What should I know about strata records when buying property?

According to Jackie Atchison, NSW property conveyancing specialist: Strata records reveal building defects, special levies, and compliance issues. I analyse strata reports thoroughly, translating findings into actionable strategy so you can negotiate protections or make informed decisions about proceeding.

Residential Property Transactions & Conveyancing > For Buyers & Sellers of Residential Property...

LexAlia's Legal Expertise + Commercial Insight =

Secure, Stress-Free Residential Property Settlements

Buying or selling residential property is often one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. It is more than just a transaction; it is about securing your future, your home, or your investments.

As an experienced property lawyer based in the Northern Beaches of Sydney and servicing all of NSW, I offer tailored advice that reflects the significance of these decisions and clear, strategic guidance to ensure every step is handled with care and precision.

Whether it is your first home or part of a growing investment portfolio, my focus is on delivering outcomes you can rely on because I understand just how important these decisions are to you.

Get in Touch

Book a Consultation

Residential Property on the Northern Beaches of Sydney NSW

Why Smart Residential Property Advice Matters

Risk Identification

A thorough legal review helps identify risks with contracts, titles, easements, and strata records early in the process. This reduces the likelihood of costly surprises or future disputes.

Strategic Negotiation

Targeted legal advice safeguards your interests when negotiating deposits, special conditions, and settlement timeframes. This ensures your position is protected throughout the transaction.

Settlement Assurance

A legally sound approach ensures that all funds, documentation, and registrations are managed accurately during settlement. This delivers an efficient, compliant, and stress-free completion of your transaction.

Jackie Atchison, Founder & Principal Lawyer of LexAlia providing advice to residential property buyer

Transaction Management

Clear legal guidance keeps your property matter moving smoothly by managing regulatory requirements, communications, and critical deadlines. This minimises the risk of delays or compliance issues.

for nsw residential property sellers

Legal Advice for NSW Residential Property Sellers

As an experienced property lawyer based on the Northern Beaches and serving clients across NSW, I understand the challenges residential property sellers face throughout the selling process. My services are designed to safeguard your interests at every stage. From navigating buyer negotiations and identifying potential contract issues to ensuring full compliance with NSW property laws, I offer tailored legal solutions that minimise delays and mitigate risks.

My priority is to provide peace of mind, guiding you through a seamless and secure property transaction.

Contract Preparation

Comprehensive drafting and review of contracts and disclosure documents to align with NSW legislative requirements from the outset.

Special Conditions & Negotiations

Formulation of special conditions for sale and expert support in negotiations with buyers, ensuring your position is strategically protected.

Pre-Sale Risk Review

Early identification and resolution of risks, compliance issues, and title matters to enable a smooth, unencumbered listing.

Negotiation and Buyer Support

Dedicated management of buyer enquiries and contract amendments, maintaining deal momentum while protecting your interests.

Coordination with Agents and Lenders

Liaison with your agent and mortgagee to synchronise information delivery, settlement timing, and regulatory obligations.

Cooling-Off, Exchange, and Deposit Guidance

Professional advice on managing cooling-off rights, deposit arrangements, and contract exchange for regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.

Settlement and Post-Sale Management

Overseeing discharge of mortgage, final transfer, and any ongoing vendor obligations to ensure a clean exit.

for nsw residential property buyers

Legal Support for Residential Property Buyers

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, with challenges like restrictive contracts, environmental risks, boundary disputes, easements, unexpected fees, and settlement delays. These issues can cause stress and uncertainty.

As an experienced property lawyer in Sydney, I’m here to handle these challenges for you. I carefully review contracts to minimize risks, ensure legal compliance, and guide you through every step of the process. Whether it’s securing your deposit, understanding strata agreements, or meeting settlement deadlines, my services are designed to protect your interests and simplify the process.

From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, I provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind throughout your property journey.

Contract Review & Strategic Recommendations

Detailed pre-purchase contract analysis, with clear recommendations on price implications, key risks, and negotiation opportunities for your circumstances.

Auction & Private Treaty Support

Advice on auction preparation, Section 66W certificates, and deposit strategy to ensure secure and compliant contract entry.

Custom Special Conditions

Creation of bespoke special conditions addressing finance, repairs, inspections, or tenancy needs, providing flexibility and protection for your investment.

Integrated Due Diligence & Coordination

Management of searches, identity verification, duty, and lender requirements, delivering seamless and compliant acquisition processes.

Deadline & Milestone Management

Proactive monitoring of contractual milestones, providing reminders and strategic input to avoid non-compliance and penalties.

