Questions to ask before transferring a sectional title unit

A sectional title transfer is only as good as the person who handles it. Before you hand over documents to any conveyancer, you need to know what questions to ask—and crucially, how to spot the difference between a confident, clear answer and one that sidesteps the real issue.

Is the levy account actually current?

Start here. Ask your conveyancer: "Will you obtain and review the full levy payment history for this unit, and confirm in writing what arrears, if any, exist?" Listen for specificity. A good conveyancer will tell you they're requesting the statement directly from the body corporate, not relying on the seller's word. They should be willing to show you the document before exchange of contracts. If they say "the seller seems okay" or "I'll check after you've committed," that's a red flag. Levy arrears transfer to you automatically—the body corporate doesn't need your permission—so this question protects your pocket on day one.

What happens if the special levy arrives next month?

This is less visible but just as binding. Ask: "Have you checked the body corporate minutes or accounts for any proposed special levies, and will you obtain a certificate stating there are none pending?" A conveyancer who knows sectional title will already be doing this; one who isn't will sound surprised by the question. The seller may not even know a special levy is coming. The body corporate might approve one after your transfer goes through but before you occupy the unit. You then inherit the liability. A cautious conveyancer will search the minutes, speak to the managing agent, and obtain a written declaration. An evasive one will say "we'll deal with it if it comes up."

Are there underlying bond conditions or scheme rules that will trap me?

Ask: "Will you review the sectional title deed and scheme rules for any restrictions on my use, subletting, or alterations—and flag any that might affect my plans?" This matters whether you plan to live there, rent it out, or run a business. Some schemes prohibit short-term lets, require approval for renovations, or impose rules on pet ownership. A thorough conveyancer will extract these clauses, translate them into plain language, and ask you whether you can live with them before you proceed. One who doesn't raise them until after transfer has failed you. You cannot undo a purchase because of rules buried in the deed.

What's your process for confirming the transfer is registered correctly?

End with process. Ask: "After transfer, how will you confirm the title deed has been registered in my name, and what happens if the deeds office rejects it?" A professional will commit to obtaining a copy of the registered title deed and sending it to you. They'll explain what could cause rejection—missing signatures, ID problems, bond conditions not met—and how they'd resolve it. If they say "the deeds office handles that" and go silent, you're at risk of discovering six months later that your transfer never completed because of a procedural slip. You need to know who's responsible for following up if something stalls.

These four questions are not negotiable because they sit at the intersection of law, money, and ownership. A conveyancer who answers them clearly, in writing, with reference to documents they're actively pursuing, is someone who has done this properly before. Someone who deflects, reassures vaguely, or promises to "check later" is cutting corners—and sectional title doesn't forgive corners.

When you're ready to instruct, use Strove to find a conveyancer who specialises in sectional title transfers and is willing to walk through these specifics before you sign the mandate. Verification matters, but so does their willingness to answer hard questions upfront.