Buying a property is a major decision, but being prepared can make the process much easier. From organising your finances and searching for the right property through to making an offer, settlement and moving in, these tips will help you understand what to expect along the way.
Buying Tips sections:
Preparing to buy
Before you begin seriously searching for a property, it is important to understand your budget, organise your finances and have the right professional advice in place.
Arrange finance pre-approval
Speak with your mortgage broker or bank to understand how much you may be able to borrow and obtain finance pre-approval where appropriate.
Make sure you understand any conditions attached to your approval. Your lender may have restrictions relating to the type, title or size of property you can purchase, such as commercial properties or apartments below a certain floor area.
If you are a first home buyer, let your agent, mortgage broker and solicitor or conveyancer know. Different lending requirements, government schemes and stamp duty concessions may affect the type of property you purchase and the terms or timing of the sale.
Helpful links: NSW Government – First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme | NSW Government – Buying residential property
Choose a solicitor or conveyancer
Your solicitor or conveyancer can help you:
It is a good idea to choose your solicitor or conveyancer before you are ready to make an offer. This means you have someone available to review a Contract for Sale quickly when you find a property you would like to purchase.
- Understand your rights and obligations under the contract.
- Review and negotiate special conditions.
- Discuss the price, deposit and proposed settlement date.
- Undertake appropriate searches and investigations.
- Identify restrictions that could affect your intended use of the property.
- Review strata information where applicable.
Helpful link: Law Society of NSW – Find a lawyer
Understand strata properties
When purchasing an apartment or another strata property, investigate the health of the strata scheme as well as the individual property.
This can include reviewing the strata records, finances, planned works and any current or proposed special levies.
You should also understand the building’s by-laws. These may affect renovations, pets, short-term accommodation such as Airbnb, use of balconies and other aspects of living in the building.
This should be done through your solicitor or lawyer.
Helpful link: NSW Government – Strata
Preparing to buy checklist
Searching & inspections
Once your finances and professional support are organised, you can begin searching for properties that suit your needs, budget and preferred locations.
Finding the right property
Start by identifying the features that are most important to you, including location, property type, size, parking, outdoor space, transport and proximity to local amenities.
There may never be a property that meets every item on your wish list. Consider making a list of your ten most important requirements. A property that satisfies most of your priorities may be worth serious consideration, particularly if some of the remaining features can be improved later.
Search property websites such as Domain and realestate.com.au, follow SydneyLinks and register your details with us. This can help you hear about suitable properties and upcoming inspections.
Property search: Domain | realestate.com.au | SydneyLinks
Attending inspections
Properties may be available through scheduled open homes or private appointments.
Plan ahead and aim to arrive on time or a little early. Agents often have multiple inspections scheduled, and unexpected delays may mean you miss your opportunity to view the property.
Look for the SydneyLinks inspection signage and follow any instructions provided by the agent. For apartments, this may include directions to the correct building entrance, level or apartment.
Take care when accessing properties, particularly around stairs, lifts, entrances or wet and slippery areas.
Once inside, you may be asked to remove your shoes at the request of the owner or tenant. Please respect these instructions while visiting someone’s property.
Providing your details
When attending an inspection, provide the agent with your correct full name, email address and contact number.
Getting to know the selling agent can be valuable throughout your property search.
Ask questions and let them know what you are looking for. The more accurately an agent understands your requirements, the better positioned they are to provide relevant information and help you through the buying process.
Inspection checklist
Buying
When you find a property you are serious about, this is the time to ask detailed questions, complete your investigations and understand how the property is being sold.
Investigate
Speak openly with the selling agent and ask for any information you need to make an informed decision.
If you are considering making an offer, you should also seek appropriate independent advice. Depending on the property, this may include advice from your:
- solicitor or conveyancer,
- a strata report for apartments
OR - building or pest inspections (other than apartments )
Making an offer
Private treaty vs auction
The process of buying a property differs depending on whether it is being sold by private treaty or auction. The biggest difference is when you need to complete your finance, investigations, legal advice and contract negotiations.
Buying by private treaty
With a private treaty sale, you can make an offer through the selling agent after inspecting the property and reviewing any relevant strata, building or pest reports.
