Understanding Conveyancing and Property Law in NSW
Property transactions in NSW involve legal complexities that require experienced guidance. Whether buying, selling, or developing, understanding conveyancing and the role of legal professionals is key to a smooth and secure transaction.
What is Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. It includes:
Preparing and reviewing the contract for sale
Conducting title and property searches
Managing rates, taxes, and legal compliance
Liaising with banks and third parties
Finalising settlement and registration of ownership
The goal is to ensure a legally sound and stress-free property transfer.
The Role of a Property Lawyer vs a Conveyancer
When completing a property transaction, you may engage either:
Property Lawyer (Solicitor): Offers comprehensive legal advice on complex or disputed matters and can manage broader legal issues beyond standard conveyancing.
Licensed Conveyancer: Specialises in straightforward property transfers but cannot advise on legal disputes or non-conveyancing matters.
For complex transactions or added legal protection, engaging a property lawyer—such as the team at LawBridge—ensures you’re covered at every stage.
Our Services
Our Comprehensive Conveyancing Services
LawBridge offers a full suite of conveyancing services across Sydney and NSW, managed by our experienced property law team. We provide clear legal advice and dedicated support for various property transactions, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the whole process.
1
Conveyancing for Residential Property
We manage property transfers for:
Houses, units, and apartments
Vacant land
First home purchases
From contract review to settlement, we guide buyers and sellers with clear advice to ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.
2
Conveyancing for Commercial Property
Our team assists with the sale and purchase of:
Offices, retail spaces, and industrial properties
We ensure compliance with commercial property law and safeguard your investment at every step.
3
Conveyancing for Property Developers and Builders
We offer tailored legal support for development projects, including:
Site acquisition and due diligence
Structuring and subdivision
Development applications and planning agreements
Off-the-plan sales and contract preparation
Our advice is practical, strategic, and commercially focused.
4
Off The Plan Purchases Assistance
Buying off-the-plan involves risk—our lawyers help you:
Review complex contracts and key terms
Understand sunset clauses, deposit protections, and potential variations
Navigate risks and delays with confidence
We help you make informed decisions before signing.
100% Obligation-Free
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Our Streamlined Property Transaction Process
Understanding the conveyancing process provides clarity and confidence during your property transaction in Sydney or NSW. LawBridge manages the whole process efficiently, whether you are buying or selling property, ensuring transparency from start to finish.

Buying a Property Step by Step
Purchasing a property involves several key stages. Our experienced property lawyers and conveyancers guide you through each step of the property purchase, providing essential legal advice to safeguard your interests:
1
Contract Review
We carefully review the Contract for Sale, explain the terms, and flag any risks. We also advise on special conditions that may apply to your specific purchase.
2
Negotiations
If needed, we negotiate contract terms to better reflect your interests before you commit.
3
Exchange of Contracts
We manage the formal contract exchange, making the agreement legally binding (subject to any cooling-off period).
4
Cooling-Off Period and Inspections
We advise you on your rights during the standard 5-day cooling-off period in NSW and assist in arranging building, pest, or strata inspections.
5
Finance and Property Searches
We help you coordinate finance approval and conduct essential searches (e.g. title, council, land tax) to uncover issues affecting the property.
6
Liaising with Parties
We communicate with the seller’s solicitor/conveyancer and your lender to coordinate the transaction from start to finish.
7
Settlement Preparation
Our team prepares all required documents and calculates financial adjustments for council rates, water usage, and strata levies.
8
Settlement
We attend and complete settlement—typically via PEXA—ensuring payment is made and legal ownership is transferred to you.
Selling a Property Step by Step
Selling property in NSW also follows a structured process. Our solicitors and conveyancers ensure efficient handling and protect your rights as a vendor throughout the conveyancing transaction:
1
Contract Preparation
We prepare the mandatory Contract for Sale, including all required disclosures—such as title documents, zoning certificates, and drainage diagrams—before the property is listed.
2
Marketing Support and Legal Readiness
We work with your agent to ensure your property can be marketed lawfully and that you’re ready for offers and buyer inquiries.
3
Negotiations
We provide legal advice during negotiations and help assess offers to ensure your interests are protected when considering buyer proposals.
4
Exchange of Contracts
Once terms are agreed, we manage the formal exchange process to make the agreement legally binding.
5
Liaising with Parties
We communicate with the buyer’s conveyancer and your mortgage lender (if applicable) to coordinate next steps and documentation.
6
Mortgage Discharge
If your property has an existing mortgage, we handle the discharge process with your bank or lender to clear the title.
7
Settlement Preparation
We calculate adjustments (e.g. council rates, water, strata) and ensure all contractual obligations are met in time for completion.
8
Settlement
We attend settlement—usually via PEXA—ensuring full payment is received and the property title is legally transferred to the buyer.
Why Choose LawBridge as Your Property Law Firm
Choosing the right legal team is essential for a smooth and secure property transaction. At LawBridge, we combine legal expertise with a client-first approach to deliver trusted conveyancing and property law services across Sydney and NSW.
Experienced Property Law Team
Our team of skilled solicitors and conveyancers has extensive experience handling residential, commercial, and development transactions across NSW. Whether you’re buying, selling, or developing, we ensure your matter is managed with precision and legal care.
Client-Focused Legal Advice
We deliver clear, practical advice tailored to your needs. From first-home buyers to seasoned investors, we provide personalised service, regular updates, and support throughout your property transaction—making the process straightforward and stress-free.
100% Obligation-Free
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Practice Areas
Our Expertise
We provide commercially astute legal advice and solutions for businesses operating in NSW and across Australia. From corporate structuring and transactions to litigation and compliance, our focus is on delivering pragmatic strategies that protect your interests and drive your commercial objectives forward.
LawBridge offers specialised legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of the not-for-profit sector. Leveraging deep experience within charities and educational institutions, we provide guidance on governance, compliance, structuring, and operational matters, helping organisations advance their mission effectively.
Navigating Australia’s migration landscape requires expert guidance. Our team assists individuals and businesses with a comprehensive range of migration matters, ensuring clarity and strategic support throughout the application and compliance process to achieve successful outcomes.
We understand that personal legal matters require sensitivity and expertise. LawBridge provides clear, practical advice on personal law issues including family law, wills, and estate planning, ensuring your personal interests and assets are protected with a strategic, results-oriented approach.
What Our Happy Clients Say
Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable legal support that keeps their charities and not-for-profits compliant and confident.
Team
Our Dedicated Property Law and Conveyancing Team
Based in Sydney, the LawBridge property team brings deep experience in residential, commercial, and development transactions. We provide clear legal advice and efficient conveyancing services tailored to your goals—whether you’re buying, selling, or developing property in NSW.

