Property & Conveyancing Law
FOR BUYING, SELLING, TRANSFERRING & REFINANCING PROPERTY
Dawson Pouwhare has been guiding locals through property transactions across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for over 50 years.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling an investment, transferring a title or refinancing, we are here to make the legal side of property straightforward, stress-free and handled properly from the start.
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Purchasing property is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. We review your contract, conduct all necessary searches, liaise with your lender and the other party's solicitor, and manage every legal step through to settlement so you can focus on the excitement of what comes next.
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We prepare your contract quickly, work closely with your real estate agent, and keep the transaction moving smoothly all the way to settlement. You stay in control. We handle the legal detail.
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Transferring a property title whether between family members, as part of an estate or following a relationship breakdown involves more legal complexity than most people expect. We make sure it is done correctly, efficiently and without unexpected cost.
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Refinancing involves more than just your lender. There are legal requirements, title considerations and timing to manage. We take care of the legal side so your refinance settles on time and without complications.
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Buying at auction is legally binding the moment the hammer falls there is no cooling-off period. Before you bid, have us review the contract. We will identify any risks, explain the conditions and make sure you go in clear-eyed and confident.
THE PROCESS
1. Contract Review
Before anything is signed, we review the contract in full. We explain what it means in plain language, flag anything that needs attention, and negotiate changes where needed. This step protects you before you are legally committed.
2. Property Searches
We conduct all required searches through government and council authorities covering zoning, easements, outstanding rates and anything else that could affect the property. Nothing should surprise you after settlement.
3. Exchange of Contracts
Once both parties agree on the terms, contracts are exchanged. This makes the agreement legally binding and the deposit is paid. From this point, both parties are committed to completing the transaction.
4. Cooling-Off Period
In most residential transactions in NSW, buyers have a short cooling-off period after exchange. This gives you time to finalise finance or building inspections. If you need to withdraw, a small penalty applies. We will explain exactly what applies to your situation.
5. Settlement Preparation
In the lead-up to settlement we prepare all legal documents, coordinate with your bank or lender, confirm financial adjustments for rates and other outgoings, and liaise with all parties to make sure everything is ready on the day.
6. Settlement
Settlement day is when ownership officially transfers. Funds move, the title is updated in your name and the keys are yours. We manage the legal completion so the day goes smoothly and we let you know the moment it is done.
Your Local
Property & Conveyancing Experts
Jamie-Lee Pouwhare
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Jamie-Lee is the Principal of Dawson Pouwhare and has practiced in property and conveyancing, wills and estates, and business and commercial law throughout her career. Her Masters in Applied Law with a focus on property law reflects a genuine depth of expertise in an area where she works with clients through some of their most significant financial decisions.
She purchased the firm in 2024 after working within it for three years, a decision that says as much about her as her credentials do. Cardiff is where she grew up, where she is raising her family and where she has chosen to build her career. That connection to the Lake Macquarie community is not incidental to how she practises law. Clients frequently describe her as someone who gives straight, clear advice and stays genuinely accessible throughout their matter.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Law, University of Newcastle Bachelor of Commerce, University of Newcastle Diploma of Legal Practice Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW, 2016 Masters in Applied Law, Property Law
Affiliations: Law Society of NSW, Newcastle Law Society, Women Lawyers Association, Hunter Young Professionals
Cathy Tinson
Christel Ong
Leanne Murray
Legal Resources
“Very helpful and thorough. They acted with our best interests when selling and buying a new property, often having to chase down details from the other party. Dawson Pouwhare are also handy with two office locations on either side of Lake Macquarie.” – Jenny
Frequently Asked Questions
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A conveyancing solicitor manages the legal transfer of property ownership from one party to another. This includes reviewing and explaining the contract for sale, conducting property and title searches, liaising with banks, lenders and the other party's solicitor, managing financial adjustments for rates and outgoings, and overseeing the final settlement. Their role is to protect your legal and financial interests throughout the transaction and make sure everything proceeds correctly under NSW property law.
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Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers can handle standard property transactions in NSW. The key difference is that a solicitor holds a full legal qualification and can advise on complex title issues, draft special contract conditions, identify risks outside a standard transaction and provide broader legal advice if unexpected issues arise. For straightforward transactions either may be suitable. For anything with complexity, a solicitor offers greater protection.
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The typical timeframe from contract exchange to settlement is six to eight weeks, though this varies depending on the property type, contract terms, finance arrangements and how quickly all parties meet their obligations. Your solicitor will give you a more specific timeline based on your transaction.
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Standard searches include a title search, planning and zoning certificates, drainage diagrams, land tax clearance certificates and council rate certificates. Additional searches may be recommended depending on the property, including building and pest inspections, strata reports and environmental searches. The purpose is to uncover any issues that could affect the property before you are legally committed.
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What is the cooling-off period when buying property in NSW? In most residential property transactions in NSW, buyers have a five-business-day cooling-off period after contracts are exchanged. During this time you can withdraw from the purchase, though a penalty of 0.25% of the purchase price applies. The cooling-off period does not apply to properties purchased at auction.
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Fixed-fee conveyancing means you are quoted a set fee for the legal work involved in your transaction before work begins. This gives you certainty about your legal costs from the start. At Dawson Pouwhare we offer competitive fixed-fee conveyancing for buying and selling property across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
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Yes. We strongly recommend having a solicitor review the contract before you bid at auction. Once the hammer falls, contracts are exchanged immediately and the cooling-off period does not apply, so you need to understand exactly what you are committing to before you bid. We can review the contract, explain the terms and flag any concerns so you go in clear and confident.
Two Offices
One Team
CARDIFF
315 Main Road, Cardiff NSW 2285
MORISSET
4/61-63 Dora Street, Morisset NSW 2264
