The Property Buying Process in Australia, Step by Step

Buying a home is exciting, but the process has a lot of moving parts. Here is the property buying journey in Australia from start to finish, in plain English, so you know what is coming and where a conveyancer helps.

In Queensland and the ACT, this work is done by a solicitor or law firm rather than a licensed conveyancer. In the other states and territories you can use either.

1. Sort out your finance

Before you start making offers, get a clear picture of what you can borrow. Most buyers arrange a home loan pre-approval so they can bid or make offers with confidence. Pre-approval is not a guarantee, but it tells you your likely budget.

2. Find a property and do your homework

Once you find a place, look beyond the listing. Check the building and pest reports, the strata records if it is a unit, and anything unusual about the property. This is also the right time to engage a conveyancer, because they can review the contract before you commit.

3. Have the contract reviewed before you sign

The contract of sale sets out the terms, inclusions, and any special conditions. It is worth having a licensed conveyancer review it before you sign or bid, so nothing catches you out. If you would like to understand the document itself, our guide on what conveyancing is gives the background.

4. Make your offer

There are two common ways to buy:

• Private treaty: you negotiate a price and sign the contract. Private treaty purchases usually come with a cooling-off period (the length varies by state).
• Auction: you bid on the day, and if you win you sign immediately. Auctions generally have no cooling-off period, which is exactly why a contract review beforehand matters.

5. Pay the deposit and use any cooling-off period

After signing, you typically pay a deposit. If your state gives you a cooling-off period, that is your window to do final checks. See our guide on cooling-off periods for how they work.

6. The conveyancer does the legal legwork

This is where your conveyancer earns their keep. They will:

• Run searches on the property and title.
• Check rates, owners corporation details and any notices.
• Liaise with your lender and the seller’s representative.
• Calculate adjustments for council and water rates.

7. Settlement

On the settlement date, the balance of the price is paid, the title transfers to you, and the property is yours. Most settlements now happen electronically. Our guide on what happens at settlement walks through the day itself.

8. Collect the keys

Once settlement is confirmed, you can collect the keys and move in. Your conveyancer will confirm everything has completed correctly.

Where it can go wrong

Most hold-ups come from finance falling through, a contract condition not being met, or a problem found in the searches. A good conveyancer spots issues early and keeps the transaction on track.

The simplest first step is to have a conveyancer lined up before you make an offer. Tell us about your property and we will connect you with licensed conveyancers who can quote.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Convey Connect connects you with licensed conveyancers and property solicitors who provide advice and services directly. Browse more guides.