NSW property guides
Our guides explain the legal steps of buying and selling property in New South Wales in plain English. Each guide lists the official sources it relies on and the date its facts were last checked.
All guides
- The conveyancing process in NSW, step by step – NSW conveyancing step by step for buyers and sellers: contract review, exchange, 5 business day cooling-off, pre-settlement checks and e-settlement.
- First home buyers in NSW: duty exemption, grants and eligibility – Eligible NSW first home buyers pay no transfer duty on homes up to $800,000 and a concession below $1m. Eligibility, the $10,000 grant and a checklist.
- NSW stamp duty (transfer duty): 2026-27 rates, examples and when it is due – NSW transfer duty for contracts dated 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027: full rate table, worked examples ($1m = $39,187) and when the buyer must pay.
- The cooling-off period in NSW: how it works for property buyers – NSW buyers get 5 business days to cool off after exchange (10 off the plan). Pulling out costs 0.25% of the price. There is no cooling-off at auction.
- Section 66W certificates in NSW: what buyers give up and what to check first – A section 66W certificate from the buyer's solicitor or conveyancer waives or shortens NSW cooling-off. With a waiver, the contract binds you on exchange.
- Buying property at auction in NSW: what to check before you bid – There is no cooling-off at a NSW auction. Register with ID to bid; the winning bidder signs and usually pays a 10% deposit. Check the contract first.
- Buying off the plan in NSW: your rights before and after you sign – Buying off the plan in NSW: the disclosure statement, 10 business day cooling-off, deposits held in trust, sunset clause rules and stamp duty deferral.
- Strata reports in NSW: what to check before buying a unit or townhouse – What a NSW strata report covers, how the section 184 certificate works (the owners corporation has 14 days to issue it) and what to check before you buy.
- How long does settlement take in NSW and what happens on settlement day? – Under the standard NSW contract, settlement is due on the 42nd day after the contract date unless agreed otherwise. What happens before and on the day.
- Conveyancing fees in NSW: what a quote usually includes – What NSW conveyancing costs include: professional fees, searches, certificates, Land Registry and PEXA or Sympli fees, and why stamp duty is extra.
- Conveyancer or solicitor in NSW: what is the difference? – In NSW you can use a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to buy or sell property. Compare what each can do, the licence limits and how to check either.
- Selling property in NSW: what sellers need to do, step by step – Selling in NSW? Your contract must be ready before you advertise, with title, plan and s10.7 certificate attached. Plus pool, ATO and tenancy rules.
- Transferring property to a family member in NSW: duty, exemptions and title – No general family exemption in NSW: duty is based on market value if it is higher than the price. Spouse, separation and deceased estate rules explained.
More help
- Conveyancing insights – articles on contracts, searches and settlement
- Conveyancing services – what each service covers
- What happens after you engage us
Talk to us about your matter: call (02) 9000 1408, email info@baulkhamhillsconveyancing.com.au or request a quote online.