Once your offer is accepted, you may exchange contracts and pay a 0.25% deposit to secure the property. A standard five-business-day cooling-off period generally applies in NSW unless it is waived, shortened or extended.
During this period you can:
- Finalise your finance with your bank or mortgage broker.
- Have your solicitor or conveyancer review the contract.
- Complete any outstanding property or strata investigations.
- Ask your solicitor or conveyancer to negotiate contract changes directly with the vendor’s solicitor or conveyancer.
If you proceed, you pay the remainder of the agreed deposit, commonly bringing the total to 5% or 10%, depending on agreement. If you withdraw during the cooling-off period, you generally forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price.
This process can allow you to secure the property first and finalise important checks during the cooling-off period.
Buying at auction
With an auction, the process happens in a different order.
Before auction day, you should arrange your finance, review the relevant inspection reports, have your solicitor or conveyancer review the contract and negotiate any requested changes.
You can also ask the selling agent whether the vendor will consider an offer before auction.
If you are the successful bidder when the hammer falls, the sale is binding. There is no cooling-off period, so you cannot change your mind or negotiate the contract afterwards.
You will need to pay the agreed deposit, commonly 5% or 10%, on the day. The remaining balance is paid at settlement according to the timeframe specified in the contract, unless a different settlement period was negotiated beforehand.
The key difference: With private treaty, you may be able to secure the property and use the cooling-off period to finalise certain matters. With an auction, your checks, finance and contract negotiations need to be completed before you bid.
Contract signing and exchange
Once you are satisfied with the property, have completed your investigations, received appropriate professional advice and agreed to terms you are comfortable with, you can proceed with signing and exchanging contracts.
Depending on the sale, this may be completed through your solicitor or conveyancer or facilitated by the selling agent with your solicitor or conveyancer’s approval.
Buying checklist
Pre-settlement
As settlement approaches, there are a few important things to organise to make sure your finance, the property and any ongoing management arrangements are ready for handover.
Finance and legal requirements
Stay in contact with your lender or mortgage broker to ensure your finance is ready for settlement.
Your solicitor or conveyancer will manage the contractual process, advise you of anything you need to complete and coordinate settlement with the seller’s representatives.
Final inspection
Arrange a final inspection with the selling agent shortly before settlement. This gives you an opportunity to check that the property is in substantially the same condition as when contracts were exchanged and that any agreed inclusions remain at the property.
Contact the selling agent to arrange a suitable inspection time.
Appointing a managing agent
If you are purchasing an investment property with an existing tenant, decide who will manage the property after settlement.
Ask the selling agent who currently manages the property. You may choose to retain the existing managing agent, which can make the transition easier as they already hold the tenancy documents and understand the property’s rental history.
If you decide to proceed with them, arrange to complete a new Management Agreement before settlement so management can transfer smoothly when you become the owner.
Rates, levies and insurance
Decide who will be responsible for managing ongoing property expenses, which may include:
- Council rates
- Water rates
- Strata levies
- Landlord insurance
If your managing agent will pay these expenses on your behalf, let your solicitor or conveyancer know so the appropriate billing and correspondence details can be arranged.
If you will manage these expenses yourself, make sure the relevant authorities and providers have your correct contact and postal details.
You should also arrange any building or landlord insurance required for your property and circumstances.
Prepare for handover
Confirm whether the property will be handed over with vacant possession or with an existing tenancy.
For a vacant property, speak with the selling agent about how the keys will be collected once settlement has been confirmed.
For a tenanted property, make sure your managing agent is ready to take over management of the existing tenancy from settlement.
Pre-settlement checklist
Helpful link: NSW Government – Contracts and settlement
Settlement
Settlement is the final stage of the purchase, when the transaction is completed and ownership of the property transfers to you.
Settlement day
Your solicitor or conveyancer and lender will coordinate the settlement with the seller’s representatives. The remaining purchase funds are transferred and the legal ownership of the property passes to you.
SydneyLinks will be notified once settlement has been completed.
After settlement
If the property has been purchased with vacant possession, SydneyLinks can release the keys once confirmation of settlement has been received. You can then collect the keys as previously arranged.
