Residential conveyancing
We manage contract review, Section 17 certificates, title searches, and electronic settlement through PEXA for houses, townhouses, and apartments across the ACT and surrounding NSW regions.
Real-estate law built on clarity
Whether you are purchasing your first home, negotiating a commercial lease, or resolving a boundary dispute in the ACT, our team at Credence Real-estate Law translates complex property legislation into confident decisions.
Discuss your property matterOur approach
From enquiry to resolution in four stages
We keep every engagement structured so you always know where things stand. No billable surprises, no unexplained delays.
Initial assessment
We review your documents, identify the legal issues at play, and provide a clear fee estimate within two business days. If your matter falls outside our expertise, we will refer you to a specialist at no charge.
Strategic advice
After the assessment, you receive a written advice memo outlining your options, likely timelines, and the risks attached to each path. This memo becomes your roadmap for the engagement.
Execution and negotiation
We handle drafting, correspondence, and negotiations with the other party or their solicitors. Every outgoing letter is shared with you in advance so nothing is sent in your name without your approval.
Settlement and handover
Once the matter concludes — whether through settlement, registration, or tribunal decision — we provide a closing summary and archive your file securely for the statutory retention period.
What we handle
Practice areas
Our work spans the full lifecycle of property ownership, from pre-purchase due diligence through to post-settlement disputes and strata governance.
Commercial leasing
From fit-out contributions and make-good clauses to rent review mechanisms, we draft and negotiate leases that protect landlords and tenants alike under the ACT Leases (Commercial and Retail) Act.
Boundary and easement disputes
We represent property owners in ACAT proceedings and Supreme Court actions involving encroachments, right-of-way disagreements, and drainage easement conflicts. Early mediation is always our first recommendation.
Contract drafting and review
Every property transaction begins with a contract. We draft bespoke contracts of sale, option agreements, and joint-venture documents tailored to your commercial objectives and risk appetite.
Strata and community title
We advise owners' corporations, developers, and individual lot owners on by-law enforcement, common property repairs, and the Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011 obligations that govern multi-unit complexes.
Development and planning
Navigating the Territory Plan and the National Capital Authority overlay requires precision. We assist developers with DA conditions, land subdivision approvals, and crown lease variation applications.
Track record
Results that speak for themselves
We measure success by the outcomes our clients achieve, not the hours we bill.
1 200+
Settlements completed since 2014
97%
Disputes resolved before hearing
48 hrs
Average turnaround on contract review
4.9
Google review rating (180+ reviews)
Credence practitioners hold current practising certificates issued by the ACT Law Society and maintain professional indemnity insurance in accordance with the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Common questions
Answers before you ask
While the ACT does not legally require you to engage a solicitor, the risks of self-conveyancing are significant. Contracts for the sale of land in the Territory contain special conditions, cooling-off provisions, and disclosure requirements under the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003. A solicitor ensures these obligations are met and protects your deposit if something goes wrong before settlement.
Most conveyancing matters are quoted as a fixed fee that covers the entire transaction from contract exchange to settlement. For disputes and advisory work, we offer either a fixed-scope quote or an hourly rate with a capped estimate. You will always receive a written costs agreement before any billable work begins.
Almost all land in the ACT is held under a crown lease rather than freehold title. This means the Territory government retains ownership of the land and grants you a lease — typically 99 years — with conditions about how the land may be used. Changing the permitted use (for example, converting a residential block to mixed-use) requires a lease variation, which attracts a change-of-use charge. We guide clients through this process regularly.
No. Acting for both parties would create a conflict of interest that our professional conduct rules prohibit. If we are already engaged by one side of a transaction and the other party approaches us, we will refer them to a trusted colleague at another firm.
The standard settlement period in the ACT is 30 days from the date of exchange, although parties can negotiate a longer or shorter window. Off-the-plan purchases settle when the developer obtains the certificate of occupancy, which can be months or even years after exchange. We monitor milestones and keep you informed at each stage.
Reach out
Let us know how we can help
Our office is located at 44 Larson Knoll, Marcuston, ACT 9586, Australia. We see clients by appointment Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Phone: +61 2 4011 6584
Email: [email protected]
