Documents You Need When Selling a House in Canberra

Selling a home in the ACT comes with strict legal requirements. The law makes sure buyers receive every key document before they inspect your property. This protects you and the buyer, and it keeps the process clear from the start.

This guide explains each document in plain language. It also shows you why each item matters and what you should expect during the process.

key documents required to sell a house in Canberra, including legal, building, compliance, unit, and settlement information.

WHY ACT SELLERS MUST PREPARE THESE DOCUMENTS

Under the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003, you must have a complete contract for sale before you advertise your home. Agents cannot list the property without it. Selling without the required documents can lead to penalties and delays that affect your campaign.

Preparing everything early helps you:

  • Avoid contract issues
  • Answer buyer questions quickly
  • Reduce the risk of a sale falling through
  • Keep your timeline on track

Most documents are ordered through your solicitor or conveyancer. They handle the legal side, and you handle the presentation and marketing.

THE CORE LEGAL DOCUMENTS

These items form the base of the contract.

Contract for sale

Prepared by a solicitor or conveyancer. It includes the terms, settlement period, purchase price, inclusions, and legal details about the home. It must be available before advertising begins.

Certificate of title

This confirms you are the legal owner. It shows any registered interests on the land, such as easements or covenants.

Crown lease

In the ACT, you do not own the land outright. The crown lease sets out how the land may be used, the lease term, and any conditions placed on the block.

Deposited plan

A survey map that shows the land boundaries and layout.

Encumbrance statements

If there are registered or unregistered encumbrances affecting the property, they must be disclosed. This includes easements, use restrictions, or other interests.

Building and compliance documents

These reports give buyers clear information about the condition and compliance of the home.

Building and compliance inspection report

A licensed builder prepares this report. It covers structural condition, general building health, and whether the property aligns with ACT building regulations. This report is mandatory.

Pest inspection report

Required under ACT law. It must comply with Australian Standards for timber pest inspections. It covers termite activity, borers, and other timber pests.

Asbestos report

For properties built before 1991, an asbestos report or asbestos advice is compulsory. It outlines whether asbestos is present and in what form.

Building file documents

These are ordered from the Environment and Planning Directorate and include:

  • Certificate of occupancy
  • Survey certificate
  • Approved building plans
  • Drainage plan
  • Building file summary

These show what has been approved, built, and recorded over the life of the home.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Energy efficiency rating statement

Every residential property in the ACT must include an EER in the contract. Buyers rely on this rating to estimate heating and cooling costs.

Contaminated land search

Shows whether the block has been flagged for contamination.

Development application statements

Discloses any known applications that affect the property or surrounding area.

Rates, water, and utilities

You must provide statements showing:

  • Outstanding general rates
  • Water and sewerage information
  • Other charges that may affect ownership

These documents help the buyer understand future costs and confirm that charges are up to date.

EXTRA REQUIREMENTS FOR UNITS AND APARTMENTS

Selling a unit comes with more paperwork because buyers need clarity about the complex.

Required documents include:

  • The registered units plan
  • Unit title certificate dated within the last three months
  • Certificate of title for common property
  • The last two owners corporation meeting minutes
  • The last two executive committee minutes

For multi-storey buildings, the Section 119 Certificate is also required. It confirms levies, insurance, and any current disputes.

Off-the-plan requirements

Developers must supply a disclosure statement with drawings, plans, and details about the building yet to be constructed.

VACANT LAND

You must supply:

  • Crown lease
  • Deposited plan
  • Certificate of title
  • All registered encumbrances

The same rules apply regarding accuracy and disclosure.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EXCHANGE

Once contracts exchange, your solicitor prepares final settlement documents. These include:

  • Settlement statement
  • Adjustment calculations for rates and water
  • Deposit and payout details
  • Final transfer document

Settlement usually occurs within six to eight weeks. On the day, your solicitor lodges the transfer documents with the ACT Office of Regulatory Services to register the new owner.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SELLERS

These steps can help you stay organised.

  • Start document collection early. Some searches take several days to return
  • Ask your solicitor to order everything in one batch to avoid delays.
  • Review the building report before launching your campaign so you understand what buyers will see.
  • Keep digital copies of all documents for quick sharing during the campaign.

READY TO MAKE A MOVE? GET IN TOUCH!

Clear disclosure builds trust. Buyers move faster when they have all the information upfront. A complete and accurate contract reduces the chance of a collapsed sale and gives your campaign a stronger start.

If you need help preparing your home for sale or coordinating your documents, the team at Jonny Warren Properties can guide you through each step.

📞 0431 797 891
📩 jonny@jonnywarren.com.au
💻 www.jonnywarren.com.au