Adam Jacobs
Founding Partner

Ramia Abdo Sultan
Founding Partner

Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner - Cofounder
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney Conveyancing and Property Law
Buying or selling property in NSW can raise important legal questions. Below are answers to some of the most common queries we receive from clients navigating residential, commercial, or off-the-plan property transactions in Sydney and across NSW.
What is the difference between a property lawyer and a conveyancer?
A property lawyer, also known as a solicitor, often practices in multiple areas of law and can provide broader legal advice, especially if a property matter becomes complex or involves disputes. A licensed conveyancer specialises specifically in the transfer of property title and related tasks but typically cannot provide legal advice outside of standard conveyancing transactions.
Do I need a solicitor to sell my property in NSW?
While it is not legally compulsory in NSW to use a solicitor for selling property, it is a legal process, and engaging one is highly recommended. A solicitor prepares the mandatory Contract for Sale required before advertising and provides crucial legal advice to protect your best interests throughout the whole property transaction.
What happens during the cooling-off period in NSW?
In NSW, buyers usually receive a 5-business-day cooling-off period after contracts are exchanged for a property purchase. During this time, the purchaser can withdraw from the contract, typically forfeiting 0.25% of the purchase price, and can arrange finance approval or conduct necessary property inspections. This period can be waived, reduced, or extended by mutual agreement between the buyer and seller.
What is involved in the conveyancing process?
The conveyancing process involves the legal transfer of property ownership from one party to another. Key steps include reviewing the sale contract, conducting essential property searches (like title searches and checking for encumbrances), ensuring special conditions are met, calculating adjustments for rates and taxes, liaising with banks, preparing legal documents, and attending settlement.
What should I look out for when buying off the plan?
Key considerations when buying off the plan include the contract’s sunset date (the deadline for project completion), potential differences between the plans and the final build, the property developer’s reputation, and ensuring your deposit is protected. Obtaining legal advice before signing an off-the-plan contract is crucial due to the inherent uncertainties and potentially long timeframes involved.
What happens at property settlement?
Property settlement is the final stage where the buyer pays the remaining purchase price to the seller, and in return, the seller legally transfers ownership of the property. Keys are usually collected from the real estate agent after settlement confirmation, which now mostly happens electronically via PEXA.
Can you assist with both residential and commercial property conveyancing?
Yes, experienced property law firms like LawBridge handle conveyancing services for all types of property in NSW. This includes residential property like homes and units, vacant land, as well as commercial buildings, industrial sites, and retail premises.
What are covenants and easements?
A covenant is a restriction or obligation registered on a property’s title that dictates how the land can be used, such as limitations on building materials. An easement grants someone who doesn’t own the land, like a neighbour or council, the right to use a part of it for a specific purpose, such as a right of way for access or for utility services.
How long does the conveyancing process usually take in NSW?
The standard settlement period for a property transaction in NSW, after contracts are exchanged, is typically 42 days (6 weeks). However, this timeframe can be negotiated between the buyer and seller and adjusted in the contract. Off-the-plan property purchases involve much longer and more variable timeframes dependent on the construction schedule.