good questions.

A conveyancer handles the legal side of transferring property from one owner to another. That includes reviewing or preparing the contract, running searches, working out adjustments for rates and fees, dealing with the lender and the other side, and completing settlement so the title moves into the new owner's name.

For a straightforward purchase or sale, a conveyancer can handle the transfer. If something more complex comes up, such as a dispute, unusual contract terms or a transfer between family members, you may need legal advice. At RUMA, your matter is led by a property lawyer, so you're covered either way.

As soon as you start thinking about buying or selling. Most people call a conveyancer last, once the deal is done. We'd rather be your first call, so you understand the process, the costs and what to watch for before you start looking or listing. If you're buying, that means we can review contracts before you sign or bid at auction. If you're selling, your contract and vendor statement are ready the moment your agent wants to start marketing.

Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. Everything can be done by phone, email and e-signing, so you don't need to come in, even if you live interstate or overseas.

Yes. If you're partway through a purchase or sale and want to switch, we'll arrange for your file to be transferred and take it from there.

Yes, and you should. Contract reviews are free and unlimited, and come back within 2 business days, usually sooner. We'll flag anything unusual and explain what it means for you.

It's the vendor's statement: the seller's disclosure about the property, such as title, zoning, outgoings and easements. It's called a section 32 in Victoria and a form 1 in South Australia. In New South Wales, the required disclosures are attached to the contract for sale.

Usually, for private sales of residential property, but not at auction. In Victoria it's 3 clear business days after you sign. In New South Wales it's 5 business days after contracts are exchanged. In South Australia it's 2 clear business days after you receive the form 1. If you cool off, the seller can keep a small part of your deposit, and there are exceptions, so check with us before you rely on it.

Have your finance approved, get a building and pest inspection, and have the contract and vendor statement reviewed. If it's an apartment or unit, look at the owners corporation records too. We'll tell you what conditions to add to the contract to protect you.

It's commonly 10% of the purchase price, paid when you sign or exchange. A smaller deposit can sometimes be negotiated. It's held in trust until settlement.

Absolutely. We'll walk you through every step, explain the contract in plain English, and point you to the stamp duty concessions and grants available in your state.

Before your property goes on the market. Your agent needs the contract and vendor statement to start marketing. We'll have them ready within 2 business days, usually sooner, once we have everything we need.

If the property is part of a strata or body corporate, we'll also need the owners corporation certificate before your vendor statement can be finalised. It can take a little longer to come through, so we'll request it straight away and keep you posted.

Yes. We coordinate with your lender to discharge your mortgage at settlement, so your loan is paid out from the sale proceeds.

RUMA charges a fixed fee for buying or selling: $1,500 in Victoria, $1,200 in South Australia and $1,900 in New South Wales. Transfers start from $880. All plus GST, searches and disbursements. These vary from matter to matter, and we'll explain them as we go.

If you're buying, you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is paid at the end, at settlement. If you're selling, we ask for a small deposit at the start so we can order your searches, and the balance is paid at settlement.

Searches are the official checks on a property, like the title, council and water records. Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf, such as search and government fees. They're passed on to you as part of the transaction.

It's set in the contract and is usually between 30 and 90 days. In New South Wales, 42 days is common. Your settlement date can be negotiated before you sign.

Settlement is done electronically. The buyer's funds are paid, the seller's mortgage is discharged, rates and fees are adjusted, and ownership is registered in the buyer's name. Once it's done, we'll let you know and the agent can hand over the keys.

No. Everything can be done by phone, email and e-signing.