9 Conveyancing Myths Busted: What Buyers & Sellers Get Wrong

Think you know conveyancing? Think again! We debunk 9 common myths that could cost you thousands. Learn the truth before your next property transaction.

Buying or selling property is stressful enough without falling for common conveyancing myths that could derail your settlement. At Skilled Conveyancing, we have seen too many clients lose money, time, and even their dream homes because of misinformation.

To help you avoid costly mistakes, we’re busting 9 of the biggest conveyancing myths in Victoria and sharing the truth to keep your property journey smooth.

Myth 1: “All Conveyancers Do the Same Thing”

Truth: Not all conveyancers are equal! Experience, local knowledge, and attention to detail matter. A specialist can:

Spot hidden property risks through doing 100% of the property enquiry searches required (e.g., outstanding fees, building orders on property, restrictions, etc) – some conveyancers do the bare minimal to save costs …

1. Do comprehensive Contract reviews – not 15 min skims with high level information, you should be educated on the details that impacts your property to help you make the best decision
2. Inform you of better special conditions to prevent your loss of time, money and stress
3. Prevent delays that cost you penalty interest.
4. Communicate with your other representatives (brokers, agents, banks, other legal representatives, etc) proactively to ensure your settlement happens on time and without problems

FACT: Look for a conveyancer like Skilled Conveyancing with 5-star reviews and expertise in your property type (e.g., off-the-plan, auctions).

Myth 2: “I Don’t Need a Conveyancer for Auctions”

Truth: Auctions are unconditional – once you win, you’re locked in! Without a pre-auction contract review, you could inherit:

1. Illegal building structures.
2. Unapproved and/or undisclosed owner builder works.
3. Restrictive covenants.

RULE: Always get your contract checked via a Contract Review, before bidding at any auction! 

This is a small investment to make to potentially save thousands of dollars and stress. At  Skilled Conveyancing, we do these in written and verbal form, depending on your preference or needs!

Myth 3: “Settlements Always Take 30–60 Days”

Truth: While 30–60 days is in the standard range, it is dependent on what is agreed with the seller. 

Here are 5 things that can delay your settlement if you are not represented by a professional conveyancer:
 

1. Slow bank approvals.
2. Title defects.
3. Missing paperwork.
4. Clients not getting information back to the conveyancer because they are not aware of the next steps.
5. The other side is not organised and not ready for the settlement

FACT: A proactive conveyancer like Skilled Conveyancing, chases progress daily via its industry leading workflow software and team, to ensure we retain our Top 1% rating of having over 95% of settlements happen on the first booked settlement date!

Myth 4: “The Seller’s Agent Will Protect My Interests”

Truth: Agents work for the seller – not you! 

The seller’s agent ONLY gets paid when the house is sold and settled, hence it is in their best interest for this to happen as fast as possible. What happens to the purchaser (you) post the sale has no interest or responsibility on the selling agent. Only your conveyancer:

1. Reviews contracts for red flags and suggests changes to protect you!
2. Helps you in how to re-word conditions that suit YOUR needs and keep it fair
3. Helps you on what to SAY to sellers’ agents to ensure you are legally correct and protected
4. Ensures you’re not overpaying for adjustments (e.g., rates, strata).
5. Handles disputes (e.g., broken fixtures) to ensure you do not settle without receiving the property in the state you have agreed to

FACT: This is why Skilled Conveyancing provides you with checklists at different stages of the conveyancing process to ensure you are informed of what to do and when; ensuring no stone is unturned to get you a fast and supportive settlement!

Myth 5: “Off-the-Plan Purchases Are Risk-Free”

Truth:  Off the plan purchases are NOT risk free! Over 30% of OTP buyers face unexpected issues at settlement. With the right precautions, you can avoid becoming a statistic.

5 things to make sure you pay attention to when purchasing off the plan:

1. Sunset clause traps and developer insolvency – make sure your developer and registered builder has a great reputation and is not known for delaying or cancelling contracts.
2. Design changes – make sure the contract specifies minimum sizes of rooms and structures within rooms, as well as the products they will use.
3. Construction quality and defects – ensure there is a defect liability period of 6-12 months as a minimum
4. Sub-division surprises – make sure you clearly understand the location identity of the unit, location of the car park/s and the location of the storage shed as an absolute minimum.
5. Zoning or planning issues – make sure the planning permits are legitimate and appropriate for your needs and watch out for future high rise or infrastructure projects being approved in close proximity.

