VIC buyer-side residential conveyancing checklist
Victorian buyer conveyancing turns on the Section 32 vendor statement under the Sale of Land Act 1962 and runs through PEXA. This checklist is for Victorian solicitors and conveyancers acting for residential purchasers.
This is a 12-step Victorian buyer-side conveyancing checklist. It covers Section 32 review, cooling-off rights, duty assessment, PEXA settlement, and post-settlement steps for residential purchases.
The checklist
Review the Section 32 statement
Check the vendor statement for title, planning, outgoings, notices, owners corporation, and growth area contribution.
Advise on the 3 business day cooling-off
Brief the buyer on the 3 business day cooling-off period and the 0.2% forfeiture, and confirm the cooling-off notice content.
Review the Contract of Sale
Check the contract against the LIV/REIV standard form and review any special conditions added by the vendor.
Arrange building and pest inspections
Confirm independent building and pest reports are completed before cooling-off expires.
Verify finance approval
Confirm unconditional finance with the lender before cooling-off ends or any subject-to-finance date.
Calculate stamp duty
Calculate VIC stamp duty, including any first home buyer or principal place of residence concessions.
Order land tax clearance certificate
Request a land tax clearance from the State Revenue Office to confirm no outstanding vendor liability passes to the buyer.
Run owners corporation searches
For strata properties, review the owners corporation certificate, fees, rules, and pending works.
Prepare Transfer of Land
Draft the Transfer of Land form and upload to the PEXA workspace. Confirm client verification of identity.
Calculate settlement adjustments
Calculate council rates, water, owners corporation fees, and land tax adjustments as at settlement date.
Attend PEXA settlement
Confirm workspace balance, sign digitally, and coordinate lender disbursements and vendor payout.
Post-settlement confirmation
Confirm title registration, provide settlement statement, and advise buyer on insurance and utilities transfer.
When this checklist applies
Use for every Victorian residential purchase from instructions through to post-settlement.
Common pitfalls
- Missing Section 32 disclosure gaps before cooling-off ends
- Not ordering land tax clearance and leaving the buyer exposed
- Forgetting to check GAIC liability in growth areas
- Missing owners corporation arrears on strata purchases
- PEXA workspace not balanced before settlement time
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can review the Section 32, run this checklist on a live VIC buyer matter, and flag disclosure defects. See /practice-areas/property-lawyers or start a free trial.
General guidance for Victorian residential buyer matters. Adapt for off-the-plan, auction, or commercial transactions.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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