| PRE-EXCHANGE PROPERTY CHECKLIST
Print and work through this checklist before exchanging contracts on any NSW property |
| 1. THE CONTRACT | |
| ☐ | Obtained a copy of the Contract for Sale before making an offer |
| ☐ | Solicitor has reviewed the full contract including all annexures |
| ☐ | Settlement period confirmed and is realistic for my lender |
| ☐ | Special conditions (if any) reviewed and understood |
| ☐ | Deposit amount confirmed and funds are available |
| ☐ | Vendor’s solicitor details confirmed for exchange |
| ☐ | Understand whether cooling-off period applies (private sale) or not (auction) |
| ☐ | Section 66W advice received from my solicitor if waiving cooling-off |
| 2. ZONING AND PLANNING | |
| ☐ | Section 10.7 Planning Certificate reviewed — zoning confirmed |
| ☐ | Permitted uses on the property understood |
| ☐ | Neighbouring land zones checked for development potential |
| ☐ | Any planning proposals or rezoning applications checked on NSW Planning Portal |
| ☐ | Development Control Plan requirements reviewed (if intending to build or renovate) |
| ☐ | Bush fire, flood or contaminated land overlays checked if applicable |
| 3. TITLE SEARCH AND ENCUMBRANCES | |
| ☐ | Full title search conducted and reviewed by solicitor |
| ☐ | Easements identified and their locations confirmed on survey plan |
| ☐ | Restrictive covenants identified and understood |
| ☐ | Any caveats — and their basis — investigated |
| ☐ | Mortgage or charge to be discharged at settlement confirmed |
| ☐ | For rural/regional properties: Crown land boundaries checked |
| ☐ | Boundary survey or identification survey considered if any concerns |
| 4. STRATA (APARTMENTS AND TOWNHOUSES ONLY) | |
| ☐ | Section 184 Strata Information Certificate reviewed |
| ☐ | Current quarterly levies confirmed and affordable |
| ☐ | Capital works fund balance reviewed — adequate for building age? |
| ☐ | Special levies current or proposed — identified and budgeted |
| ☐ | Building defect claims or ongoing litigation — checked |
| ☐ | Last 2 years of AGM minutes reviewed by solicitor |
| ☐ | Strata managing agent details and contact confirmed |
| ☐ | Strata scheme by-laws reviewed — any restrictions relevant to my use? |
| 5. FINANCE AND SETTLEMENT | |
| ☐ | Finance is unconditionally approved — not just pre-approved |
| ☐ | Lender’s valuation received and matches purchase price |
| ☐ | Settlement date in contract is achievable for my lender |
| ☐ | Stamp duty / transfer duty amount calculated and funds available |
| ☐ | Legal costs and disbursements budgeted |
| ☐ | Building and pest inspection completed (for existing homes) |
| ☐ | Home and contents insurance arranged to take effect at exchange or settlement |
| ☐ | For off-the-plan: sunset clause date noted and financial exposure assessed |
| IMPORTANT NOTES FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL NSW BUYERS
Buying rural or farm property in NSW involves additional due diligence steps not covered by this general checklist. These include: water licence entitlements and their transferability, soil contamination history (dipping sites, chemical storage), noxious weeds declarations, stock disease history, and Crown land boundary verification. CML Lawyers has offices in both Sydney CBD and Cowra NSW and handles rural and urban conveyancing across the state. We understand the specific requirements of regional NSW property transactions. |
| READY TO BUY? TALK TO CML LAWYERS FIRST.
We review contracts, advise on title, and guide buyers through every step of the conveyancing process. Sydney CBD | 3 Spring Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Cowra NSW | 125 Kendal Street, Cowra NSW 2794 cml.com.au | 6342 1000 or 9299 2223 | zoe.bagnall@cml.com.au |
This document is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact CML Lawyers for advice specific to your circumstances.