Transcript
Buying a property is a team sport.
First, your conveyancer.
Most people think a conveyancer just reviews the contract before you sign. They do way more than that. Here's something most buyers don't know: you literally cannot buy property in Australia without one. Every settlement runs through PEXA - an online platform that requires a conveyancing licence to access. So it's not optional.
What do they actually do? Two big things. Before you sign - they review the contract, flag risks, and request amendments. After you sign - they handle title searches and coordinate settlement. That's the legal transfer of the property into your name.So you need your conveyancer locked in before you make an offer. Not after.We've found you get what you pay for here. Conveyancers range from $600 - $3,000+ depending on the state. I’ve worked with our favourite conveyancers, Dott&Crossitt my entire career. Why do we like them? They're fast and they're thorough. When a market's moving quickly, a slow conveyancer can cost you the property. Speed and accuracy is what you need.
Next, your broker.
You don't need a broker. But over 80% of Australians use one, and we love working with clients who have a broker. Here's why.
Before you buy anything, you need pre-approval. This is the lender saying, "Yes, we're happy to lend you money." They're assessing you not any property. Just you. Pre-approval gives you a budget. You can search and make offers knowing the money's there - in principle.But pre-approval is not a guarantee. Once you find a property and go under contract, the lender needs to formally approve the loan. Now they're asking a second question: "Do I want to lend against this specific asset?" They'll value it. They'll check it stacks up. If it doesn't, they can say no.So formal approval is two green lights, not one. You as the borrower. The property as the asset. A good broker gets formal approval turned around fast — sometimes in days. That matters, because when we negotiate on your behalf, we'll often push for a finance clause in the contract. That's a window where if the lender says no to the property, you walk away clean. No penalty. Deposit back. Without a broker chasing it, that window can blow out. And if approval doesn't land in time, you're asking for extensions — which weakens your position.We'll get into how we structure offers to protect you later in the series. For now, just know: having a broker lined up before you start searching is step one.
Property report specialist
The final person you’ll work with you’ll meet later in the process - that’s a property report specialist, depending on the type of property your purchase. Every home has issues. The question is whether they're cosmetic or structural. A cracked tile versus a cracked foundation — very different conversations. A property report specialist will help you understand what your home has.So that’s your team. A broker, a conveyancer, and a property report specialist ready to go.
Key takeaways
- Line up your broker, conveyancer, and building inspector before you start searching — agents can tell if you're not prepared
- Your broker is free (paid by the lender) and gets you pre-approved so you know your actual budget
- A good conveyancer lets you move within 24–48 hours when the right place comes up — speed wins properties
