Buying a property in Victoria follows a clear legal path from contract to keys. Here’s what actually happens — and where your conveyancer does the heavy lifting.
Step by step
- Before you sign — contract & Section 32 review. Every Victorian sale comes with a Section 32 Vendor’s Statement and a Contract of Sale. Have your lawyer review them before you commit — they check title, zoning, owners-corporation, rates, and any nasty surprises (easements, notices, defects).
- Cooling-off. Private-sale buyers usually get a 3-business-day cooling-off period (it doesn’t apply at auction). Your lawyer explains how it works for your contract.
- Deposit. Typically 10%, paid on signing, usually held in trust until settlement.
- Finance. If your offer is subject to finance, you have a window to get formal loan approval. Our sister service ORLA Finance can run this alongside your conveyancing on one timeline.
- Searches & enquiries. Your lawyer orders title, council, water and other searches to confirm what you’re buying and calculate adjustments.
- Adjustments & stamp duty. Rates and charges are apportioned to the settlement date, and your stamp duty is calculated.
- Settlement. On the agreed date, everything settles electronically through PEXA — funds and title transfer, duty is paid, and you get the keys. With ORLA Settle you watch it happen on a live settlement tracker.
What does it cost?
You’ll have three costs: your conveyancing fee (ORLA Settle: a fixed $1,090 incl GST), disbursements at cost (~$300–$700), and stamp duty — usually the largest, and often reduced or removed for first home buyers. See your all-in figure with the calculator:
Know your total before you buy
Stamp duty + our fixed fee + disbursements, all in one number.
Calculate my upfront cost →Why ORLA Settle for your purchase
Real Victorian lawyers
Not just a conveyancer — admitted lawyers, PI insured, with a regulated trust account.
One fixed price
$1,090 incl GST, quoted up front. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices.
Fully online + tracked
Contract review, e-signing and video meetings — no office visits — with live settlement tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Victoria?
You need a lawyer or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal transfer. A lawyer can also review your contract and Section 32 and advise on any issue — important protection when problems appear. ORLA Settle is a law firm offering this at a fixed price, fully online.
What is a Section 32?
The Section 32 Vendor’s Statement is a legal document the seller must give you before you sign, disclosing title details, rates, zoning, owners-corporation information and more. Your lawyer reviews it to make sure there are no surprises.
How long does settlement take in Victoria?
Settlement periods are commonly 30, 60 or 90 days from contract, as agreed between buyer and seller. The settlement itself happens electronically through PEXA on the agreed date.
Can you handle my home loan and conveyancing together?
Yes. ORLA Settle handles the conveyancing and our sister service ORLA Finance can arrange your loan on one coordinated timeline. Using our finance service is optional.