Land Searches & Conveyancing: Avoiding Fraud in Property Deals
The searches every buyer should run before paying a deposit, and the red flags that should stop a deal in its tracks.
Do not rely on a title document alone
A safe property transaction involves more than seeing a title. Ownership, identity, boundaries, rates, consents, charges, and the seller’s authority should all be checked independently before committing funds.
Watch for pressure and inconsistencies
Unusual urgency, requests to skip searches, mismatched names, unclear boundaries, or instructions to pay a third party are reasons to pause. A lower price does not remove the need for verification.
Put the agreement and payments in order
A written sale agreement should record the parties, property, price, conditions, completion steps, and consequences of default. Payments should follow the agreed structure and be supported by clear records.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Every matter is different; speak with an advocate about your circumstances before acting.
