Buying a property
Contract review, searches and advice before you exchange, then management through to settlement, for homes, investments and off-the-plan purchases.
Property Law & Conveyancing
Your biggest purchase shouldn't come with fine-print surprises.
From the contract you're about to sign to the keys in your hand, we handle the legal side of buying and selling property, so nothing in the fine print catches you out at exchange or settlement.
Book a consultation
Google Reviews 5.0
The contract is signed before most people read it
Buying or selling property moves fast, and the contract is usually the part everyone skims. By the time something matters (a clause that lets the price move, a missing inclusion, a cooling-off period quietly running out) you’ve often already exchanged, and your options have narrowed.
The numbers are unforgiving too. In NSW the cooling-off period after a private-treaty exchange is just five business days, and walking away costs you 0.25% of the purchase price. Buy at auction and there’s no cooling-off at all, and a 10% deposit changes hands at exchange. These aren’t moments to be reading a contract for the first time.
We review every contract before you commit, run the searches that surface what the listing won’t tell you, and steer the matter through exchange, pre-settlement and settlement, keeping you clear on what’s happening and what it means at each step. The result: you sign knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to.
What's included
Conveyancing and property, handled end to end
Whether you're buying, selling or transferring, we cover the legal work that protects the transaction from contract to settlement.
Selling a property
Preparing your contract of sale and handling the legal side of the sale, so it proceeds smoothly all the way to settlement.
Contract review & advice
A close read of the contract before you sign: inclusions, conditions, special clauses and the risks worth negotiating out.
Off-the-plan purchases
Navigating the added risks of buying off-the-plan, from sunset clauses to deposit protection and what you're actually committing to.
Property transfers
Transfers between family members, related parties or following a change in ownership, structured correctly and lodged properly.
First home buyers
Guidance on the process and the concessions available, including the transfer-duty exemptions eligible first home buyers can access.
Why Vanguard
Legal advice that feels
empowering, not overwhelming.
We pair expert legal knowledge with practical strategy to resolve your challenges efficiently, and keep you informed and supported at every step.
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Genuine expertise
Highly qualified across commercial, property, family, criminal, employment and estate law, so your matter is handled by people who do this every day.
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Honest, jargon-free advice
Transparent communication and clear guidance. You'll always know where you stand, what it costs, and what happens next.
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On your terms
Flexible consultations: in person at Bankstown, by phone or by video. Legal help that fits around your life, not the other way around.
About to exchange on a property?
Have the contract reviewed before you sign. Book a consultation and we'll tell you exactly what you're committing to.
Mervat Sayed
Principal Solicitor & Founder
Mervat brings a grounded, people-first approach to legal practice, combining technical expertise with a genuine commitment to accessible, empowering advice. She has worked across commercial and property, family law, wills and estates, criminal law and litigation, and is known for clear communication and client empathy.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Peace & Development)
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW
How it works
Getting started is straightforward.
- 01
Book your consultation
Book online in under a minute or call us directly. We'll find a time that suits: in person, by phone or video.
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Get a tailored strategy
We listen, cut the jargon, and give you a clear, personalised plan built around your goals and your situation.
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Move forward with confidence
We act decisively to resolve your matter, keeping you informed and supported at every step.
Property Law & Conveyancing FAQs
Property Law & Conveyancing questions, answered.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on (02) 8766 2575. We're happy to help.
How long is the cooling-off period when buying a home in NSW?
The cooling-off period for residential property bought by private treaty in NSW is 5 business days after contracts exchange. A buyer who rescinds in that window forfeits 0.25% of the purchase price. Properties bought at auction have no cooling-off period. Our Property Law & Conveyancing team reviews every contract before exchange.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in NSW?
First home buyers in NSW pay no transfer duty on homes valued up to $800,000 under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme. Homes valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000 receive a concessional rate, and vacant land is exempt up to $350,000. Eligibility depends on price, residency, and prior ownership.
What does a conveyancing solicitor do when I buy property?
A conveyancing solicitor reviews the contract, orders searches, exchanges contracts, and settles the purchase. The 4 stages are contract review, exchange, pre-settlement inspection, and settlement, when title transfers and the balance is paid. Buying a home is a sound time to update your will, so see Wills & Estates.
How much deposit do I pay when exchanging contracts in NSW?
The deposit on a NSW property purchase is usually 10% of the purchase price, paid at exchange. A buyer can sometimes negotiate a 5% deposit with the seller's agreement. The deposit is held in the agent's or solicitor's trust account until settlement.
Mervat was amazing throughout our entire home loan journey, from contract review through to settlement. Her fast responses ensured we didn't lose the property when timing was critical, and she made the whole settlement process feel simple and stress-free.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Catherine Shemon on Google.
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I'm beyond grateful for the expertise Mervat showed in handling my legal matter, along with the genuine care provided throughout the entire process. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome — I couldn't recommend anyone more highly!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Medina Sabanovic on Google.
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I had a great experience working with Vanguard Lawyers for the settlement of my property. They were professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the entire process, making everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their services.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Manpreet Kaur on Google.
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From our very first conversation, Mervat was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my situation. Thanks to her dedication and strategic approach, we achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a trustworthy and results-driven legal professional.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Michael Smith Yassine on Google.
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We are extremely grateful for the outstanding service you provided while helping us purchase our unit. From start to finish, your expert guidance kept us informed and confident, while your professionalism and genuine support made what could have been a stressful process remarkably smooth.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Al Moroni on Google.
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I had the pleasure of working with Mervat recently and couldn't be more impressed. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and handled my matter with confidence and care. Her attention to detail and calm approach made a stressful situation much easier to deal with.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Khodar Harbouki on Google.
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Mervat was professional, supportive, and highly knowledgeable. She worked hard to achieve the best outcome for us. I highly recommend her and the team at Vanguard Lawyers.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Amanda Branthwaite on Google.
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I highly recommend Mervat. She is a passionate, caring and experienced lawyer. Mervat has done some great work for my family and I, and I can't recommend her enough.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Guljan Boga on Google.
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Mervat was fantastic in all my dealings with her. She is a fantastic and knowledgeable lawyer and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Nour Salama on Google.
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Mervat is an outstanding lawyer. Her knowledge and expertise is an absolute weapon in any legal battle. Thoroughly impressed.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Dan Mikati on Google.
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Thank you Mervat for assistance with my matter — couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to protect my interests!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Charlie Pollock on Google.
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Your professionalism, expertise, and prompt communication made a typically stressful process incredibly smooth and straightforward. I especially appreciate Mervat Sayed for patiently explaining the contract terms whenever we had difficulty understanding, and for being available on the phone to clarify any doubts.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Nirmala Berkmans on Google.
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Professional and easy to deal with. They explained everything clearly and handled my matter so well. I felt confident throughout the process — highly recommend!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Lilly on Google.
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As a first home buyer, I was pretty nervous about the whole settlement process, but Vanguard Lawyers made it incredibly smooth and stress-free. Mervat explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and was always available to answer my questions. Highly recommend Vanguard Lawyers to anyone needing help with their property settlement!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by R S on Google.
Book a consultation
Book your Property Law & Conveyancing consultation.
Tell us what you need and we'll be in touch quickly with clear, honest advice and the next steps. No obligation.
- Call (02) 8766 2575
- Email info@vanguardlaw.com.au
- Visit Level 1, Suite 1/443 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
- Hours Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm