or restrictions – Shows if others have legal access or usage rights over the land
What happens on settlement day?
This is when everything comes together. Ownership officially changes hands, and the buyer pays the remaining balance.
But it’s not just a handshake and a handover. Behind the scenes, legal reps are double-checking that:
- The correct funds are being transferred
- All documents are signed and in order
- The title is being properly transferred through the relevant state authority
- Any mortgages or caveats are released
- Adjustments are correct and agreed upon by both parties
If something’s off, even something small, the settlement can be delayed. Timing is everything here. Once the deal is complete, the buyer gets the keys and the seller gets paid. The change of ownership is lodged, and it’s legally done.
So… what does a conveyancer or solicitor really do?
Most of what they do, you won’t even see. But their role is what holds the entire transaction together.
They’re the ones who:
- Review and explain the contract so you’re not agreeing to dodgy terms
- Handle all the property searches and raise any issues early
- Liaise with banks, agents, and the other side’s legal team
- Make sure legal deadlines are met so there are no penalties
- Prepare for settlement, ensure payments and paperwork are correct, and lodge the transfer
They also catch things most of us would miss. Whether it’s an incorrect lot number or a missing certificate, small mistakes in property transactions can cost thousands. Their job is to stop that from happening.
Why this matters more than people realise
For most of us, buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial moves we’ll make. And yet, so many people go into it not really knowing what conveyancing involves – just hoping everything’s being handled correctly.
That’s risky. When you understand what’s happening behind the scenes, you’re in a better position to ask the right questions, understand the process, and make smarter decisions.
It’s not about memorising legal terms or becoming a property expert. It’s about knowing enough to feel confident. Enough to spot when something seems off. Enough to ask for clarity when it’s needed.
And once you see what really happens behind the paperwork, the whole process makes a lot more sense.