Selling a House

Conveyancing For Sellers Darwin & Surrounds

Selling A House In Darwin

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If you have decided to sell your home, either because you are moving to a new area or a different property, Jarrett Lawrie Conveyancing can help you with the process. You may have already spoken with a real estate agent about listing your property on the market. In Australia real estate sales involves a few complicated steps that are best finalised with the assistance of a professional who understands the intricacies of the law.


Our conveyancers can sit down with you to discuss the specifics of the property you are trying to sell to determine how far you are in the process. For instance, some of our clients are only thinking about putting their property up for sale and want to understand the conveyancing process, while others have already found a buyer.

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Selling Houses In Australia

When you do reach the stage where you have a buyer for your home, the conveyancing process will begin. In Australia the process involves a few different stages. While there is no legal requirement for you to hire a conveyancer, we believe it's in your best interests to have our representatives guide you through the stages of the process.


Our conveyancers will fill out forms or look over paperwork at your request, we also liaise with other professionals, conduct inspections and take your place at the final settlement. Our services are the safest and most comfortable way to sell your property.

Selling House Conveyancing Process

1. Contracts

Contract — Selling a House in Parap, NT

The first stage of the conveyancing process involves agreeing to a contract with the other party. Our conveyancers can put together a contract for you to sell your home and we can also look over a contract provided by the buyer. If we feel any terms do not represent your best interests we will advise you about making amendments. 


The Contract for Sale of Land must be agreed on by both parties before we can proceed to the next stage. Once you do agree to the terms there will be a five-working-day cooling off period where both parties have a chance to reassess the circumstances. Before the agreement the buyer may request certain inspections and reports for your home. These are routine inspections that should be of any concern but our conveyancers are happy to liaise with the other party’s representatives so we are informed about how the process is coming along.

2. Deposit & Exchange

Money — Selling a House in Parap, NT

When the final agreement is reached the buyer will put down a deposit on the property and you will exchange identical signed copies of the contract for the land sale. Now you are in the cooling off period which lasts five working days. It is possible for the buyer to change their mind in this period but not the seller.

3. Settlement

Papers — Selling a House in Parap, NT

The final stage of selling your home is the settlement. This is the meeting where the final paperwork is exchanged, along with checks for the full amount of money the buyer is paying to buy your property. We can represent you at the settlement. When all the steps are complete, we inform you of the successful conclusion and hand over the cheque. 


If you would like to sell your home in Darwin, Parap or nearby areas contact Jarrett Lawrie Conveyancing for assistance today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is property conveyancing?

    This is the formal process of transferring ownership from one party to another for the sale of a home or property. 


    These parties can include individuals, entities or trusts (for example, self-managed superannuation funds). 


    This process is more complex than you might think, which is why it is imperative to hire a professional for your conveyancing to ensure compliance and to ensure the process is as smooth and seamless as possible.

  • Can I DIY the conveyancing process?

    There are DIY conveyancing kits available and individuals or entities are entitled to use them to manage the conveyancing themselves. 


    It is only recommended that these DIY kits are used for the most straightforward transactions. 


    In most instances, there are multiple complexities and a professional conveyancer is required for the protection of both the buyer and the seller.

  • What is a cooling-off period?

    In most transactions where there is a Real Estate Agent involved the buyer will have a four working day cooling-off period during which time it is recommended that they contact their Conveyancer to go through the Contract of Sale with them to ensure that they are aware of the terms and conditions contained in the Contract. 


    If the Contracts are exchanged by Conveyancers, for example, if there is a private sale and no agent is involved there is no cooling-off period however the parties to the contract do not exchange until they are all satisfied with the conditions contained in the contract of sale. 


    Usually after meeting with their Conveyancer to discuss this and satisfy themselves that everything is in order.

  • What are the different property owner structures?

    Having the ownership in the correct format and name is an integral part of purchasing a property. 


    It is very challenging to change this later, so getting it right the first time through a reputable conveyancing firm is essential.


    There are four different property owner structures:


    • Sole Tenant – this is where a sole individual is on the title.
    • Joint Tenancy – this means you own the property jointly and should one person pass away the property will automatically revert to the survivor.
    • Tenants in common – Each buyer can purchase a share of the property ie 40%/60%. If you purchase as Tenants in Common it is very important that you have a will prepared to make sure that your share of the property passes to your beneficiary. It will not automatically pass to the Survivor in this instance.
    • Company/Trust Names – You will need to ensure that the buyer entity is correct on the title. We normally recommend that you refer to your Accountant to ensure that the details are correct before lodgement on the settlement date. There are things you must consider when doing commercial building sales or buys, so getting a professional is a great help.

  • What is stamp duty?

    Every time a property transaction has been completed, a percentage of the sale price must be paid to the Northern Territory Government in the form of stamp duty. 


    Your Conveyancer will be able to advise you of the amount of stamp duty that you will need to pay.

  • Are there differences between private sales and auctions?

    There are significant differences, the most significant being there is no cooling-off period when you purchase at auction. 


    All information is present for you to view, you can inspect the property and all offers are final. 


    Even if there are issues with the building structure, pest infestations, or your finance is declined, you still legally have to settle the property if you win at auction. 


    It is highly advised to speak to a professional property conveyancer before putting any bid down at an auction.

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