Settlement & Registration Management

Supervision of settlement, adjustment of funds, and title registration for secure and timely completion of your residential property lawyer Sydney led transaction.

Considering legal advice for you next property or business transaction?

Book a Consultation

Get in Touch

CASE STUDIES

Turning Challenges Into Success.

Why Choose LexAlia for Residential Property Transactions and Conveyancing?

I have acted on a wide range of residential property matters, from high-value harbourside homes and complex strata transactions to family transfers, investment acquisitions, and off-the-plan purchases. This includes managing sales and purchases of houses, strata title apartments, and properties with unique attributes such as waterfront access and jetty rights, across the Northern Beaches, Sydney, and greater NSW.

You work directly with me from initial contract review through to settlement, receiving clear, commercially-focused advice that is grounded in practical experience. I don’t just identify legal risks; I help you understand their real-world impact, weigh your options in line with your goals, and negotiate terms that work for your circumstances.

My approach ensures the legal process supports your commercial objectives, keeps transactions moving smoothly, and delivers outcomes that make sense both on paper and in practice.

Jackie Atchison, Founder & Principal Lawyer of LexAlia

“Jackie provided me with a genuine and friendly service. Prompt, clear, and went above and beyond. Highly recommend!”

Jacinta L.
Business Owner, Gym & Fitness Centre

"Fantastic communication and service drafting contract conditions. Clear, fast and spot on."

Paulitta Z.
Business Owner, Online Retail Business

"Jackie created a high-quality, professional contract and answered all my questions."

Brittany H.
Brand Ambassador & Allied Health Business Owner

“Jackie was efficient and understood the scope clearly—perfect job on our IP Assignment and Option Deed.”

Nick B..
Business Owner, Executive Coaching Business

"Jackie is an experienced lawyer with very valuable expertise"

Todd A.
Business Owner, Education Coach

How Can LexAlia Help You?

Buying or Selling Commercial Property?

Complex negotiations, due diligence requirements, and strategic structuring, I handle all legal aspects to align your transaction with commercial goals.

Buy or Selling a Business?

Whether selling your established business or acquiring new opportunities, I handle sale agreements, due diligence, risk assessment, and negotiations to protect your interests throughout the process.

Operating a Business?

From website terms and supplier agreements to contractor arrangements and operational contracts, I help structure day-to-day business relationships that minimise risk and prevent disputes.

Starting or Restructuring a Business?

From asset protection strategies and tax optimization to succession planning and operational arrangements, I help structure business frameworks that protect wealth and support long-term growth across Australia.

Buying or Selling Residential Property?

From contract review to settlement coordination, I guide you through every legal requirement to protect your investment and ensure smooth completion.

FAQs

Do you have questions about residential property transactions and conveyancing?

Serving clients across the Northern Beaches, Sydney, and NSW.

If you’re looking for a residential property lawyer Sydney based or a property lawyer Northern Beaches focused on residential property transactions, I can help.

What is the difference between exchange and settlement?

Exchange marks the binding point in NSW property transactions where both parties sign, and a deposit is paid; settlement is the final transfer, where funds are exchanged, and ownership passes. As your property lawyer Northern Beaches based, I ensure both phases are managed with precision and compliance.

Do I need a cooling-off period or Section 66W certificate?

Most residential sales in Sydney and NSW allow a 5-business-day cooling-off (with a small non-refundable fee for withdrawal). A Section 66W certificate removes this right, making a contract immediately and unconditionally binding. I provide tailored advice to match your risk profile, finance arrangements, and negotiation leverage.

What should I review before buying strata property?

Strata records reveal any building defects, special levies, and compliance issues. I analyse strata reports on your behalf, translating findings into actionable strategy so you can negotiate protections or walk away if warranted.

How do I coordinate selling and buying at the same time?

With experience in complex NSW property transactions, I structure timelines so sales and purchases are aligned, using contractual tools such as linked settlements or licence agreements to minimise risk and disruption.

What costs arise beyond the purchase price?

Buyers must plan for duty (stamp duty), legal and lender fees, valuations, searches, and settlement adjustments. Sellers incur agent commissions, legal fees, discharge costs, and compliance certificates. I offer upfront guidance so you can budget with confidence.

How do I buy at auction with sufficient legal protection?

You need to complete due diligence, contract review, and negotiations prior to auction—there is no cooling-off period available post-auction. I make sure you are auction-ready, your contract is in order, and your interests are secured.How are unexpected issues resolved before settlement?