Appointing a solicitor
We strongly recommend you get independent legal advice before you buy your new home.
Appointment
When choosing a solicitor:
- shop around for experience, services and costs
- find a firm that specialises in property or conveyancing
- make sure your solicitor isn’t connected to any other party (like the seller).
Before you appoint a solicitor, ask for a detailed quote for the work you want done. Some conveyancing solicitors may charge a set price.
The Queensland Law Society can help you find a solicitor in your area.
Solicitor’s duties
Ask your solicitor to:
- check the sale contract before you sign
- check the disclosure documents
- give advice on your mortgage contract
- carry out title searches and explain the results
- explain how the purchase may affect your liability for land tax
- explain mortgage insurance and other documents
- explain your obligations if you receive a transfer duty concession.
They will deal with the seller (or their solicitor) to:
- fix any problems that came up in pre-settlement inspections
- handle your final payment on settlement day
- transfer the property title from the seller to you.
Solicitors must have insurance—this protects you in case they do something wrong.
Complaints
Contact the Legal Services Commission to make a complaint about your solicitor.