Buying your first home? We’ve got you. Buying your first property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make — and it comes with a lot of unfamiliar paperwork, jargon, and processes. Conveyancing on the Fleurieu is here to take the stress out of the legal side so you can focus on the exciting part.
Our team works personally with first home buyers across the Fleurieu Peninsula and South Australia, explaining every step in plain language and making sure you understand exactly what you’re signing. No jargon. No confusion. Just clear, professional guidance from someone who genuinely wants your first purchase to go smoothly.
What Does a Conveyancer Do for a First Home Buyer?
When you buy property, a conveyancer manages the legal and administrative process of transferring ownership from the seller to you. For first home buyers, this typically includes:
- Reviewing the contract of sale and explaining its terms before you sign
- Checking the title for encumbrances, caveats, easements, and other issues
- Conducting property searches (council, water, emergency services, and more)
- Reviewing the vendor’s statement (Form 1) to ensure your cooling-off rights are protected
- Liaising with your bank or lender to coordinate finance and settlement
- Confirming the settlement amount and any adjustments for rates and taxes
- Attending settlement on your behalf via the PEXA electronic settlement platform
- Ensuring the title is registered in your name after settlement
We also help eligible first home buyers with the South Australian First Home Owner Grant and advise on stamp duty concessions that may reduce your upfront costs.
First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty Concessions
If you’re buying or building a new home in South Australia, you may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — currently $15,000 for eligible new homes. There are also stamp duty concessions available for first home buyers purchasing eligible properties.
Eligibility rules apply, and they change from time to time. We’ll help you determine whether you qualify and prepare the necessary application as part of your conveyancing.
What to Expect: Step by Step
1. Before you sign – Get in touch with us before you sign a contract if you can. We can review the contract and flag anything that needs negotiating — cooling-off periods, settlement dates, special conditions. There’s no charge for a quick chat before you commit.
2. After you sign – Once contracts are signed, we take over. We order all required searches, review the Form 1, and begin preparing for settlement. We keep you updated at each stage.
3. Settlement day – We attend settlement electronically via PEXA and confirm when it’s done. The keys are yours.
4. After settlement -We ensure the title is registered in your name with the Lands Titles Office and confirm everything is finalised. Your home is officially yours.
Why First Home Buyers Choose Conveyancing on the Fleurieu
- We explain everything — no jargon, no rushing
- You deal directly with your conveyancer, not a junior or call centre
- Fixed fees so you know the cost upfront
- Mobile appointments available across the Fleurieu Peninsula
- Genuine local knowledge of Fleurieu Peninsula property
When should I contact a conveyancer — before or after I sign a contract?
Ideally, before. We can review the contract and identify any concerns before you’re committed. But don’t worry if you’ve already signed — contact us as soon as possible and we’ll get started. In South Australia, residential contracts have a two-business-day cooling-off period (unless waived) during which you can withdraw.
What’s the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
A licensed conveyancer is a property transfer specialist. For most standard first home purchases, a conveyancer is all you need, and we handle this work every day. A solicitor covers a broader range of legal matters — if your purchase involves unusual legal complexity, we may recommend you also obtain legal advice.
I’m thinking about buying in Aldinga, Victor Harbor or Port Elliot. Are you the right people to handle the property transfer?
Yes. We cover the whole Fleurieu Peninsula and all of South Australia. We’re very familiar with the property market across the region and happy to assist wherever your first home is located.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?
The main requirements are that you or your partner must not have previously owned residential property in Australia, the property must be a new or substantially renovated home (not established), and you must intend to live in it. We’ll go through eligibility with you as part of your conveyancing — contact us and we can discuss your situation. You can also find out more on the State Government’s website.
What does conveyancing cost for a first home buyer?
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing so there are no nasty surprises. Contact us for a quote — we’ll need some basic details about the property and purchase price. Our fees are competitive and transparent.