Aquarius Conveyancing
Conveyancing Darwin
Licensed Conveyancing in the Northern Territory
- Over 30 Years of Experience
- Client-Centric Services
- Stress-Free Property Transactions
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About Us
Qualified Local Conveyancing: Seamless Property Transactions
At Aquarius Conveyancing, our unwavering dedication is always focused on your best interests. We are licensed conveyancing agents who assist with all kinds of property transactions, including purchases, sales and auctions. Our professionals work closely with clients to ensure your experience of buying or selling a property is as seamless as possible.
We know that selling or buying a property is one of the biggest decisions of your life. That's why our conveyancers take pride in delivering personalised, precise solutions to meet your unique needs. Our team's commitment, paired with our extensive knowledge of the Northern Territory's property market, makes us the perfect choice for all your conveyancing needs.
To arrange a consultation with our conveyancing agents, please contact our office on
(08) 8942 2811. We operate all throughout the Northern Territory, including
Darwin,
Howard Springs,
Girraween and
Palmerston.
Established in 2007
Your Local Conveyancers
We offer comprehensive conveyancing services to meet your individual needs. Our conveyancing agents will be with you every step of the way, from the initial offer through to the final settlement.
Who We Are
Residential & Commercial Conveyancers
Navigating property transactions can be daunting, but with Aquarius Conveyancing by your side, we make it as simple as possible. Our conveyancing agents provide comprehensive assistance throughout the sale or purchase of your property, ensuring no detail is overlooked. We’re here to guide you through:
- Making an offer
- The contract
- The deposit & contract conditions
- Stamp duty
- Settlement
Aquarius Conveyancing is your partner in residential and commercial property transactions. Our know-how extends to various property types, including houses, land, units and commercial premises. We understand each transaction is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs, helping to provide peace of mind as you embark on your property journey.
Comprehensive Services
From The First Offer Through To Settlement
Buying property is a lot more complicated than it looks in the movies. From making an offer through to drawing up a contract, making a deposit and making sure all contract conditions are met, it's a lot to handle. There's also stamp duty, insurance and final settlement to consider. That's why you need the right conveyancing agent by your side.
At Aquarius Conveyancing, we help clients with every aspect of their property transactions. Our licensed conveyancing agents know the process inside and out, and we have local knowledge that we aim to leverage to your advantage. We'll help you understand all the steps involved and work to make sure your rights are protected throughout the entire process. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Why Do I Need A Conveyancer?
At Aquarius Conveyancing, we will handle every aspect of your residential or commercial sale or purchase including:
- Obtaining a title search
- Obtaining copies of any registered covenants/caveats/leases
- Preparing or examining the contract
- Preparation of the Transfer of Lot
- Arranging inspection reports
- Liaising with your bank
- Arranging payment of stamp duty
- Arranging adjustments of Council rates and/or body corporate levies and rental adjustments
- Attending settlement at the Lands Title Office
- Notifying statutory bodies of the change of ownership
Whether you're buying your first home or expanding your commercial portfolio, we are here to guide you through the complexities of conveyancing in Darwin. With our knowledge of the local market and conveyancing processes, we’ll walk you through various stages of property transfer. We follow a detailed approach to address the specific needs of your property transaction. Contact us today to learn more.
What Are the Stages of Conveyancing for Buyers?
Buying property comes with considerable risks, from financial loss to property issues. That’s where conveyancing comes in. Conveyancing is the process by which property is formally and legally transferred from one owner to another. Here is a brief guide to the conveyancing process across the stages of purchasing property.
Making an Offer
Great, you’ve found the perfect property for you! It’s time to make an offer. Firstly, you must inform the real estate agent; the communicator between yourself and the seller, who will present your offer to the seller.
If there is no real estate agent involved (private sale), you must present your offer directly to the seller. Your offer must include any conditions (ie. subject to finance, subject to inspection reports, deposit amount and settlement date).
If the seller is interested, negotiations will begin. Once the seller has accepted your offer, a contract will be prepared by either the real estate agent or seller’s conveyancer.
The Contract
In the Northern Territory, real estate agents and conveyancers must use an approved version of the standard contract. In most cases, real estate agents prepare the contract and arrange for both seller and buyer to sign it.
They will then exchange the contract and deliver a copy to each party’s nominated conveyancer. The buyer will then have a cooling off period that runs for 4 business days from the date that the contract is received by the buyer’s conveyancer. Your conveyancer will be in touch with you within the cooling off period to discuss the terms of the contract and the process moving forward.
