Your vendor’s documents, ready for the campaign.
We prepare your vendor’s Section 32 and contract of sale, then a lawyer looks after the sale through to settlement.
An auction campaign
An example of how the legal side works when you refer a vendor to us.
Your referral
You introduce the vendor. We call them and confirm our fixed fee.
Searches
We order the title search, certificates and any owners corporation certificate. We also check for owner-builder work and apply for the foreign resident clearance certificate.
Documents signed
The vendor signs the Section 32 and the contract, and we send you both.
During the campaign
You give buyers the due diligence checklist. We answer questions from buyers’ lawyers.
Offers
We advise the vendor on offers and any special conditions.
Contract signed
We arrange the deposit and the mortgage discharge in good time for settlement.
How we work with you
01 Documents before the first open
We aim to have the Section 32 and contract finished before the campaign starts.
02 Advice on offers
Ask us whether a special condition works before your vendor accepts.
03 Auction-day support
Talk to us about support for your vendor on auction day.
04 Settlement preparation
We start the clearance certificate and the mortgage discharge when the vendor engages us.
05 You stay informed
With your vendor’s consent, we tell you when the contract is signed, when it goes unconditional and when it settles.
Changes to Victoria’s sale rules
Reserve published early
Agents must publish the reserve at least 7 days before an auction or fixed-date sale, for sales from 16 October 2026.
Section 32 on a timetable
Under reforms due in 2027, the Section 32 must be available at least 14 days before an auction or fixed-date sale, or within 14 days of advertising.
Early release of deposits
The section 27 early release process is being replaced in 2027. Early release will need an express condition in the contract, and agents will not be able to take commission from a deposit released early.
Identity checks
Since 1 July 2026, real estate agents and lawyers both have anti-money laundering obligations, including checking who their client is.
We will prepare documents to suit the new rules as they start.
Problems we catch before listing
Owner-builder work
A home with owner-builder work sold within six and a half years needs a defects report and warranty insurance in the Section 32.
Owners corporation certificates
Missing or out-of-date certificates hold up the Section 32.
Title particulars
Easements, caveats or a proprietor’s name that does not match.
GST on commercial sales
Going concern or margin scheme, decided before the contract is signed, not after.
Clearance certificates
Needed on every sale from 1 January 2025, whatever the price. Without one, the buyer must withhold 15% of the price.
Mortgage discharge
If the discharge is lodged late, settlement moves.
Why use a law firm
Most sales are straightforward. When one is not, we can advise on conditions, GST, leases and disputes without referring your vendor elsewhere.
| Work | W Legal | Conveyancer |
|---|---|---|
| Section 32 and contract | Yes | Yes |
| Advice on special conditions | Yes | Limited |
| Commercial sales and GST | Yes | Often refers on |
| Leases, subdivisions and off the plan | Yes | Refers on |
| A dispute before settlement | Yes | Refers on |
Every kind of sale
Residential sales
Section 32 vendor statements, contracts of sale and special conditions, through to settlement.
Commercial sales and leases
Commercial and industrial property sales, including the commercial and industrial property tax, and retail and commercial leases.
Subdivisions and off the plan
Subdivisions from plan to registration, and off-the-plan contracts for vendors selling new lots.
Common questions
Who is your client?
The vendor. They engage us directly and our advice is to them. We act for one side of a sale only.
When must the Section 32 be ready?
At present, before the buyer signs the contract. Once the 2027 reforms start, at least 14 days before an auction or fixed-date sale, or within 14 days of advertising. We plan for it to be ready when you list.
Can my vendor get the deposit early?
Usually, yes, under the current section 27 process. Once the 2027 reforms start, early release will depend on an express condition in the contract, so we will draft for it.
What does my vendor need to give us?
Usually the title details, rates and land tax notices, owners corporation information, building permits for recent work and any leases. We tell them exactly what we need when they engage us.
How referrals work
1. Introduce your client
Call or email us with your client’s name and what they need, with their permission, or ask them to contact us.
2. We contact your client
We explain what is involved and confirm the scope and fee with your client directly.
3. You stay in the loop
With your client’s consent, we let you know when the key milestones are reached.
A few words from our clients
Read all 526 reviews on Google“The best in business! We received full support and transparency from start to finish. Mavis, Sarah and the whole team from W Legal thank you for your support! Super highly recommended”
“Very professional and helpful will definitely be using them again”
“Mavis was nothing short of brilliant. She is articulate, precise and knows exactly what she is talking about. We felt in very safe hands with her advice and knowledge. Everything went smoothly with the sale of our place - we would recommend her highly to anyone looking for a strong lawyer who knows her stuff.”
“Very happy with the prompt accurate information and financial transactions from W Legal. Will be using their services again for sure.”