Overview
Buying or selling property should be one of life’s exciting milestones, not a source of stress.
At Saines Lucas Solicitors, our experienced property lawyers and conveyancing team guide first home buyers, investors, farmers and commercial clients through every stage of the transaction, from pre-contract advice to settlement day.
We’ve acted for property owners across Ballarat and regional Victoria for over 50 years. With offices in Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham and Melton, we combine genuine local knowledge of Western Victorian property, from residential blocks to rural holdings, with the depth of a full-service law firm.
Why use a property lawyer instead of a conveyancer?
A conveyancer can handle a straightforward transfer, but if a caveat is registered on your title, your finance falls through, a contract turns contingent, or a dispute arises, you need a qualified solicitor.
As property lawyers, we can advise, negotiate and act on the legal issues a conveyancer cannot, at fees comparable to a conveyancer for standard matters. If something goes wrong, you’re already in the right hands.
Our property law & conveyancing services
We manage from end to end the sale or purchase for homes across Ballarat, Ararat and the Wimmera/Mallee district: reviewing your Section 32 Vendor Statement and Contract of Sale, advising on cooling-off rights, handling searches and title checks, adjusting rates, and coordinating settlement so you meet your important contract dates without stress. Our Property Lawyers assist with negotiating terms for complex transactions and provide advice on legal issues that a conveyancer cannot.
Commercial & retail property
We act for business owners and investors on commercial and retail leases, agreements to lease, purchase or sale and development of commercial property — including due diligence, negotiating key terms, reviewing GST implications and stamp-duty considerations.
Rural & farm conveyancing
We advise on farm sales and purchases, farm leases, share farming agreements, water and access rights, subdivisions, and rural trust structures.
Regional Victoria is our home and the clearest point of difference vs metro/fixed-fee conveyancers is our expertise. Rural property in the Ballarat area is a genuine speciality ranging from potato farming, grazing, cropping, and livestock. The Wimmera/Mallee district is a unique agricultural region in western Victoria that produces a large share of the state’s grains, oilseeds, and pulses. In the Wimmera, we act for farming families, many of which are generational farmers that are holding farming property that is worth significantly more than it was in previous decades ago.
Subdivisions & transfers
From subdividing a single title to related-party transfers, life interest transfers, spousal transfers and transfers of equity, we prepare and lodge the documentation and manage the process with Land Registry Services Victoria.
Why choose Saines Lucas for your property matter
- Local since 1939: deep experience with property law across Ballarat and Western Victoria.
- A lawyer, not just a conveyancer: full legal advice if your transaction becomes complex.
- Three regional offices: Ballarat, Ararat and Horsham, plus telephone appointments available.
- Clear, upfront guidance: We explain the process, the legal costs and your options before you commit.
- Our fee structure is transparent and if your matter becomes complex throughout the transaction our team provides you with an indication of the the legal fees required to resolve the complexities and complete the transaction.
Speak with your property lawyer
Our property team is led by Colleen Harrison Walsh, Senior Solicitor in Property, Estates and Commercial Law. A Dunnstown local, Colleen returned to Ballarat in 2018 and acts for residential, rural and commercial property clients across the region.
Whether you’re buying your first home in Ballarat, selling a farm near Horsham, or leasing commercial premises in Melton, our property lawyers are ready to help. Contact your nearest office or request a conveyancing quote today.
Our People
Colleen Harrison Walsh
Property Law FAQs
What is a Section 32?
- A Section 32 is a legal document that provides a potential purchaser with pre-contractual disclosure of crucial information relating to the property, such as zoning, local authority rates, any mortgages/caveats on title, easements on title, building permits issued for the property etc. A Vendor must also disclose any information that may affect the purchaser’s decision to purchase the property.
How do I know what a property is zoned?
The “Planning Property Report” issued by the Victoria State Government, provides for zoning of a property. The report is a free download from the Department of Transport and Planning.
Is there a cooling off period when purchasing a property?
Yes you may end a contract of sale within three (3) clear business days of the day you sign the contract subject to exceptions and nominal costs.
What is a caveat?
A caveat is an encumbrance registered on the title to the property warning to the world that another person has an interest in the property that must be satisfied.
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right of someone else (other than the owner) that is registered on the title to the property. Easements come in many forms, but the most common form of easement is for the protection of essential services such as water and sewerage.
What is an owners corporation?
It is a legal entity created to manage multi-occupational buildings such as apartments and units and its basic form for the purpose of maintaining common areas, gardens, lifts and driveways etc shared by all occupants.
What additional costs are there when buying a property?
Stamp duty, financier costs, Land Victoria fees, adjustment of local authority rates, owners corporation fees (if applicable) and legals costs and disbursements.
How can I be assured that all outstanding council and rates, vendor debts relating to the property are paid before I take possession?
The role of your lawyer is to ensure that all debts and outstanding rates relating to the property will be paid by the vendor at settlement.
Do I need a lawyer or can I just use a conveyancer?
A lawyer and conveyancer will charge very similar legal fees for a real property purchase or sale transaction. If your transaction is complex or involves caveats registered on title, financing problems or contingent transactions a Lawyer is the better choice from the outset.
Do I need a building or pest inspection before buying a property?
Depending on the the type of structure, a prudent purchaser should always arrange for these reports. A report issued by a qualified professional will disclose defects in the property such as any unseen structural issues, cracks, rising damp, pest infestation. These reports are an effective tool in ensuring the home is pest free and structurally stable.