Buying or selling a house

The contract of sale incorporates conditions that apply when there is a dispute between the vendor and the buyer. Disputes about property contracts are settled in the Supreme Court according to the contract’s conditions and terms. Such disputes can be expensive and lengthy and may not achieve the desired outcome.

There are alternatives to litigation in the courts. These include taking a dispute to the Law Institute of Victoria’s (LIV) Property Law Disputes Resolution Committee, or resolving the dispute through mediation. For more information about options for alternative dispute resolution, contact the LIV (see ‘Contacts’ at the end of this chapter).

LIV’s Property Law Dispute Resolution Committee determines disputes between solicitors (typically, a solicitor for a vendor and a solicitor for a buyer) about conveyancing. This service costs approximately between $100–$200 per party. It is a very efficient way to resolve conveyancing disputes and does not require appearances by the parties or representatives.