In private sales where there is no real estate agent, the seller’s conveyancer will prepare the contract and deliver a copy to the buyer’s conveyancer and the conveyancers will then arrange for the parties to sign the contract. In private sales, the buyer does not have a cooling off period after exchange of contracts.
The Deposit
The deposit is payable on exchange of contracts and will be held in either the real estate agent’s trust account or the seller’s conveyancer’s trust account.
Contract Conditions – Cooling Off
The cooling off period runs for 4 business after the buyer’s conveyancer receives the exchanged contract. The cooling off period gives the buyer the right to withdraw their offer for any reason whatsoever. The deposit would then be refunded in full to the buyer.
Contract Conditions – Inspection Reports
In the Northern Territory, the seller is not required to disclose any defects with the property. The buyer is therefore required to conduct their own enquiries as to whether there are any defects or non-compliant issues with the property.

Your conveyancer will discuss your options and this process with you and will be able to engage inspectors on your behalf to provide reports.
Insurance
In most cases, the property remains at the risk of the seller until the date of settlement. You should make enquiries with insurance providers at least a week prior to settlement to ensure that you obtain insurance that best suits your needs and that you have full cover from the date of settlement.
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is a form of tax and is charged on all types of property transfers. It is payable by the buyer and in most cases, payable on the day of settlement. Your conveyancer can advise you on the amount payable and ascertain whether you would be eligible for any stamp duty discounts.
Preparing for Settlement
Provided that all contract conditions and finance approval conditions have been satisfied, the contract will be declared unconditional. Your conveyancer will then secure a settlement booking with your lender and calculate the settlement figures.
A settlement statement will be provided to you setting out the amount required to settle and arrangements can then be made to transfer any funds required. The settlement statement will include a credit for the deposit paid, adjustment of the Council rates (and body corporate levies if applicable), fees and any stamp duty.
In the week leading up to settlement, you should finalise your insurance, arrange for the electricity to be connected in your name (if you are moving in) and book in a final inspection with the agent (or seller directly if a private sale).
The final inspection is to ensure that the property has been left in the same condition as it was when you made your offer. Once settlement has been completed, you do not have the right to raise any issues with the seller for rectification.
Settlement
In Darwin, settlements take place at the Lands Titles Office. The buyer and seller are not required to attend. Settlements begin at 11am and take 2 – 4 hours to complete. Your conveyancer/settlement agent will let you know as soon as settlement has been completed and the keys can then be released to you.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or experienced buyer, our dedicated conveyancing
team at Aquarius Conveyancing are happy to help you every step of the way.
Signs You Could Benefit from Conveyancing Services
Buying or selling property can be an exciting journey, but it’s also one filled with legal complexities and paperwork that can easily overwhelm even the most experienced individuals. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property investor, the assistance of a professional conveyancer can be invaluable to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. At Aquarius Conveyancing, we help our clients navigate the intricacies of property transactions, ensuring everything is handled professionally, efficiently and in your best interest.
Here are several signs that you could benefit from our expert conveyancing in Darwin:
1. You’re Buying or Selling Property for the First Time
For first-time buyers and sellers, the process can be daunting. From understanding contracts to managing deposits, it’s a lot to handle. If you're unfamiliar with property law, conveyancing services can simplify the process by explaining legal terms and conditions in plain language. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations.
2. You’re Not Sure About the Legalities Involved
Property transactions involve complex legalities, including title searches, contract reviews and stamp duty calculations. If you're unsure about what documents to review or what to look out for in a contract, it’s essential to have a conveyancer on your side. We’ll help you examine contracts thoroughly, ensure there are no hidden surprises and even arrange necessary inspections and reports to protect your investment.
3. You’re Dealing with a Complex Transaction
Some property transactions can be more complicated than others. For example, purchasing land with restrictions, navigating a commercial property deal or dealing with a property in a trust can present unique challenges. If your transaction involves these complexities, having a professional conveyancer who understands the nuances of property law is essential. At Aquarius Conveyancing, we handle both residential and commercial properties, and we’ll work to make sure your transaction proceeds smoothly.
4. You Need Help Understanding and Managing Costs
The financial aspects of a property transaction can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding additional costs such as stamp duty, council rates and other fees. A conveyancer will help you calculate all relevant costs upfront, so there are no surprises later on. We’ll also keep you informed about eligibility for any stamp duty discounts and ensure that your financial interests are protected.
