Hillwest Legal reviews residential and commercial property contracts for buyers across the Hills District and Greater Western Sydney. Before you commit to a purchase particularly before auction day a contract review ensures you understand exactly what you're agreeing to, what risks exist, and what protections you have.
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We generally respond within 2 business hours.
How a contract review works
- You send us the contract. Forward the contract for sale (including all annexures) to our team via our online enquiry form or email. We accept documents digitally no need to visit the office unless you'd prefer to.
- We examine every clause. Our team reviews the standard terms, special conditions, zoning certificates (Section 10.7), planning restrictions, easements, covenants, drainage diagrams, strata reports (for units) and any encumbrances on the title.
- We identify risks and red flags. If something in the contract could expose you to financial loss or unexpected obligations such as unfavourable sunset clauses, unusual special conditions, or undisclosed defects we flag it clearly.
- We explain your position in plain English. You receive a written summary of the contract's key terms, any concerns, and our recommendations in language that actually makes sense.
- We advise on next steps. Whether that means requesting amendments to special conditions, negotiating with the vendor's solicitor, or proceeding to exchange, we tell you where you stand and what your options are.
When you might need a contract review
Before buying at auction. At auction in NSW, there is no cooling-off period. Once the hammer falls, you're bound by the contract as-is. Having the contract reviewed before auction day is the only way to know what you're committing to and the only opportunity to raise concerns.
Before signing a private treaty contract. Private treaty sales in NSW come with a 5-business-day cooling-off period, but exercising your cooling-off right means forfeiting 0.25% of the purchase price. A pre-exchange review helps you avoid needing to use it.
Purchasing off-the-plan. Off-the-plan contracts are more complex than standard resale contracts. They include sunset clauses, development timelines, and conditions around changes to the finished product. These need careful scrutiny.
Buying a strata property. Units, townhouses and strata-titled properties come with strata reports, by-laws and levies that directly affect your ongoing costs and what you can do with the property. We review the strata documentation alongside the contract.
Purchasing a property with unusual features. Heritage listings, flood zones, bushfire-prone land, easements for services or access, or contamination notices any of these can affect what you can build, insure, or do with the property. We check for them.
How much does a contract review cost?
At Hillwest Legal, contract reviews are typically offered on a fixed-fee basis. The fee covers our full review of the contract and annexures, a written summary of findings, and a phone or email consultation to discuss any issues.
Disbursements such as title searches or additional council enquiries may be charged separately where needed. We provide a clear fee estimate before we begin, so there are no surprises.
Contract review in the Hills District
The Hills District property market moves quickly, particularly in established suburbs like Castle Hill and Cherrybrook, and in new-release areas like Marsden Park and Schofields. Having your contract reviewed promptly can be the difference between securing a property and missing out. Our Hills District office is set up to turn around contract reviews efficiently including same-day reviews before auction where timeframes are tight.
Frequently asked questions about contract reviews
Related services
- Purchase conveyancing Full conveyancing from exchange to settlement.
- Contract drafting Preparing a contract if you're the one selling.
- Will and power of attorney Buying property is a good prompt to update your will.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact us directly.