Terms
Special conditions
Check clauses about the deposit, settlement, access and other obligations.
Property contract reviews in Sydney and NSW
Get a Sydney property contract reviewed before you sign
Contact Aquarius Lawyers before you bid, sign or exchange. We can confirm the review scope and explain which contract terms, property documents and deadlines need your attention.
This guide covers NSW property contracts. For another state or territory, include the property location, contract and next deadline. Aquarius Lawyers will confirm the available review scope in writing.
- Contract terms
- Conditions, deposit and settlement
- Property records
- Title, easements and strata
- Deadlines
- Auction, exchange and settlement dates
A written review scope can explain
- Documents and clauses to review
- Which deadline needs attention first
- What the review includes and excludes
This guide covers Sydney and NSW property contracts. Aquarius Lawyers provides conveyancing across Australia. For another state or territory, request an Australia-wide conveyancing quote and select your property's jurisdiction.
What we can review
What a property contract review can cover
A conveyancing contract review may cover the sale terms, property records, sale method and key dates. The agreed scope depends on the documents and questions you send.
If an agent wants an answer before your review is finished, read our guide to making an offer before a NSW contract review and clarify the proposed exchange step.
The Contract of Sale contains the legal terms and property records that affect your purchase.
Property
Title and easements
Check the title and registered interests that may affect access, use or ownership.
Strata
Strata material
Check the strata plan, by-laws, levies and records included in the review.
Timing
Sale method
Explain when the contract may become binding and whether a cooling off period applies.
Money
Deposit and adjustments
Check the deposit, settlement adjustments and payment terms.
Deadline
Dates before commitment
Identify the dates you need to deal with before bidding, signing or exchange.
How you are buying
Auction and private treaty purchases have different deadlines.
Tell Aquarius Lawyers how the property is being sold and when you need to decide. We can confirm which review work is available.
Buying at auction
Ask about a review before you bid.
The NSW Government states that auction purchases have no cooling off period. Contact Aquarius Lawyers before auction day so we can confirm the review scope available for your contract.
- Send the complete Contract of Sale and auction date.
- List any questions about the title, strata documents, deposit or settlement.
- Ask which review work is available before you bid.
Private treaty
Ask what to check before exchange.
A private treaty purchase may include a cooling off period. Your contract and the transaction facts will determine the position. Ask which terms need attention before you sign or exchange.
- Share the offer and proposed exchange dates.
- Name the conditions or changes you want explained.
- Include any finance or cooling off deadline.
Documents and details
What to send for a contract review
Send the complete Contract of Sale, the property details and your next deadline. Tell us about any clause or document you want explained.
Complete contract
Send every page of the Contract of Sale supplied by the agent, including any disclosure, title and strata material you have.
Supporting material
Add the strata report, registered plan or search linked to your question.
Deadline and question
Name the auction, offer or exchange date and the term you want explained.
Relevant success story · NSW
Holding deposit did not secure property
A buyer paid a small holding deposit to an agent and believed the property was secured. The vendor had not exchanged contracts and continued considering another offer.
What the matter showed: A holding deposit can create false confidence. Buyers should ask what the payment means, when it is refundable and whether a binding contract has formed under the law of the relevant state or territory.
Content reviewer
Reviewed by Katherine Hawes
Katherine Hawes, LLB, LLM, Principal Solicitor at Aquarius Lawyers, reviewed the legal and process information on this page for NSW property buyers.
Legal content reviewed 26 August 2026. Page updated 12 September 2026. This page provides general information only. Ask for advice about your contract and transaction.
Contract review enquiry
Ask Aquarius Lawyers to review your contract
Share your contact details, property stage, deadline and question. This form records only a file's name and size. Aquarius Lawyers will tell you how to send confidential documents securely.
Use this form for a NSW property contract review. For property in another state or territory, request an Australia-wide conveyancing quote.
Contract review enquiry sent
Thank you, . Your contract review enquiry has been sent to Aquarius Lawyers.
Aquarius Lawyers will use your details to confirm the next step with you at or .
View buying conveyancing services in SydneyCommon questions
Questions about property contract reviews
What can a property contract review cover?
A Contract of Sale review in NSW may cover special conditions, title and easement material, strata documents, auction or cooling off terms, the deposit, and settlement obligations. The written scope will confirm which documents and questions are included.
Can Aquarius Lawyers provide a Contract of Sale review in NSW before an auction?
For a contract review before auction, share the Contract of Sale, the property details, and the auction or offer deadline. Aquarius Lawyers can confirm the available review scope and explain the questions to consider before you bid or exchange.
Does a contract review replace conveyancing?
No. A pre purchase review covers the documents and questions listed in the written scope. Ongoing conveyancing, searches, settlement work or negotiation may need a separate or expanded scope.
What should I send with my enquiry?
Send the complete Contract of Sale if available, the property suburb, your transaction stage, the relevant deadline, and any specific concern. A strata report or other supporting material may be relevant to the requested scope.
How is the review scope confirmed?
Aquarius Lawyers can confirm the proposed work, documents, inclusions, exclusions, and likely third-party charges in writing before you decide whether to proceed.