If the property has an existing tenancy, your appointed managing agent can commence management of the property and tenancy on your behalf.
Settlement checklist
Post-settlement
Congratulations, the property is yours. There are a few final tasks to complete as you settle into your new home or investment.
Moving in
Plan your move and make any necessary arrangements with the building or strata manager. Apartment buildings may require advance notice for moving, lift bookings or specific moving times.
Utilities and services
Arrange the connection or transfer of services such as electricity, gas and internet. Remember to update your address with relevant organisations and service providers.
Helpful link: Service NSW – Change your address
Strata
If you have purchased a strata property, familiarise yourself with the building’s by-laws, contacts and procedures.
Find out who manages the strata scheme and how to report maintenance issues, access common areas or request approval for renovations or other changes to your property.
Helpful link: NSW Government – Strata living
Update your details
Make sure your ownership and contact details are correctly recorded with relevant authorities, strata management and service providers. Your solicitor or conveyancer can advise you about the formal ownership registration process.
Helpful link: NSW Land Registry Services
Post-settlement checklist
Selling tips
Selling your property involves more than simply putting it on the market. Good preparation, thoughtful presentation and a clear understanding of the sales process can help you approach your sale with confidence.
From preparing your property and launching your campaign through to negotiating offers, exchanging contracts and settlement, these tips will help you understand what to expect when selling with SydneyLinks.
Selling Tips sections:
Preparing to sell
Before your property goes to market, there are several important decisions to make and documents to prepare.
Speak with your agent
Start by speaking openly with SydneyLinks about your property, reasons for selling, preferred timeframe and any circumstances that could affect the sale, such as an existing tenancy, strata matters, planned works or settlement requirements.
Your agent can discuss the local market, comparable sales, potential buyers, the appropriate method of sale and how your property should be positioned.
Maintain regular communication throughout the campaign. Your agent will be getting to know prospective buyers, including their level of interest, finances, timing and readiness to purchase. These factors can change as the campaign progresses.
SydneyLinks values a relationship built on trust and open communication. Regular conversations about buyer feedback, market response and the progress of your campaign allow your agent to give you informed advice, even when that advice changes as new information becomes available.
Choose a solicitor or conveyancer
Engage a solicitor or conveyancer early so they can prepare the Contract for Sale and advise you about your legal obligations.
In NSW, a residential property generally cannot be advertised for sale until a Contract for Sale has been prepared and made available to prospective buyers.
Your solicitor or conveyancer can also advise you about information that needs to be disclosed and any special conditions that may need to be included in the contract.
Helpful links: NSW Government – Selling residential property | Law Society of NSW – Find a lawyer
Decide how to sell
Choosing between private treaty and auction will depend on your property, timeframe, likely buyer pool and personal circumstances. SydneyLinks will discuss both options with you and recommend a strategy based on the property and current market.
Auction
An auction may suit sellers working within a particular timeframe, including those who need to sell before purchasing another property. It can also suit highly desirable or unique properties that are likely to attract strong competition, such as a property with an exceptional view or location.
An auction campaign works towards a defined sale date, but sellers should be prepared for the uncertainty of auction day and remain realistic and flexible when considering the market and their reserve price.
Private treaty
Private treaty may suit sellers who have more flexibility around timing or properties with a smaller or more specific buyer pool, such as some studio apartments.
It may also be appropriate where SydneyLinks already has interested buyers. The process gives the agent more opportunity to communicate and negotiate individually with prospective buyers over time.
For sellers who would prefer a less time-driven process or feel uncomfortable with the uncertainty of an auction campaign, private treaty may also be a more comfortable approach.
Preparing to sell checklist
Preparing your property
Presentation can have a significant influence on a buyer’s first impression of your property.
Often, simple improvements can make a noticeable difference. The aim is to present a clean, welcoming and uncluttered property that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Outside appeal
The exterior and entrance are among the first things prospective buyers will see, so make sure your property looks welcoming from the moment they arrive.
- Remove bikes, tools and unnecessary clutter.
- Mow lawns, edge paths, trim hedges and weed gardens.
- Add well-positioned plants where appropriate.
- Clean exterior surfaces and windows.
