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Property Buying Guides

Expert guides to help you understand your Contract of Sale and Section 32

Browse by LGA (council)Browse by Section 32 topic

Showing 24 of 115 guides.

First Home Buyer11 min read

First Home Buyer Schemes in Victoria 2026: Every Stamp Duty Concession, Grant, and Loan Program

The complete list of stamp duty exemptions, grants, and federal programs available to Victorian first home buyers in 2026 — eligibility, stacking rules, and what affects each program in your Section 32.

First Home Buyer10 min read

The 10 Most Expensive First Home Buyer Mistakes in Victoria (and How to Avoid Each One)

The 10 contract-level mistakes that cost Victorian first home buyers the most money — with dollar impact ranges and the specific Section 32 check that prevents each.

First Home Buyer12 min read

First Home Buyer Timeline in Victoria: Week-by-Week, From Pre-Approval to Keys

The Victorian first home buyer journey mapped phase by phase — pre-approval, inspections, contract signing, cooling-off, conditions period, settlement on PEXA, and post-settlement.

First Home Buyer10 min read

Victoria's Public Selective Schools: A Buyer's Guide to Areas, Commute, and Property

Where Victoria's four selective entry high schools are, what makes their property markets distinctive, and the Section 32 considerations specific to each surrounding suburb.

First Home Buyer11 min read

APS Schools in Victoria: Property Implications of Buying Near Melbourne's Associated Public Schools

The 11 APS schools, the suburbs they operate in, and the Heritage Overlay, owners corporation, and tax considerations that come with property in those precincts.

Section 328 min read

What is a Section 32? A Plain English Guide for Victorian Property Buyers

Everything you need to know about the Vendor's Statement — what it contains, why it matters, and what to look for before you sign.

Section 326 min read

5 Red Flags in Vendor's Statements That Could Cost You Thousands

These are the issues most buyers miss — and most solicitors charge hundreds to find. Learn what to look for before your next open inspection.

First Home Buyer10 min read

First Home Buyer's Guide to Section 32 and Contracts of Sale

Buying your first property in Victoria? Here's everything you need to understand about the paperwork — explained without the legal jargon.

Contract of Sale7 min read

What is a Contract of Sale? Understanding Your Property Purchase Agreement

The contract of sale is what you actually sign when buying property. Here's what every section means and what to watch out for.

Costs & Fees8 min read

The Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Victoria (Beyond the Purchase Price)

Stamp duty is just the beginning. OC fees, special levies, building inspections — here's the full breakdown of what buying really costs.

Legal Guide7 min read

Owner's Corporation Fees Explained: What Every Apartment Buyer Needs to Know

OC fees, special levies, sinking funds — what they mean, how much they cost, and the red flags to watch for in the OC certificate.

Legal Guide5 min read

Cooling-Off Period in Victoria: Your Rights After Signing a Contract

You have 3 business days to change your mind — but there are exceptions. Here's exactly how the cooling-off period works and when it doesn't apply.

Costs & Fees6 min read

Victorian Stamp Duty: How Much Will You Pay? (2025 Rates & Calculator)

A complete guide to land transfer duty in Victoria — current rates, first home buyer exemptions, and how to calculate exactly what you'll owe.

Legal Guide7 min read

12 Questions to Ask Your Solicitor Before Buying Property

Don't go into your solicitor meeting unprepared. These are the questions experienced buyers ask — and the answers you need to hear.

First Home Buyer8 min read

Buying at Auction in Victoria: What You Need to Know (and Do Before Bidding)

No cooling-off period, no subject-to-finance — auction rules are different. Here's how to prepare so you don't get caught out.

Legal Guide9 min read

The Complete Due Diligence Checklist for Victorian Property Buyers

Consumer Affairs Victoria requires this checklist for every property sale. Here's every item you should check — and how to actually do each one.

Legal Guide8 min read

The Settlement Process in Victoria: A Step-by-Step Timeline

From signing the contract to getting the keys — here's exactly what happens during settlement, who does what, and what can go wrong.

Section 327 min read

Easements, Covenants, and Restrictions on Title: What They Mean for Your Property

Your title search shows an easement or restrictive covenant. Should you worry? Here's what each type means and how it affects what you can do with the property.

First Home Buyer7 min read

Do You Need a Building Inspection Before Buying? What It Covers and What It Costs

A building inspection can save you from a money pit — but it can also be a waste if you don't know what to look for in the report.

Contract of Sale8 min read

Special Conditions in a Contract of Sale: What to Add, What to Watch For

Subject to finance, subject to building inspection, sunset clauses — special conditions can protect you or trap you. Here's how to get them right.

Legal Guide8 min read

Planning Zones and Overlays in Victoria: How They Affect Your Property

Heritage overlay? Bushfire zone? Flood overlay? What your planning certificate means for renovations, development, and insurance costs.

First Home Buyer9 min read

Buying Off the Plan in Victoria: Risks, Rights, and Red Flags

No cooling-off period after 3 days, sunset clauses that let developers walk away, and deposits at risk — what you need to know before committing.

Costs & Fees6 min read

Conveyancer vs Solicitor: Which Do You Need When Buying Property in Victoria?

Both can handle your property settlement — but they're not the same. Here's when you need a solicitor, when a conveyancer is enough, and what each costs.

Legal Guide5 min read

What is PEXA? How Electronic Settlement Works in Victoria

Most Victorian settlements now happen on PEXA — not in a room with lawyers swapping cheques. Here's how the digital process works and what it means for you.

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The complete directory, grouped by category. Suburb guides are also organised by council (LGA).

Section 32 (23)
Contract of Sale (9)
First Home Buyer (21)
Costs & Fees (20)
Legal Guide (41)
Settlement (1)
Suburb Guide (475)