• Home
• News & Articles

Quick Legal Tips for Selling Property Fast

Selling a property is more than just hosting inspections. Legal work behind the scenes plays a crucial role in how quickly and smoothly your sale proceeds. Without proper preparation, deals can fall through, settlements can stall, and stress levels can skyrocket. 

Here’s how to get ahead of the game. 

Start with the contract of sale early

Don’t wait until you have a buyer to start preparing your contract of sale – preparing your contract in advance is one of the most effective ways to speed up your property transaction.  It is essential that your agent has a copy of the contract for sale before he or she can start marketing your property, including listing it on the usual sales sites. 

Your contract should include all the essential details about the property, including boundaries and fixtures, and details about the transaction itself such as the settlement period, any special conditions and the inclusions or exclusions. Having a contract ready upfront means you can respond immediately when serious buyers show interest in your property. 

You can work with our expert team at ClickLaw to prepare a contract that is clear, compliant with state legislation and tailored to your property. Ensuring your contract is effective eliminates some of the biggest bottlenecks in property sales. 

Gather essential property documents

A smooth legal process requires paperwork, and a lot of it. Sellers (with the help of their property lawyer or conveyancer) should prepare the following: 

• Title searches 

• Property survey and boundary information 

• Council rates and utility statements 

• Sewer and drainage diagrams 

• Home building compensation (HBC) certificate (if applicable) 

• Final occupation certificate (if applicable)  

• Strata or body corporate documents (if applicable)

Collecting these documents takes time, especially if you need to request copies from third parties, so starting this process early is paramount to avoiding delays later on. Our team at ClickLaw can help you to determine what documents are necessary and retrieve them in a timely manner and ensure that you comply with your vendor disclosure obligations.  

Complete mandatory disclosures

Legally, you must disclose to potential buyers any material facts about the property that could influence their decision to purchase. This can include: 

• Structural issues 

• Past or current environmental concerns, such as flooding and bushfire risk, contamination, pest infestation, or heritage listings 

• Disputes over boundaries, planned developments, or noise 

• Previous renovations or works on the property 

It is important to be transparent with potential buyers upfront. Honesty is not only ethical – it protects you from future legal disputes. ClickLaw can assist you in making these disclosures while minimising the effect it may have on your transaction. 

Choose the right lawyer – and choose them early

Selecting an experienced property lawyer early in the process is crucial for a smooth, speedy sale. A good lawyer will handle contract preparation, effectively coordinate with the buyer’s representatives and manage the settlement process. 

Early involvement with a property lawyer ensures potential issues are caught and smoothed over early, reducing delays and helping you stick to your desired timeline. The right professional makes all the difference in transaction speed. 

Opt for fixed-fee, online conveyancing

For the most effective selling process, look for a property solicitor that offers: 

• Fixed-fee pricing, so you know upfront exactly what you will be paying 

• Proven track record with sales of your property type, ensuring they understand specific requirements and potential issues 

• Online capabilities that allow digital document signing, real-time tracking of the sale process, and efficient communication between all parties 

If you’re short on time, online conveyancing services can be a game-changer. Online conveyancing is particularly valuable for busy professionals who can’t take time off work for repeated appointments and calls, or sellers in regional and remote areas where access to local legal services is limited. With digital conveyancing, you can manage your entire property sale from anywhere with an internet connection, making the process more efficient and convenient.  

Anticipate common legal hurdles

While no amount of preparation can entirely avoid legal hurdles, anticipating and being ready for common legal issues can help you respond quickly and efficiently.  

Title issues can emerge during searches. If you’re aware of any easements, encumbrances, or boundary disputes, address them before listing. If you’re unsure, your property solicitor can advise how to best mitigate title issues should they arise. 

Financing delays from the buyer are common. Although you cannot control the buyer’s finances, having all your documentation ready early helps their lender process loan applications faster. 

Council or strata approvals may be required for certain transactions. Research these requirements early and obtain necessary approvals where possible. Your solicitor can assist you with this.  

Getting your legal ducks in a row may not be the most glamorous part of selling a property, but it’s one of the most important. Legal preparation not only speeds up the initial sale process, but promises a smoother settlement without delays. This efficiency is particularly valuable in the competitive property market where buyers may be weighing up multiple options. Properties with well-prepared legal documentation will often receive preference from serious buyers. The more prepared you are, the more attractive your listing becomes. 

A quick preparation checklist: 

• Experienced property solicitor engaged 

• Contract of sale completed 

• All property documents collected 

• Disclosure requirements met 

• Potential legal issues identified and addressed 

ClickLaw’s fixed-fee online conveyancing services are fast, transparent and tailored to your needs, ensuring you can sell with speed and confidence.  Contact ClickLaw now – Your fast track to a successful property sale starts here.