- Wash or touch up fences, gates, steps and the front door where required.
- Secure pets during inspections.
- Make sure exterior lighting is working for evening inspections.
For apartments, pay particular attention to your own entrance, balcony or courtyard and anything within your control.
Styling
How your property is presented can have a significant impact on the way buyers respond to it, both in photography and during inspections. Listen to your agent’s advice about whether changes to the presentation or professional styling could benefit your property.
If your existing furniture and interiors may not appeal to a broad range of buyers, an interior stylist can help create a more considered and inviting presentation.
Styling is about more than making a property look good. The aim is to create an emotional connection as well as visual appeal, helping prospective buyers imagine themselves living in the property.
Create a positive first impression
Your front door and entrance help establish the feeling of the property.
Keep the entrance clean, uncluttered and welcoming. A plant, artwork or simple decorative feature can add interest without overwhelming the space.
If areas of the property are dated, presentation can also help buyers see their potential rather than focusing entirely on what needs to be changed.
Appeal to the senses
Give the property a thorough clean before photography and inspections.
Open curtains and blinds and use lighting to brighten darker areas. Remove strong cigarette, pet, cooking or other odours rather than trying to cover them with heavy fragrances.
Bathrooms should be clean and tidy, with damaged finishes repaired where practical. Fresh flowers or simple styling can add warmth to living areas.
Keep televisions and other distractions turned off during inspections and make sure the property’s temperature is comfortable.
Create a feeling of space
Reducing clutter can make rooms feel larger and help buyers focus on the property itself.
Keep kitchen benches clear and cupboards reasonably organised. Tidy wardrobes and storage areas, as buyers may want to inspect them.
Consider temporarily storing excess furniture, personal belongings and ornaments if rooms feel crowded.
Mirrors, good lighting and simple furniture placement can also help smaller spaces feel more open.
Property presentation checklist
Going to market
Once your property and Contract for Sale are ready, your SydneyLinks marketing campaign can begin.
Photography and marketing
Professional photography and good presentation work together to create a strong introduction to your property.
Depending on your campaign, marketing may include property websites, the SydneyLinks website and database, social media, signage, floorplans and other advertising.
Your SydneyLinks agent will coordinate the campaign and advise you about photography, inspection times and the information required for your listing.
Property marketing: Domain | realestate.com.au | @SydneyLinks
Open homes and inspections
Before each inspection, make sure the property is clean, tidy and ready for prospective buyers.
Open curtains and blinds, switch on appropriate lighting, clear benches and surfaces and make beds. Where possible, remove bins, washing, pet equipment and everyday clutter.
SydneyLinks will conduct the inspection, speak with prospective buyers, answer questions and collect feedback following the inspection.
Allowing buyers to explore the property comfortably can help them develop their own connection with the space.
Keeping the property ready
Selling campaigns can involve several inspections as well as private appointments.
Keeping the property reasonably close to inspection-ready throughout the campaign can make this easier and allows SydneyLinks to respond to serious buyers who may request another viewing.
Going to market checklist
Offers, contracts & settlement
As buyer interest develops, SydneyLinks will communicate offers to you and guide you through the negotiation and sale process.
Private treaty
Receiving offers
When an offer is made, consider it in the context of the current market, buyer interest and your expectations for the property. Your agent can help you understand how the offer compares with market feedback and whether there may be an opportunity for further negotiation.
Offers can be time-sensitive, so being prepared to make a timely decision can help keep an interested buyer engaged.
If you decide to accept an offer, provide clear written instructions to your agent so they can proceed with the appropriate documentation and communicate with the buyer.
Negotiating the sale
Negotiating an offer is a balancing act between achieving the best possible terms for the seller while keeping a genuine buyer engaged.
Your SydneyLinks agent will assess the buyer’s position, level of interest and potential to increase their offer, while also understanding your expectations and flexibility on price.
Setting expectations too high can risk losing a genuine buyer, while accepting too quickly may leave room for further negotiation. Your agent will manage this process carefully, keep you informed and help you consider each offer within the context of the current market.
Auction
Leading up to auction day, SydneyLinks will keep you informed about buyer interest, inspection feedback and potential bidders.
