One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from
buyers and sellers in Victoria is: "How long will conveyancing take?"
The answer typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, but understanding what influences
this timeline helps you plan better. In 2026, new regulatory changes and
technological advancements are reshaping Australia's conveyancing landscape,
making it essential to stay informed.
The Standard Timeline
The average conveyancing process in Victoria takes 6
to 12 weeks, with most transactions settling within 8 weeks. However, the
settlement date in your contract of sale is the key driver—once contracts are
exchanged, you typically have 30 to 60 days until settlement.
The Process Breakdown:
- Pre-Contract
(1-2 weeks): Vendors and their conveyancers
prepare the Contract of Sale and Section 32 Vendor Statement
- Searches
& Checks (2-4 weeks): Title searches,
council reviews, zoning checks, and property history verification
- Finance
Approval (2-4 weeks): Lenders conduct valuations and
approve mortgages
- Contract
Review (1-3 days): Your conveyancer identifies
potential issues and negotiates terms
- Settlement
Prep (1-2 weeks): Final calculations, rate
adjustments, and settlement statements prepared
- Settlement
(1-5 business days): Funds transfer, documents
exchange, and Land Registry lodgement
Key Factors That Influence Timeline
Property Complexity: Properties
with straightforward titles move quickly; those with title defects, boundary
disputes, or planning restrictions require additional investigation (adding
2-4+ weeks).
Finance Approval Speed: Lenders
requesting additional documentation or extended valuations are a common cause
of delays. Pre-approval before making an offer accelerates this phase.
Communication & Responsiveness: Slow
responses from any party ripple through the entire transaction. Responding
promptly to your conveyancer's requests prevents unnecessary delays.
Documentation Completeness: Incomplete
paperwork stalls progress. Gather required documents early, including original
titles and power of attorney documents.
Settlement Chain Complexity: If
your purchase depends on selling your current property, delays by any party
affect the entire chain.
External Delays: Government
authorities and councils sometimes take time responding to searches. Early
engagement can sometimes accelerate responses.
What's Different in 2026?
New AML/CTF Compliance Requirements
From 1 July 2026, new Anti-Money Laundering and
Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms take effect. Conveyancers must now have
compliant programs with AUSTRAC and conduct enhanced customer due diligence on
all parties.
Impact: These requirements add a
few days to the pre-settlement phase, but most work can be streamlined using
modern conveyancing software.
E-Conveyancing Expansion
Electronic conveyancing through platforms like PEXA
continues expanding across Australia in 2026. Victoria leads adoption, with
most transactions now conducted electronically, reducing paperwork and speeding
up document processing.
Impact: E-conveyancing can
reduce settlement timeframes by 3-5 business days compared to
traditional methods.
Common Delays & Solutions
Finance-Related Delays
Solution: Obtain pre-approval before making an offer. Have all financial
documents ready and communicate regularly with your lender.
Missing Documentation
Solution: Create a checklist with your conveyancer of required
documents. Gather and submit everything early.
Settlement Disputes
Solution: Review settlement statements thoroughly upon receipt.
Raise questions immediately rather than at settlement day.
Slow Communication
Solution: Establish clear communication protocols. Respond promptly
to all requests from your conveyancer, agent, and lender.
Chain Delays
Solution: Stay updated on the entire chain's progress. Understand
where delays are occurring and plan accordingly.
How to Speed Up Your Conveyancing
1.
Choose an Experienced Conveyancer -
Select professionals familiar with Victorian property law who leverage modern
technology and communicate promptly.
2.
Secure Finance Pre-Approval -
Obtain mortgage pre-approval before making an offer to eliminate financing
delays.
3.
Embrace Electronic Conveyancing -
Ask your conveyancer if they can use PEXA. This significantly reduces
turnaround times.
4.
Prepare Documents in Advance -
Have identification, financial documentation, and compliance certificates ready
before signing the contract.
5.
Maintain Proactive Communication -
Don't wait for your conveyancer to chase you. Respond immediately to all
requests.
6.
Ensure Accurate Documentation -
Double-check that all contract and supporting document information is accurate
from day one.
Victoria-Specific Advantages
Section 32 Vendor Statement: Victorian
vendors must provide this comprehensive document before or at contract signing,
outlining property details and restrictions upfront.
Paperless Conveyancing: Most
Victorian transactions proceed entirely electronically, reducing delays from
physical document handling.
Electronic Settlement: Settlements
through PEXA complete within 24-48 hours, compared to several business days for
traditional methods.
If Your Conveyancing Takes Longer
Delays happen, but they're relatively uncommon. If your
settlement is delayed beyond expectations:
- Assess
the reason and understand what's causing the hold-up
- Maintain
perspective—most delays resolve within a few days
- Keep
all parties (agent, lender, conveyancer) informed
- In
Victoria, if settlement is delayed more than 10 days, you have legal
remedies including demanding your deposit back
Conclusion
In 2026, conveyancing timelines in Victoria remain stable
at 6-12 weeks for most transactions, with new technologies offering
opportunities to expedite settlements. New AML/CTF compliance requirements will
add some administrative steps but shouldn't significantly extend timelines for
well-prepared conveyancers.
Success depends on choosing the right conveyancer, securing
finance early, maintaining clear communication, and providing complete
documentation from the start. By understanding what influences your timeline
and being proactive, you can navigate conveyancing smoothly.
At MKJ Conveyancing, we're committed to efficient,
transparent service that moves your property transaction forward. Contact us
today for professional conveyancing advice tailored to your situation.
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