How To Speed Up The Conveyancing Process in Queensland

Conveyancing is transferring the legal title of property from one person to another. In Queensland, the conveyancing process is governed by the Conveyancing Act 1919 and the Conveyancing Regulations 2020. And this usually takes a lot of time to get right, considering all the work that is needed by both the seller and the buyer.

But what if there were ways to speed up this process? Here are some tips on how you can do just that:

Choose A Conveyancer That Uses Technology

Nowadays, there are plenty of conveyancers in Queensland who are using technology to streamline their operations. This is advantageous because it can help to speed up the entire process. Choose a conveyancer that operates an online platform so you can easily track your case's progress and receive real-time updates.

So if you want the process to be quicker, choosing a conveyancer that uses technology can help you be sure that they're able to get things done faster and more efficiently. But, also make sure that they have a good reputation so you can be sure that your case is in good hands.

Get Everything In Writing

Getting everything in writing before any work starts on the conveyancing process is essential. This includes the contract of sale, which the seller's solicitor should prepare. Once both parties have signed this contract, it's binding and can't be changed.

As a buyer in Queensland, you should also have a copy of the signed contract, so you know what you agree to. This will help avoid any misunderstandings further down the line, potentially delaying the process.

Meanwhile, as a seller, you must provide your conveyancer with all the relevant documentation as soon as possible. This includes things like title deeds, proof of ID, and utility bills. The more information you can give them, the sooner they can start working on your case.

Keep Track Of All Documents And Communications

Throughout the conveyancing process, many documents and communications will be exchanged between yourself, your conveyance, and the other party. It's essential to keep track of all of these so you can easily refer back to them if needed.

This can be done by setting up a dedicated folder on your computer or using a cloud-based storage system. This way, you'll always have access to the latest version of each document and can easily find what you're looking for.

Be Prompt With Responses And Payments

Another way to speed up the conveyancing process is to be prompt with your responses and payments. For example, if your conveyancer requests additional information from you, make sure to provide this as soon as possible.

The same goes for making payments – if any fees need to be paid, do this promptly so the process can keep moving forward. Any delays will only end up prolonging the process overall.

Complete The Contract Of Sale

Once you've found a Queensland property you like and have made an offer that's been accepted, the next step is to complete the contract of sale. This document will outline the deal's details, including the price, deposit amount, settlement date, and special conditions.

Make sure that you read through this carefully before signing it. Once both parties have signed, the contract is legally binding, so you need to be sure you're happy with everything included.

If any amendments need to be made, your Queensland conveyancer can help. Once the contract is finalised, you can then start working on organising the rest of the conveyancing process.

Lodge The Contract With The Queensland Land Titles Office (QLTO) 

The next step is to lodge the contract with the Queensland Land Titles Office (QLTO). This must be done within two business days of the agreement being signed. Once it's been lodged, the cooling-off period will commence.

During this time, either party can back out of the sale without penalty. However, if you decide to go ahead with the sale, you'll need to pay a deposit of 0.25% of the purchase price.

Your conveyancer will usually lodge the contract on your behalf, but it's worth checking that this has been done. Once lodged, you should receive a confirmation email from the QLTO.

Check For Any Special Conditions

Once the contract has been lodged, it's essential to check for particular conditions. These could relate to council approval for development or a state of sale that the property is sold as is.

If there are any special conditions, your conveyancer in Queensland will need to work on meeting these before settlement can take place. For example, if council approval is required, they'll need to submit the necessary paperwork and follow up with the council until permission is granted.

Again, keeping track of all communications and documents related to particular conditions is essential so you can easily refer back to them if needed.

Organise Home And Contents Insurance

If you're taking out a mortgage to finance the purchase of your property, your lender will usually require you to have home and contents insurance in place before settlement. This protects their interest in the property in case of damage or loss.

You can organise this yourself or ask your conveyancer to do it on your behalf. They can usually get a competitive quote from their panel of insurers.

Make sure you read the policy carefully before signing to understand what's covered and what's not. It's also essential to ensure that the property is adequately insured for its replacement value.

Attend The Settlement Appointment

The final step in the conveyancing process is attending the settlement appointment. This is where the transfer of ownership occurs, and you'll need to sign several documents. Your conveyancer will usually participate on your behalf, but it's worth being available on the day if any issues need to be addressed.

Once everything has been finalised, you'll be the new owner of the property in Queensland and can start enjoying your new home!

Pay The Stamp Duty And Other Government Charges

As part of the conveyancing process, you'll need to pay stamp duty on purchasing your property. This is a tax that the Queensland Government levies and is payable within 30 days of settlement.

The amount of stamp duty you'll need will depend on the property's purchase price. You can use the Queensland Government's stamp duty calculator to estimate the amount you'll need to pay.

In addition to stamp duty, you may also need to pay other government charges, such as transfer duty or land tax. Your conveyancer will be able to advise you on any additional costs that may apply, from the conveyancing fees to the government charges.

Get Settlement Advice From Your Conveyancer

Your conveyancer will be able to advise you on all aspects of the conveyancing process, from lodgement of the contract through to settlement. They can also help ensure that everything runs smoothly and that potential problems are dealt with quickly.

Conveyancing fees may be necessary at this point to ensure the process goes smoothly. This is the final stage of the conveyancing process and can be completed once all documents have been signed and exchanged.

The fees will depend on the value of the transferred property but are usually a percentage of this amount. For example, if the property is worth $500,000, the conveyancing fee may be $5,000.

Contact A Conveyance Lawyer In Queensland

If you're looking for conveyancing services in Queensland, contact the team of conveyancers in LEAD Conveyancing Gold Coast, QLD, today. They can help you with all aspects of the conveyancing process, from lodgement of the contract through to settlement.

They offer fixed-fee conveyancing services and can provide you with a no-obligation quote. Contact them today to find out more about their conveyancing services and how they can help you with the purchase of your new home.