The legal side of an ACT property sale is the same whether you sell privately or through an agent, and your conveyancer or lawyer does the heavy lifting. The ACT's system is wonderfully transparent: buyers see the key reports before they commit, which makes for confident, well-informed offers. You get to focus on the fun part: presenting your home and meeting buyers! Here's every step. It's general information, not legal advice.
1. Engage your conveyancer or lawyer
Do this when you choose your PLBO package. Canberra has experienced conveyancers and property lawyers who prepare the contract, gather the required documents, hold the deposit in trust and complete settlement.
2. The contract comes before the advertising
Under the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003, the contract, with its required documents attached, must be prepared before your home is advertised or offered for sale. So get the paperwork moving in week one, and you'll be ready to launch the moment your photos are done!
3. Required documents
| Document | What it is |
|---|---|
| Crown lease | ACT homes are held on crown leases; this sets out the lease terms and purpose |
| Certificate of title | confirms ownership and registered interests |
| Deposited plan or units plan | shows the block, or the unit and common property |
| Encumbrances | easements, covenants and other registered dealings |
| Building and compliance inspection report | the home's condition and whether structures are approved |
| Pest inspection report | timber pest findings |
| Energy efficiency rating (EER) statement | the home's energy efficiency star rating, from an accredited assessor |
| Asbestos advice | for older homes, as advised by your conveyancer |
| Building file documents | approvals and plans held by the ACT Government |
| Rates and land tax information | from the ACT Revenue Office |
| Owners corporation certificate | for units and townhouses |
Your conveyancer confirms exactly what applies to your property and how current each report must be.
4. Your EER in every advertisement
The energy efficiency rating must appear in advertising for the property, including your PLBO listing, portal ads, signboards and social posts. A great EER is a real selling point in Canberra's cold winters, so show it off proudly!
5. Cooling-off
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 5 business days for private treaty sales |
| If a buyer withdraws | they forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price |
| Waiver | a section 17 certificate from the buyer's lawyer waives cooling-off |
| Auctions | no cooling-off |
6. Deposit
Usually 10%, held in trust as set out in the contract.
7. Tax
- ATO clearance certificate. Since 1 January 2025, buyers must withhold 15% on every property sale unless the seller provides a valid clearance certificate at or before settlement (ATO). It's free and online.
- Capital gains tax. Your main residence is generally exempt. Investments usually aren't, fully or partly.
- GST. Not normally payable on an existing home.
8. Settlement adjustments
Your conveyancer apportions general rates, land tax (for rented properties), water and sewerage charges, and any owners corporation levies so you pay only for your time as owner.
Document checklist: gather these in week one
| Document | Where from |
|---|---|
| Contract with required documents | your conveyancer or lawyer |
| Building and compliance inspection report | a licensed building inspector |
| Pest inspection report | a licensed pest inspector |
| EER statement | an accredited EER assessor |
| Building file | Access Canberra, via your conveyancer |
| Rates notice | ACT Revenue Office |
| Owners corporation certificate (units) | your owners corporation manager |
| ATO clearance certificate | ATO online |
9. Settlement day
Settlement is completed by the conveyancers or lawyers. You hand over the keys and receive 100% of your sale proceeds. PLBO takes no commission.
The part you control: price and presentation
While your conveyancer looks after the legal steps, you focus on the exciting part! Your PLBO property comparables report shows recent sales of similar homes near you, so you can set your asking price with confidence and talk to Canberra buyers from a position of strength. Then list in minutes with Generate with AI.
Put it into action
Follow the ACT 8-week plan and choose your PLBO package. As soon as your contract is ready, PLBO puts your home in front of buyers on PLBO and across Domain, view, homely, Soho, realty, onthehouse and allhomes*. Let's get it sold!
*Availability on allhomes.com.au may depend on the property's location, listing type and applicable portal requirements.