In the week leading up to the auction, your SydneyLinks agent and auctioneer will discuss the campaign with you, including buyer feedback, the recommended reserve price and the auction strategy.
Reserve price and vendor bids
Your reserve price is the minimum price at which you authorise the property to be sold at auction.
Your agent and auctioneer will discuss the recommended reserve with you based on the campaign and buyer interest. If circumstances change during the auction, you may also be asked to reconsider your reserve based on the bidding and advice from your agent and auctioneer.
A vendor bid is a bid made on behalf of the seller by the auctioneer in accordance with NSW auction rules. Your agent and auctioneer will explain how vendor bids may be used as part of the auction strategy.
It is important that you are either present or immediately contactable during the auction. If bidding pauses, your agent and auctioneer may need to speak with you privately about the bidding, your reserve and your instructions before continuing.
If bidding reaches the reserve and the property sells under the hammer, the sale is binding. The successful bidder signs the contract and pays the required deposit.
If the property does not sell under the hammer, SydneyLinks can continue negotiations with interested buyers following the auction.
Helpful link: NSW Government – Selling a property by auction
Exchange of contracts
The exchange process differs depending on whether you are selling by private treaty or auction.
For a private treaty sale, once you accept an offer, SydneyLinks or your solicitor or conveyancer will arrange for you to sign the Contract for Sale and proceed towards exchange.
For an auction sale, contracts are exchanged immediately when the property sells under the hammer. The auctioneer may sign the contract on the vendor’s behalf where appropriately authorised.
Once contracts are formally exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding, subject to any cooling-off rights or contractual provisions that apply.
Your solicitor or conveyancer will manage the legal process and work with the buyer’s representative as the sale progresses towards settlement.
Preparing for settlement
After exchange, your solicitor or conveyancer will manage the legal requirements leading up to settlement.
Continue to maintain the property and make sure it is ready for the buyer’s final inspection. Complete anything you agreed to under the Contract for Sale and organise your move so the property can be provided as required at settlement.
SydneyLinks will coordinate access for the buyer’s final inspection and arrange release of the keys once settlement has been confirmed.
Helpful link: NSW Government – Contracts and settlement when selling property
Selling & settlement checklist
Sold
Once your property has sold, there are a few final arrangements to complete before settlement and handover.
If the property has been professionally styled, arrange for the styling company to remove their furniture and items at the appropriate time.
If the property is tenanted, the tenant and property manager should be updated on the sale and advised when sales inspections are no longer required. If a sale does not proceed, the property manager should be informed if further inspections need to recommence.
Finally, make sure all property keys, access cards and remotes are ready to be handed over as part of the settlement process.
Final checklist
Being prepared, understanding the application process and knowing your responsibilities as a tenant can make renting much easier. Which is why we have put together this helpful reference list of renting tips.
From searching and applying through to moving in, maintaining your tenancy and eventually vacating, these tips will help you understand what to expect when renting with SydneyLinks.
Skip to the relevant section:
Searching & Inspections
Your rental search will usually begin online, where you can compare available properties, locations, rental prices and inspection times.
Finding a property
Search property websites such as Domain and realestate.com.au and keep an eye on SydneyLinks for our latest rental listings.
When you find a property you are interested in, check the advertised inspection times or contact the agent to arrange an inspection where available.
Property search: Domain | realestate.com.au | SydneyLinks
Attending an inspection
Before your application can be considered, you will generally need to inspect the property.
Arrive on time and follow any access instructions provided by the SydneyLinks agent. Take the opportunity to look carefully through the property and ask any questions you may have.
If you are overseas or otherwise unable to attend in person, speak with the agent about whether a video inspection can be arranged. SydneyLinks may be able to conduct an inspection with you via WhatsApp or another video service. You will be required to complete a waiver confirming that you have inspected the property remotely.
Inspection checklist
Applying
Once you have found a property you would like to lease, you can submit your tenancy application using the application method provided with the listing on Domain and realestate.com.au or directly through SydneyLinks.
Completing your application
Complete the tenancy application carefully and provide all requested information and supporting documentation.
This may include:
- Identification,
- proof of income or employment,
- rental history and
- references.
