A property contract review can protect your money, timelines and legal rights when buying or selling in Adelaide. If you are preparing to sign a contract, a thorough property contract review identifies hidden risks, special conditions and settlement obligations specific to South Australian law.

Property Law – Property Transactions: Adelaide property lawyers guide you through buying and selling transactions. We draft and review contracts, conduct due diligence and manage settlement. Count on our expertise to make your property deals efficient, sound and compliant with South Australian law.
Why a property contract review matters in Adelaide
Adelaide property contracts often include standard clauses plus local conditions — easements, council development overlays, special water or pest clauses, and settlement adjustments. A focused property contract review helps you:
- Spot deadlines for finance, building and pest inspections, and cooling-off rights.
- Identify special conditions that could trigger extra costs.
- Ensure vendor disclosures meet South Australian rules.
- Negotiate clearer settlement terms if problems arise.
How Do I Apply for a property contract review in South Australia?
You don’t “apply” to review a contract. Provide your signed or draft contract to a solicitor for review. A lawyer will assess terms, advise changes, and prepare special conditions to protect your interests within applicable SA law.
When should I get a property contract review? (Buyers and sellers in Norwood, Unley, Glenelg and Mt Barker)
Get a property contract review before you sign any document. For buyers, seek review after exchange but before finance or inspection deadlines expire. For sellers, a pre-listing contract review prevents legal delays and improves buyer confidence.
Property contract review for different transactions
Whether you are buying a townhouse in Norwood, selling a family home in Unley, or investing near Glenelg, the contract must reflect the property type and local constraints. Our team offers tailored property contract review services across Adelaide suburbs and regional centres.
What a property contract review checks (quick checklist)
- Deposit amounts and release conditions
- Finance and cooling-off clauses
- Chattels and fixtures inclusions/exclusions
- Special conditions and building/pest clauses
- Settlement date, adjustments and default interests
- Title, easements, covenants and zoning issues
How much does a property contract review cost in Adelaide and how long does it take?
Costs vary by complexity. A straightforward property contract review often completes within 24–48 hours; complex matters that require searches, investigations or negotiated amendments may take longer. We provide clear fee estimates up front and prioritise urgent matters for clients across Adelaide, Norwood, Unley and Mt Barker.
Documents to bring for an efficient property contract review
- Copy of the contract of sale
- Section 7 or vendor disclosure documents (if available)
- Titles, plan and any known easements
- Building and pest reports (if you have them)
- Finance approval or bridging loan details
How O’Dea Lawyers handles property contract review in Adelaide
We review terms, conduct due diligence and advise clear next steps. Our approach combines practical negotiation with legal safeguards. For conveyancing matters we liaise with your conveyancer or act as your legal representative to ensure smooth settlement.
Learn more on our Property Law Services page.
Local experience: suburbs we serve
Our lawyers regularly advise clients in Adelaide CBD, Norwood, Unley, Glenelg, and Mt Barker. We also assist clients across greater South Australia with property contract review, settlement disputes and contract drafting.
Can a property contract review prevent disputes later?
Yes. A thorough property contract review clarifies obligations and flags potential disputes before exchange. If a dispute arises later, early contract advice gives you stronger grounds for negotiation or litigation, if needed.
When to involve a property contract lawyer in Adelaide
Contact a property contract lawyer Adelaide whenever a contract contains unusual clauses, vendor disclosures are incomplete, or you face tight finance or inspection deadlines. For sales, involve us before listing to reduce risk.
Common questions clients ask during a contract review
Do I have a cooling-off period in SA?
Some residential contracts include a cooling-off period, but it depends on the contract type and how it was executed. A property contract review will confirm your rights and options.
What if the vendor refuses to change the contract?
If the vendor resists amendments, we advise negotiation strategies. Sometimes you accept the contract with protective special conditions; other times you walk away if risks outweigh benefits.
Related services that often accompany a property contract review
- Conveyancing Process Explained
- Property contract lawyer Adelaide
- Property dispute settlement
- Property Lawyers Adelaide
Why choose O’Dea Lawyers for your property contract review in Adelaide?
Our team combines local knowledge with practical experience. We act promptly, explain options in plain language, and tailor advice to your circumstances — whether you’re a first-home buyer, investor or seller in Adelaide, Unley, or Glenelg.
For purchases that need additional support, we coordinate with conveyancers and may refer you to specialised services such as our building dispute or landlord teams.
Next steps — How to start a property contract review with O’Dea Lawyers
- Send us your draft or signed contract.
- We conduct searches and a preliminary review.
- We advise on negotiation points, timeframes and likely costs.
- We prepare amendments or special conditions and negotiate on your behalf.
- We support settlement and any follow-up matters.
Ready to protect your purchase or sale? Contact our Adelaide property lawyers for a prompt, practical property contract review. We assist clients across Adelaide suburbs including Norwood, Unley, Glenelg and Mt Barker. Contact us to arrange a review and clear, practical advice.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long does a property contract review take?
Simple contract reviews can be completed within 24–48 hours. Complex matters that require searches, vendor disclosures or negotiation may take several days. We advise expected timeframes when you engage us.
2. Will a contract review find all problems?
A thorough review identifies legal and contractual risks, but it cannot replace specialist inspections (e.g., building or pest reports). We combine legal checks with recommended inspections to reduce surprises.
3. Can an Adelaide lawyer change the contract after exchange?
After exchange, you typically need consent from the other party to change terms. A property contract review helps you negotiate pre-exchange. Post-exchange changes are possible but require agreement and may involve penalties.
4. Do I need a lawyer if I use a conveyancer?
Conveyancers handle settlement mechanics. A solicitor provides legal advice on tricky contract terms, special conditions, and disputes. Many clients choose both for comprehensive protection.
5. How much will a property contract review cost at O’Dea Lawyers?
Fees depend on the contract’s complexity. We provide clear quotes early. For straightforward matters we offer competitive fixed fees; for complex negotiations we estimate hours and explain costs before work begins.
Related services: Property settlement lawyer Adelaide, Asset division lawyer Adelaide, Property share agreement SA.

