What is O'Rourkes Solicitors?

O'Rourkes Solicitors offers expert legal services in NSW, specializing in conveyancing and wills & estates, backed by 20+ years of dedicated service.

What makes O'Rourkes Solicitors different from a big city law firm?

O'Rourkes is a local, dedicated practice based in Coogee, not a large corporate firm. You deal directly with the same small, familiar team throughout your matter, with the personal attention and approachability of a local business, backed by real legal expertise.

What areas does O'Rourkes Solicitors serve?

O'Rourkes Solicitors is based in Coogee and serves the local Eastern Suburbs community, as well as clients across greater Sydney and New South Wales.

What services does O'Rourkes Solicitors offer?

O'Rourkes Solicitors specialises in property Conveyancing, including residential, commercial and off-the-plan purchases and sales across Sydney and NSW, alongside Wills and Estates, including wills, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration.

Is O'Rourkes Solicitors an experienced, established firm?

Yes. O'Rourkes is a dedicated team based in Coogee, with over 25 years' experience handling conveyancing and estate planning for clients right across Sydney and throughout NSW.

Is O'Rourkes Solicitors a large firm or a boutique practice?

O'Rourkes is a small, dedicated team. You deal directly with a dedicated legal professional you can reach on the phone, not a large firm where files get passed between unfamiliar departments.

Why choose a local Coogee solicitor instead of a firm in the CBD?

A local firm like O'Rourkes understands the Eastern Suburbs property market, is easy to reach in person, and offers the kind of direct, personal service that's harder to find at a large city practice. As a dedicated team, we treat your matter like a neighbour would, with genuine care, not just a file number.

What does a conveyancer or property solicitor actually do?

A conveyancer or property solicitor manages the legal transfer of property ownership. They will review and prepare contracts, conduct property searches, handle the exchange of contracts, coordinate with your bank and manage settlement so that ownership transfers correctly and on time.

Does O'Rourkes Solicitors charge for contract reviews?

No. Contract reviews for prospective buyers are provided free of charge. A fee only applies at settlement of a property you successfully purchase.

What types of property matters does the firm handle?

The firm acts in residential, commercial and off-the-plan property purchases and sales across Sydney and NSW.

Can O'Rourkes Solicitors help if I'm buying and haven't found a property yet?

Yes. The firm will review contracts for any properties you are considering, at no charge, and continues working with you, with the same friendly, approachable support, until you successfully secure a property.

What happens when I find a property I want to buy?

O'Rourkes Solicitors reviews the contract of sale, flags any conditions or risks, negotiates amendments with the vendor's solicitor if needed, and talks you through it in plain language before you exchange contracts.

What is a cooling-off period and does it apply to my purchase?

In NSW, residential property purchases come with a statutory cooling-off period after exchange, during which a buyer can withdraw subject to a small penalty. It doesn't apply to auction purchases or where it's been waived. O'Rourkes Solicitors will confirm how this applies to your specific contract.

What is the difference between exchange and settlement?

Exchange is when signed contracts are formally swapped between buyer and seller, making the sale legally binding. Settlement is the later date when the balance of funds is paid, and ownership and keys are transferred.

How long does settlement usually take?

Standard residential settlements in NSW are typically 42 days (6 weeks) from exchange, though this can be negotiated to suit both parties’ circumstances.

What searches are carried out during conveyancing?

Property searches typically cover title, zoning, council and planning certificates, strata records (where applicable), and any outstanding notices or encumbrances that could affect the property.

Does O'Rourkes Solicitors liaise with my bank or lender?

Yes. The firm coordinates with your financial institution to ensure loan documents, funds and settlement figures align with the settlement date.

What does O'Rourkes Solicitors do if I'm selling my property?

The firm prepares the Contract of Sale in consultation with you and liaises with your selling agent so the property can be marketed and shown as quickly as possible.

What disclosures do I need to make as a seller?

NSW law requires certain disclosures and prescribed documents (such as title details and zoning certificates) to be attached to the Contract of Sale before a property can be marketed. O’Rourkes Solicitors prepares these as part of preparing your contract.

What is off-the-plan conveyancing?

Off-the-plan conveyancing involves buying a property before or during construction, based on plans and specifications rather than a completed dwelling. This carries specific contract terms, sunset clauses and risks that differ from established property purchases, which the firm reviews as part of the contract process.

Does the firm handle commercial property matters?

Yes, in addition to residential conveyancing, O’Rourkes Solicitors acts on commercial property purchases and sales.

What are disbursements in a conveyancing matter?

Disbursements are the third-party costs incurred during a transaction, such as search fees, government registration fees and certificate costs, separate from the solicitor's professional fee.

Can O'Rourkes Solicitors assist first home buyers?

Yes. As a local, approachable firm, O'Rourkes regularly guides first home buyers through contract review, available grants or concessions, and every step of the purchase, taking the time to explain things clearly for people going through the process for the first time.

What happens if a problem with the property is discovered late in the process?

If an issue arises, such as a title defect, zoning restriction or missing certificate, O'Rourkes Solicitors raises it with the other party's solicitor and talks you through your options before you're committed to proceeding.

Can O'Rourkes Solicitors prepare a Will for me?

Yes. The firm prepares legal Wills for individuals and their families, meeting with you first, in person or virtually, to discuss your wishes before drafting a personal document for your approval.

What is the process for preparing a Will with O'Rourkes Solicitors?

The process starts with an initial meeting, which can be done virtually via MS Teams or Zoom, to discuss your wishes and circumstances. We then prepare your Will and any associated documents, before you sign them at our office at a time that suits you.

How is conveyancing priced?

Contract reviews are free. A fee applies only once a purchase reaches settlement, meaning you don’t pay for reviews on properties you don’t end up buying. There is a small initial cost for Vendors to cover the cost of preparing the contract, with the balance payable at settlement.

Who will I be dealing with throughout my matter?

You'll deal directly with our dedicated team throughout your matter. A dedicated legal professional handles your contract review, exchange and settlement, or your Will and probate matter, and you'll always know exactly who you're speaking to and can reach them on the phone.

How do I get in touch with O'Rourkes Solicitors?

You can call (02) 9315 8132 or email info@coogeelaw.com. The office is located at 19-21 Alfreda St, Coogee NSW 2034, right in the local community the firm serves.

Does O'Rourkes Solicitors offer an initial consultation?

Yes, for property matters, initial contract reviews are free. For Wills and other matters, contact the office to arrange an initial meeting with the team.

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