Providing complete and accurate information can help avoid delays while your application is being assessed.
There is no fee to submit a rental application.
Application approval
Once SydneyLinks has received the required information, your application can be presented to the landlord for consideration.
If your application is approved, you may be asked to pay a holding fee of up to one week’s rent. Once a holding fee has been paid, the landlord or agent cannot enter into a residential Tenancy Agreement with another person for seven days. If you proceed with the tenancy, the holding fee goes towards your rent.
You will then receive the documents required to establish your tenancy. SydneyLinks may send your Tenancy Agreement electronically through DocuSign, allowing you to review and sign it from your computer or phone.
Rental bond
A Rental Bond provides financial security for the landlord if money is owed at the end of the tenancy, such as unpaid rent or certain property damage.
You will be invited to lodge your bond through NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Bonds Online system. At the beginning of a tenancy, the bond cannot be more than four weeks’ rent.
At the end of your tenancy, you can claim the bond through Rental Bonds Online. Deductions may be claimed where permitted, including for certain damage or money owing.
Helpful links: NSW Government – Finding and applying for a rental property | Rental Bonds Online
Application checklist
Renting
Once your tenancy begins, there are a few important responsibilities and processes to understand. These include your Condition Report, rent payments, occupancy, inspections and maintenance.
Moving in and your Condition Report
After you collect your keys from us, you will receive a Condition Report recording the condition of the property at the beginning of your tenancy.
You Condition Report must be completed and returned to SydneyLinks within 7 days, by close of business. Once this period passes we are legally bound to adhere to the Condition Report we have provided to you and cannot accept anything after this period.
Check the report carefully against the actual condition of the property and record anything you disagree with or believe should be added. Take your own photographs where useful.
Your Condition Report is an important record because it can be compared with the property’s condition when you eventually move out and may be used as evidence if there is a dispute about damage or the Rental Bond.
Complete and return your Condition Report within the timeframe provided. NSW tenancy information requires tenants to return their completed Condition Report within seven days after taking possession.
Occupancy
Only the approved tenants and occupants listed or permitted under your tenancy arrangements should permanently reside at the property.
If someone needs to move in or an existing tenant intends to move out, contact SydneyLinks in writing before making changes. A proposed new tenant may need to complete an application and receive approval before moving into the property.
Paying rent
Rent must be paid in accordance with your Tenancy Agreement and should reach the required account on or before its due date.
SydneyLinks does not physically collect rent. Follow the payment instructions provided with your Tenancy Agreement.
If you are experiencing difficulty making a rental payment, contact your Property Manager as early as possible rather than allowing rent arrears to accumulate.
Routine inspections
SydneyLinks will conduct routine inspections periodically during your tenancy. In NSW, a landlord or agent can generally conduct routine inspections up to four times in a 12-month period, with the required notice.
The purpose is to report to the landlord on the condition and care of their property and identify any maintenance that may be required.
Your Property Manager will take photographs during the inspection to document the condition of the property and assist with the property management record, including maintenance and, where relevant, insurance requirements.
Before an inspection:
Repairs and maintenance
If you notice something requiring maintenance, let SydneyLinks know as soon as possible.
Submit the maintenance request via email and be sure to include:
- A clear description of the repairs or maintenance issue
- Photographic evidence
- Video evidence if possible
Maintenance contact: marcel@sydneylinks.com.au
Once a landlord approval has been obtained where required, SydneyLinks can issue a work order to the appropriate tradesperson. The tradesperson may then contact you directly to arrange access.
Do not arrange non-urgent work yourself without authorisation from SydneyLinks, as you may be responsible for unauthorised costs.
Urgent repairs
Only specific problems are classified as urgent. Always try to contact your SydneyLinks Property Manager first before contacting an authorised urgent repair person.
If you cannot contact your Property Manager and you need to an emergency repair provider after hours, contact an authorised provider from our Current Emergency Contacts list.
