The first rule of conveyance is 'buyer must engage own lawyer'. Consult a lawyer right from the start and not after you have paid the deposits. Reasons to use your own lawyer:

• Under the law you are deemed to have read and understood every document you signed. Furthermore, promises made by the seller or someone else about the deal may not be enforceable if the promises are not in writing.

• Lawyers cannot represent both Vendor & Purchaser - if you are using the Vendor's panel lawyer, often, when disputes happen, the lawyer is unlikely to represent you against their bigger client.

A lawyer in general practice will be able to complete your purchase; however, lawyers with a focused real estate practice may prove a better tool if you are unsure of what to do, or have complications in your purchase agreement or mortgage. While you may think that you cannot afford the services of your own lawyer, consider whether you can afford not to.