Tasmania is one of only two states, with Western Australia, that has no statutory cooling-off period for property, and it has no general vendor disclosure statement either. That means the contract and the buyer’s own searches do most of the work. Asset Conveyancing acts on Tasmanian matters from our Adelaide head office, settling electronically through PEXA where the dealing allows it.
What contract is used to buy property in Tasmania?
Most Tasmanian sales use the standard form Contract for Sale of Real Estate approved by the Law Society of Tasmania and the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania. It has two parts: the Particulars of Sale and the Standard Conditions of Sale.
The form is revised periodically. The Law Society has released a 2026 edition and withdrew permission to use earlier versions from 31 August 2026, except for negotiations already under way by that date. Using the form is not compulsory, so check exactly which version and which amendments you are being asked to sign.
The particulars record the price, deposit, settlement date, finance and inspection conditions, and a series of vendor warranties. The vendor can warrant that an attached statement about the property is accurate to the best of their knowledge, or sell on an as is, where is basis. Buyers can also raise questions (requisitions), and the vendor must answer valid ones.
Is there a cooling-off period in Tasmania?
No. Tasmania has no statutory cooling-off period for real estate contracts. A buyer is generally bound once the contract is signed by both parties.
Recent editions of the standard form include an optional cooling-off item in the particulars. It applies only if it is selected. If no selection is made, there is no cooling-off. Any other way out has to come from a special condition, such as finance approval or a satisfactory building inspection.
Check the cooling-off box before you sign. Interstate buyers often assume a cooling-off right exists. In Tasmania it exists only if the contract gives it to you, so read the particulars and have your conveyancer review them first.
What does a Tasmanian vendor have to disclose?
Tasmania has no general statutory vendor disclosure statement. Disclosure comes mainly through the contract warranties, the vendor’s answers to requisitions, and the searches the buyer orders.
- Council certificate. A certificate under section 337 of the Local Government Act 1993 shows council notices, orders and approvals affecting the land.
- Building approvals. The contract includes vendor warranties about outstanding completion certificates, occupancy permits and statutory orders, but only to the vendor’s knowledge.
- Strata and trees. The particulars disclose whether the property is in a strata scheme and whether there is any application or order about trees or plants under Tasmania’s neighbourhood disputes legislation.
Who collects duty and registers title in Tasmania?
Property transfer duty is assessed by the State Revenue Office Tasmania. Rates and concessions change, so check the current position with the State Revenue Office. Title is registered with the Land Titles Office, part of Land Tasmania.
Electronic conveyancing through PEXA went live in Tasmania in 2024. Transfers, mortgages and discharges can now be lodged electronically, although some dealings, such as transfers by the personal representative of a deceased estate, still need paper documents.
How Asset Conveyancing handles Tasmanian matters
We act on Tasmanian purchases and sales from Adelaide. One qualified professional manages your matter from start to completion, and our principal, Paul Sande, holds conveyancer licences in numerous states.
- Review the contract before you sign. We check the particulars, warranties, cooling-off selection and special conditions.
- Search the property. We order the title search, section 337 certificate and other searches, and raise requisitions where needed.
- Prepare settlement. We calculate rates and water adjustments and coordinate with your lender.
- Settle. Where the dealing can be lodged electronically, settlement is completed through PEXA and lodged with the Land Titles Office.
Read more about buying property, due diligence on a residential purchase and title searches, or compare the rules in Victoria.
Common questions about conveyancing in Tasmania
Is there a cooling-off period when buying in Tasmania?
Not under statute. Tasmania has no statutory cooling-off period for real estate contracts. The standard form contract includes an optional cooling-off item, but it applies only if it is selected in the particulars. Without it, you are bound once the contract is signed, subject to any finance or inspection conditions you negotiated.
Does a Tasmanian vendor have to give a disclosure statement?
There is no general statutory vendor disclosure statement in Tasmania. The standard contract contains vendor warranties, and the vendor must answer valid requisitions, but much of the risk sits with the buyer. Order a section 337 certificate, a title search and a building inspection before you commit.
What is a section 337 certificate?
It is a council certificate issued under section 337 of the Local Government Act 1993. It shows council notices, orders, approvals and other matters affecting the land, such as outstanding building or planning issues. Buyers usually order one as part of their searches, because the vendor is not required to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement.
Can Tasmanian property settle electronically?
Yes, for most common dealings. Electronic conveyancing through PEXA went live in Tasmania in 2024, covering transfers, mortgages and discharges of mortgage. Some dealings, including transfers by the personal representative of a deceased estate, still have to be lodged on paper with the Land Titles Office for now.