Our Current Emergency Contacts can be found:
- On your Tenancy Agreement
- In our Welcome to Renting with SydneyLinks guide, sent to you via email
- In periodic emails from us titled ‘Current Emergency Contacts’
Some problems are classified as urgent repairs under NSW tenancy laws. Examples can include:
- a burst water service,
- serious water leak,
- dangerous electrical fault,
- serious flooding or
- a blocked or broken toilet
Helpful link: NSW Government – Getting repairs done on a rental property
If the owner decides to sell
A landlord can sell a property while it is being rented. What happens to your tenancy depends largely on whether you are still within a fixed-term agreement or your fixed term has ended and the tenancy has become periodic.
| Fixed-term lease current | Fixed term expired / periodic tenancy | |
| Can the owner sell? | Yes. The property can be marketed and sold while you continue to live there. | Yes. The property can be marketed and sold while you continue to live there. |
| Notice before sales inspections begin | At least 14 days’ written notice before the property is first made available for inspection. | At least 14 days’ written notice before the property is first made available for inspection. |
| Inspection frequency | You are not required to agree to more than 2 sales inspections per week. | You are not required to agree to more than 2 sales inspections per week. |
| Notice for each inspection | If suitable times cannot be agreed, at least 48 hours’ notice must generally be given for each inspection. | If suitable times cannot be agreed, at least 48 hours’ notice must generally be given for each inspection. |
| If the property sells | The sale does not automatically end your lease. If sold with the tenancy in place, the buyer becomes your new landlord and the existing agreement continues. | The sale does not automatically end your tenancy. However, different termination rules apply to a periodic tenancy. |
| Can you be required to leave? | Generally, a sale cannot require you to leave before the end of your fixed term simply because the property has been sold. | The landlord must have a valid legal reason and give the required notice. |
| Property sold with vacant possession | Notice generally cannot require you to leave before your fixed term ends. | A minimum of 30 days’ notice can apply where the property has been sold and the contract requires vacant possession. |
| Owner proposes to sell with vacant possession | Notice generally cannot require you to leave before your fixed term ends. | A minimum of 90 days’ notice generally applies where the landlord proposes to sell the property with vacant possession. |
| Can you choose to leave early? | In certain circumstances, you may end the fixed term early without a break fee by giving at least 14 days’ written notice, including where the property is put up for sale and you were not told before signing that it would be sold. Eligibility requirements apply. | As a periodic tenant, you can end the tenancy by giving the required notice under the normal periodic tenancy rules. |
Renting checklist
Vacating
When it is time to leave your SydneyLinks property, make sure you understand the notice requirements that apply to your tenancy and allow enough time to prepare the property.
Giving notice
The amount of notice required depends on your Tenancy Agreement and the circumstances in which you are ending the tenancy.
Check your Tenancy Agreement and the current NSW Fair Trading requirements before choosing your vacate date. Do not assume that the same notice period applies to every tenancy.
Example notice requirement, eg. Minimum two weeks notice prior to lease expiration date.
Provide your notice to your Property Manager at SydneyLinks in writing, via email.
Vacating contact: accounts@sydneylinks.com.au
Once SydneyLinks receives your notice, we will provide a Vacating Procedure and advise you of any rent or other amounts due up to your vacating date.
Helpful link: NSW Government – Giving notice to end a residential tenancy
Preparing the property
Start preparing and cleaning the property well before your vacating date. We recommend using our preferred cleaners to ensure your property is cleaned to standard. Contact details will be provided to you for our cleaners.
You can clean the property yourself however, should the property not be cleaned to standard, additional cleaning fees will be charged.
The property should be left in a similar condition to when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Your original Condition Report will be an important reference when the property is inspected at the end of your tenancy.
Returning the keys
SydneyLinks requests that keys are returned by 5 pm on your vacating day. If you cannot attend the office before this time, contact your Property Manager for instructions about returning the keys using our after-hours facility on the same day after hours.
Your tenancy is not considered vacated simply because you have moved your belongings out. Vacant possession includes returning the keys to the landlord or agent.
Final inspection and bond
After you vacate, a final inspection will be carried out and the property’s condition will be compared with the original Condition Report.
Make sure you have removed all belongings, completed required cleaning, returned all keys and addressed any damage beyond fair wear and tear.
You can then arrange the return of your Rental Bond through Rental Bonds Online.
Helpful links: NSW Government – Moving out of a rental home | NSW Government – Getting your bond back