One of the roles of a conveyancer is to ensure that their client is covered for issues that may arise whether that be between exchange and settlement or after the matter has settled.
Although it is the conveyancers role to make sure everything is in order with the property, there are always cost restraints. To cover EVERYTHING would probably cost the client around the $6000 mark!
How can we get around this?
We encourage every eligible client to take out Title Insurance with Stewart Title as it covers clients for those issues that may arise.
Title insurance is a specialised type of insurance which provides protection to the new home owners against unknown and hidden risks that may cause them loss or affect their ownership.
Title insurance covers risks such as:
- Fraud, forgery and identify theft
- Illegal building works
- Survey and boundary defects
- Planning and title defects
- Unpaid levies
In regards to the last point, unpaid levies, we received an email from a client who experienced this exact issue. I’d like you to read their quick email as it highlights WHY we recommend this insurance to all eligible clients. Here’s the email:
Sent: Monday, 14 December 2015 3:14 PM
To: Viv Pauling
Subject: Special Levy StainesHi Viv
Just wanted to thank you for your advice concerning a special levy left unpaid by the vendor when we bought our unit at Broken Bay Road Ettalong. We applied to Stewart Title Insurance as you suggested and they sent us a cheque yesterday.
We are so lucky to have had you as our legal eagle!
We wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and happiness.
Bob and Sandra (last name and email address removed at client’s request)
As you can see, Bob and Sandra were saved any out of pocket expenses because they did have the insurance we suggested. Without it, they would have had to wear the cost.
How much does it cost?
Compared to all the other expenses you incur during the purchase of a property, title insurance is relatively cheap. The price is calculated on a scale related to the purchase price of your property. You can download a copy of the pricing schedule here – Stewart Title Insurance website
We organise it for you
If you’re a client of ours, like Bob and Sandra, there is nothing you need to do. Your conveyancer will organise title insurance and payment for you at settlement. It may also be of interest to you to know that you can buy title insurance for EXISTING properties too. It’s a different fee structure, but if you’re interested, give Stewart Title a call on 1800 300 440.