Property Rule #1 – Always Get a Contract Review

Buying or selling property in Cairns is exciting, but when that contract lands in your inbox, it can feel overwhelming. With agents pushing for quick signatures and tight deadlines, it’s easy to just sign and hope for the best. But those pages control everything from your deposit to settlement date – missing something small can create big problems later.

Having a professional look it over first gives you peace of mind. Here’s what contract review catches and why it matters so much. A local conveyancer in Cairns is there to spot the details most people miss.

A Quick Look

• Contracts set all your deadlines, rights, and responsibilities for the whole deal.
• Standard forms usually favour whoever prepared them (often the seller).
• Review uncovers short timelines, missing protections, or odd conditions.
• Problems found early can save you thousands or weeks of stress.
• Your solicitor in Cairns makes sure it’s fair before you commit.

What Actually Happens During Review?

Your conveyancer reads every single line and explains it in plain English. They check the purchase price and what stays with the house, settlement timeframe, special conditions like finance or building inspections, deposit protection, any title restrictions, and promises the seller has made about the property’s condition.

It usually takes just a couple of hours, but it can save you weeks of stress and potentially unexpected costs later.

Why Buyers Need a Contract Review

Buyers usually get the raw end of the deal because sellers prepare the standard contract. A good buyer’s conveyancer catches things like:

• Finance periods that are way too short (7 days instead of 14)
• No rights to do building or pest inspections
• Vague wording about what appliances stay
• Missing warranties about pool fences or termite treatments

In Cairns, they’ll also flag flood disclosures and cyclone shutter requirements that other areas don’t worry about.

Sellers Need Review Too

Even if you’re selling and wrote the contract, have it checked. Your seller’s conveyancer ensures your special conditions protect you from buyer delays, that inclusions/exclusions are crystal clear, and that your interests are properly covered. 

Buyers can sometimes sneak in unusual requests. Having them reviewed keeps you aware of every detail and prevents you from agreeing to something you may not have intended.

Common Red Flags to Watch For in Your Contract

Some contract issues keep coming up, and they can cause big problems if you miss them. A few to look out for:

• Finance clauses with only 5 days (most lenders need more time)
• No building or pest inspection rights (a huge risk with termites being common in Cairns)
• Settlement set just 21 days after going unconditional (that’s often too tight to get everything sorted)
• “Pool as inspected” clauses (you still need a valid compliance certificate)
• GST added to a standard residential property (most homes are GST-exempt)

A good conveyancer will spot these straight away, help you negotiate better terms, or let you know when it’s safer to walk away.

Avoid Rushing Into Signing

It’s common for agents to create urgency with lines like “sign now or miss out,” but the reality is, most good properties don’t disappear within hours. A smart approach is to ask the agent to send you the contract first, then have it reviewed by your conveyancer within 24 hours.

This isn’t unusual. Those engaged in conveyancing for sellers expect buyers to take this step. It’s standard practice, and a small delay now can save you from bigger issues later.

Why Cairns Makes Contract Review Even More Important

Cairns’ tropical climate adds a few extra layers to property contracts — and you’ll want to make sure they’re covered properly. Things like:

• Stormwater drainage and how the property holds up after heavy rain
• Flood zone declarations and whether proper checks have been done

How Much Does a Contract Review Usually Cost?

A contract review is usually done free of charge by a conveyancer. It helps protect you from:

• Unexpected termite damage that could cost $15,000 or more
• Delays in settlement that drag on for weeks
• Risking your deposit if things go wrong

Should You Review It Yourself?

You can try reviewing a contract yourself, but it’s easy to miss things. Legal terms like “easement” and “covenant” can be confusing, and the way finance conditions affect settlement dates isn’t always straightforward. Plus, Queensland contracts often use specific REIQ wording that can trip people up.

Even savvy buyers overlook details that conveyancers deal with every day. Getting a professional review means nothing slips through the cracks.

Got Competing Offers? Still Get It Reviewed

When a property’s in high demand, many feel pressure to move fast, but it doesn’t mean you should skip a contract review. You still have options, such as:

• Make your offer conditional on a quick legal review
• Offer a larger deposit to show you’re serious
• Pre-agree to standard contract terms to speed things up

A good conveyancer will help you stay competitive and protected so you don’t rush into something you’ll regret.

Changes After Signing Get Messy

This is why it’s so important to get your contract reviewed before signing – because once it’s signed and exchanged, making changes isn’t easy. Any edits need both parties to agree, can restart key deadlines, and often come with extra costs or delays.

Avoid the back-and-forth by getting everything sorted upfront. It saves time, money, and unnecessary headaches.

Why a Solid Contract Matters for Title Transfer

Issues with the contract can also cause significant delays in the property title transfer into your name. A proper contract review helps catch problems early, such as:

• Easements or restrictions that could stop your name from being registered on the title
• Unpaid mortgages or debts that the seller hasn’t cleared, which can delay settlement
• Boundary disputes or unclear property lines that need fixing before transfer
• Missing compliance certificates, like for pools or renovations, which can hold things up

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Working with the right conveyancer can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Before you commit, ask a few key questions. Good conveyancers welcome these.

• What’s your fee for contract review?
• How quickly can you turn it around?
• Do you know Cairns property issues?
• Do you handle the negotiations?
• Will I get a clear written summary?

The Usual Timeline for Contract Reviews

Day 1: You receive the contract and send it straight to your conveyancer.

Day 2: Your conveyancer reviews the terms, explains anything unclear, and suggests any changes or protections you might need.

Day 3: Once everything looks good, you can move forward and sign with confidence, knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Don’t Sign Blind. Feel Confident with Cairns Conveyancing Solicitors. 

That contract controls your entire property deal. A quick professional check makes sure it works for you, not just the other side.

At Cairns Conveyancing Solicitors, we review contracts every day. Whether you’re buying or selling, we explain everything clearly, fix unfair terms, and get you to settlement feeling confident.

Got a contract ready? Forward it now for quick peace of mind.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult a qualified legal representative.