Rule: Get a conveyancer like Skilled Conveyancing to review your Off the Plan (OTP) contract before you sign it, to ensure your investment has minimal risks.

Myth 6: “New Homes Don’t Need Building Inspections”

Truth: ABSOLUTELY they need building inspections by an independent registered inspector! 

A $500 inspection could save you $50,000+ in hidden repairs.
Here are 3 things to be aware of;

1. Poor craftsmanship – due to tight deadlines and budgets for builders and their trades, it is possible to experience poor workmanship, structural shortcuts!
2. Hidden defects (big or small!) – poor waterproofing in bathrooms and balconies (if applicable) or electrical hazards/defects are issues inspectors can find for you as they do this everyday across hundreds of homes.
3. Non-compliant installations – ensure certificate of compliance have been provided for electrical, plumbing and sewerage installations.

Rule: Get a registered inspector to inspect YOUR property before settlement of your new home or risk costs later. At Skilled Conveyancing we can and will recommend you to proven and high-quality inspectors our clients use regularly.

Myth 7: “DIY Conveyancing Saves Money”

Truth: DEFINITELY not true for 99% of people. 

It takes years of dealing with all types of property matters, gaining the relevant knowledge and qualifications to be a licensed conveyancer and having the appropriate systems and network in place to do your conveyancing seamlessly and accurately.

Here are just 3 things an inexperienced or DIY conveyancer could miss that will cost you not just money, but time and stress:

1. Lost deposits (e.g., missing a finance clause).
2. Penalty interest (late paperwork).
3. Legal battles (unenforceable contracts).

Fact: Using a professional conveyancer like Skilled Conveyancing pays for itself in risk avoidance, STRESS relief and saving you time (and money)!.

Myth 8: “Signed Contract = Done Deal”

Truth: Until settlement, deals can collapse! Signing the contract in Victoria is just the START of the process.

Here are 3 common scenarios that can happen post signing a contract that can kill a deal being complete:

1. Finance can still fall through – things like valuation shortfalls, bank processing days miss settlement deadlines or changes in the borrowers finances like job loss for example
2. Building and pest issues may arise – major defects can be found which creates repair situations that are prohibitive or not agreed upon
3. Title or legal defects can arise – illegal extensions could have been erected and not disclosed, unpaid rates and taxes or caveats or liens are present which do not allow the sale to proceed

FACT: The deal is done ONLY when settlement is completed, when:

1. Funds are transferred (buyer’s bank pays seller).
2. Title is legally changed (Land Use Victoria updates records).
3. Keys are handed over.

Myth 9: “Conveyancers Just Do Paperwork”

Truth: We are your legal shield in property transactions and specialists in the process of fast, supportive and stress free settlements. 

Great conveyancers do more than just the legal compliance of property transactions, they also do;

1. Contract Reviews to aid your negotiations before you sign a contract 
2. Modify contract conditions to save you future problems, stress and definitely money
3. Ensure your service providers (Mortgage Brokers and Real Estate Agents) in the transaction are informed and compliant with your legal needs
4. Problem-solving to ensure if there are any title defects or inspection issues or lack of funds before settlement, we help you sort this out and keep the settlement on track proactively.
5. Educate you on what to look for in inspections and provide you options of services you need to do to actually move, to make it simpler and easier for you.

Example: At Skilled Conveyancing recently saved a client from over $100,000 of post settlement expenses due to future works required on the property that she was not aware of in the contract. Our job is to protect and support YOU through one of your biggest decisions, and investments of your life!

Need Professional, yet cost effective Conveyancing?

At Skilled Conveyancing, we cut through the misinformation and deliver:
✔ Fast, supportive and stress free settlements.
✔ Fixed AND transparent fees—no surprises.
✔ 5-star rated service.

Don’t risk your property on myths—get expert help today with Skilled Conveyancing.