5. You're Concerned About the Settlement Process
Settlement is the final stage of any property transaction and can be a source of stress if you're unfamiliar with the process. There are many steps to consider, including arranging funds for settlement, finalising insurance and conducting a final inspection. With our assistance, we’ll ensure that you’re fully prepared for settlement day and that everything is handled seamlessly.
6. You Have a Tight Timeline or Deadlines to Meet
Whether you’re under time pressure to complete a sale or need to meet a deadline for your property purchase, a conveyancer can help expedite the process. We work diligently to ensure all the paperwork and legal requirements are in place, meeting deadlines and facilitating timely transactions. With conveyancing in Darwin, our team is familiar with the local market in Darwin and the Northern Territory, meaning we can manage any urgency while keeping the process running smoothly.
7. You Want Peace of Mind
The property market is dynamic, and even experienced buyers and sellers can run into unexpected issues. By hiring a conveyancer, you ensure that all the legal aspects of your transaction are managed properly. At Aquarius Conveyancing, our licensed professionals work closely with clients to provide peace of mind and confidence that every detail is taken care of.
How to Choose a Great Conveyancing Service
Choosing the right conveyancing in Darwin is crucial to ensuring that your property transaction is completed smoothly, efficiently and with minimal stress. Whether you're buying, selling or transferring property, a skilled and professional conveyancer can help you navigate the complex legal requirements, safeguard your interests and ensure that every detail is properly managed. Here are some key qualities to look for when selecting a great conveyancing service.
1. Experience and Expertise in Property Law
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a conveyancer is their level of experience and expertise in property law. A seasoned conveyancer will have in-depth knowledge of the legalities surrounding property transactions and will be able to handle all the nuances of your specific case, whether it involves residential, commercial or specialised properties. Look for a conveyancing service with a proven track record of successfully managing similar transactions to ensure they can navigate any challenges that may arise.
2. Local Knowledge and Familiarity with the Area
Local knowledge can make a significant difference in the conveyancing process. A conveyancer with experience in the local market will have a deeper understanding of local regulations, zoning laws and market conditions. This can be especially important in regions with specific rules and practices, like the Northern Territory, where local experience can help you avoid common pitfalls. They should be able to use their local expertise to identify potential issues with the property and offer solutions that others may not be aware of.
3. Clear Communication and Transparency
Effective communication is essential when it comes to property transactions. A great conveyancer should be responsive, approachable and able to explain complex legal terms in plain language. You want a professional who will keep you updated on the status of your transaction and clearly outline your rights, obligations and any potential issues that may arise. Transparency is also crucial — your conveyancer should be upfront about their fees, the timeline for your transaction and any actions you need to take on your end.
4. Personalised Service
Every property transaction is unique, and your conveyancer should treat your situation as such. An expert in conveyancing in Darwin will offer a personalised approach, tailoring their services to meet your specific needs. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a commercial investor, a good conveyancer will take the time to understand your goals, concerns and requirements. They should be proactive in offering advice and suggestions that help you achieve the best outcome.
5. Strong Reputation and Client Reviews
A reputable conveyancer with positive client reviews and testimonials is often a reliable indicator of their quality of service. Look for a conveyancer with a solid reputation for professionalism and trustworthiness. Reading reviews from past clients can give you a sense of how well they manage transactions, their level of customer service and their attention to detail. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so consider asking friends, family or colleagues for recommendations as well.
6. Ability to Handle Complicated Transactions
Not all property transactions are straightforward. If you’re dealing with a complex sale, such as a property with a legal dispute, a commercial deal or a property under a trust, it’s important to choose an expert in conveyancing in Darwin who has experience handling more intricate cases. They should have the ability to navigate complicated legal matters, such as property titles, lease agreements or specific local property issues and find effective solutions to avoid delays or disputes.
7. Availability and Accessibility
Your conveyancer should be readily available to answer questions, address concerns and provide updates. They should be easy to contact, whether by phone, email or in person, and willing to dedicate the necessary time and attention to your case. Availability is especially important when you're working with tight deadlines, such as when a settlement date is approaching or if there are urgent matters to resolve.
Get Expert Conveyancing Assistance Today
Choosing the right service for conveyancing in Darwin can make a significant difference in the success of your property transaction. By focusing on experience, local knowledge, communication, personalised service and a strong reputation, you’ll be better equipped to select a conveyancer who will meet your needs and protect your interests. At Aquarius Conveyancing, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, offering personalised advice and expertise every step of the way. Get in touch today to see how we can assist you with your property journey.
For more information or to arrange a consultation, please contact us on (08) 8942 2811. We serve clients across the Northern Territory, including Darwin, Palmerston and surrounding areas.
