Meet your home-buying team
Who do you call?
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- Who can explain the legal meaning of a clause in my contract?
An appropriately qualified solicitor or, in some cases, conveyancer.
Permitted legal advice depends on qualification and location. Not all licensed settlement agents can give legal advice. Ask your appointed professional whether they can advise on the clause or refer you to a solicitor. - Who can answer questions about my borrowing capacity?
Mortgage broker / lender.
A mortgage broker can discuss options from the lenders available to them. A lender assesses borrowing capacity under its own criteria. This activity does not recommend an amount or a loan product. - The home is listed with an agent. Who do I contact to submit an offer?
Selling agent or your appointed buyer’s agent.
You can submit your offer directly to the agent representing the seller. If you’ve engaged a buyer’s agent to handle the purchase, they can contact the selling agent and submit the offer on your behalf. Legal advice about your offer comes from your own appropriately qualified adviser. - Who can prepare a report on the building’s condition?
Building inspector.
A building inspector reports on the property’s condition within the agreed inspection scope. The report is not a guarantee that every defect has been found. - Who can explain which investment-property expenses I may be able to claim in my tax return?
Accountant / Financial adviser, with the appropriate tax-agent registration.
For this tax question, speak with a registered tax agent, often an accountant. They can explain which expenses may be deductible in your circumstances. Not every financial adviser is a registered tax agent. Check the TPB Register and the practitioner’s permitted scope. - Who can explain what’s included in my builder’s quote?
Builder.
Your builder can explain the quote’s inclusions and exclusions. Legal questions about the building contract are separate and belong with your appropriately qualified adviser. - I want to know whether I could extend the home or change how the property is used. Who should I check with?
Local council planning team or relevant planning authority.
A qualified town planner can help investigate planning controls and possible approval pathways. Check requirements with your local council or relevant planning authority. Rules and approvals depend on the property and location. - Who can update me on my settlement paperwork?
Your appointed settlement professional.
Your appointed settlement professional may be known as a conveyancer, licensed settlement agent or solicitor, depending on location and appointment. - Who can explain the documents needed for my home-loan application?
Mortgage broker / lender.
A mortgage broker or lender can explain which documents are needed for your application. Requirements can vary between lenders and circumstances. - I’m considering renting out a home I previously lived in. Who can explain the possible tax implications?
Accountant / Financial adviser, with the appropriate tax-agent registration.
For this tax question, speak with a registered tax agent, often an accountant. They can explain the tax implications of changing how you use the property, including rental income, deductions and possible capital gains tax. Not every financial adviser is a registered tax agent. Check the TPB Register and the practitioner’s permitted scope. - A vacant block is listed with an agent. Who can answer questions about its availability, price or advertised features?
Selling agent.
The selling agent handles enquiries about the listing and sale on behalf of the seller. Planning and building approval questions belong with your local council or relevant planning authority. - My income or employment has changed since pre-approval. Who should I tell before relying on it?
Mortgage broker / lender.
Tell your broker or lender about the change so the application or pre-approval can be reviewed. Pre-approval is conditional and is not a guarantee of a loan. The lender decides whether its requirements are met. - Who can potentially represent the buyer when searching for and negotiating a property purchase?
Buyer’s agent.
A buyer’s agent represents the buyer under their agreed appointment. They can help search for property and negotiate the purchase. The selling agent represents the seller. - BONUS QUESTION: Think beyond the loan. You’re thinking about buying your first property. Should you live in it, or buy it as an investment while renting elsewhere? Before deciding, you want to understand the tax implications and how each option fits your long-term financial plans. Who do you call?
Accountant / Financial Advisor.
Spot on! This decision goes beyond choosing a loan. An appropriately qualified accountant can explain the tax implications, while a licensed financial adviser can help with your wider financial plan. You may need both.