Overview of the Balmain property market
Balmain has a rich history as a once-working-class part of Sydney. Known for its characteristic terrace houses, it is now one of the most sought-after suburbs in Australia. It is surrounded by the similarly desirable suburbs of Rozelle, Birchgrove, and Lilyfield, all of which share many of its beautiful characteristics.
In March 2025, Realestate.com.au reported the median house price in Balmain to be $2.4m, with 135 houses being sold in Balmain over the preceding 12 months.
The property market in Balmain is fast paced, and often highly competitive, and it is incredibly helpful to have a local Balmain conveyancer lawyer to help you gain an edge.
Why choose a local conveyancer in Balmain?
Balmain, Rozelle, and surrounding suburbs including Birchgrove and Lilyfield, have unique characteristics that are not commonly found outside of the Balmain peninsula.
To provide some examples, Balmain has unique local council regulations, as well as quirks such as shared sewer lines, titling issues such as limited or qualified title properties, shared party walls on terrace houses, and abandoned ‘dunny lanes’. These are only a few examples, however they all carry their own unique risks and legal complexities, and it is important that you have a solicitor who can guide you through the nuances of Balmain property law.
Working with a local Balmain law firm means you will be better equipped to deal with these nuances that are common found in Balmain conveyancing transactions.
What is unique about property law in Balmain?
Conveyancing in Balmain is rarely ‘standard’. There are many distinctive characteristics in the area. These include:
Unique titles – there are many older properties which might have limited titles or qualified titles.
Heritage listings – many homes are heritage listed or fall within a heritage conservation area. This means there will be restrictions on renovations which may prevent you from using a property the way you want to.
Strata and community title – there are many strata schemes, some of which form part of larger community associations such as Balmain Shores. These community schemes have their own rules which sit above strata scheme by-laws, and which will affect how you can use your property.
Waterfront properties – some properties have marina berths and this comes with its own complexities, as there may be usage restrictions, additional costs associated with ownership, and additional agreements that set out any usage rights or restrictions.
A property lawyer who is experienced in Balmain conveyancing should be able to help you to navigate these issues.
The Conveyancing Process – a Step by Step overview for Balmain property buyers
Contract review – we provide comprehensive advice on the contract to ensure that you are buying what you think you are buying, and that you are aware of any risks.
Negotiations – we will negotiate any amendments to the contract that might be necessary to protect your interests on the purchase.
Pre-settlement checks – we ensure checks with the relevant authorities are carried out. Due diligence enquiries, requisitions on title, and settlement adjustments are conducted.
Settlement – we oversee financial and legal settlement of the conveyancing transaction to ensure that the property title is transferred into your name and all relevant authorities are notified of the change of ownership. In Balmain conveyancing, if there is a marina berth or other unique waterfront features, this might also include arranging transfers of licences with the relevant water authority to ensure you can continue to use these facilities.
The Conveyancing Process – a Step by Step overview for Balmain property sellers
Contract preparation – we order all necessary searches to compile a legally binding contract that satisfies your disclosure obligations. We tailor contract conditions to your individual circumstances to ensure that your interests as a seller are protected.
Contract Negotiation – we negotiate with the solicitors or conveyancers engaged by prospective buyers. Often they will request changes to the contract which may be beneficial to them, but might be disadvantageous to you. We represent your interests.
Pre-settlement checks – we liaise with the purchasers and their conveyancers while they conduct their checks. We also arrange checks of our own and answer any requisitions on title that might be raised by the purchasers or their solicitors.
Settlement – we arrange settlement adjustments and oversee financial and legal settlement of the contract, including disbursement of sale proceeds to you and any mortgagee that may have an interest.
Why our Balmain law firm is the right choice for your conveyancing
As expert Balmain property lawyers, we proudly offer our clients:
Fixed fee pricing.
Fast turnaround on contract reviews or preparation.
Thorough and detailed advice.
Clear communication, and commercially practical advice, to make things as simple as possible.
A friendly and local team that knows the Balmain and Rozelle property market inside-out.
Speak to a Balmain Conveyancer
Our Balmain office is located conveniently on Evans Street. Our specialist property lawyers and conveyancers can see you in our Balmain office, or can conduct their conveyancing work for Balmain, Rozelle, Birchgrove, and Lilyfield electronically. Our Balmain office has been open for more than a decade. We’d love to hear from you.
Give us a call or submit an enquiry to speak to a local Balmain conveyancing lawyer today.
