Buying or selling your home will be one of the most important financial transactions you make. To be confident in your decision, do not sign any contract without first seeking the advice of your solicitor who is specially trained in conveyancing. The conveyancing market is competitive so ask your solicitor up front about the costs of the conveyance. But remember the cheapest is not always the best. Be warned. No standard contract can deal with the individual circumstances of every transaction. 

Special circumstances
For instance, you may need to add special clauses to the standard contract to cover:

• your particular circumstances, for example, your purchase may depend on the sale of your existing property, or
• matters of particular concern such as flooding, pest, or termite damage
• have the agent fax a copy of the draft contract to your solicitor.
  

Buying
When buying a house, note:

• the importance of the building inspection report clause in the contract. This clause makes the contract conditional upon the buyer obtaining a satisfactory building inspection report. It gives you the opportunity to end the contract if you are not satisfied with the report.
• the importance of searches. Remember spending the extra on searches may be a wise investment in the long run
• the need for any special conditions covering issues such as flooding, pest, or termite damage
• tax implications arising from the property being for investment or residence. 

Selling
When selling a house, note:

• the inclusion of fixtures and fittings, such as curtains and light fittings
• the agreed date of settlement and, if relevant, the timing for any new house purchase
• any alterations which you have made to the property and what searches should be made regarding those alternations
• if relevant, capital gains tax, general tax implications, and estate planning matters

Resources
Stamp Duty Calculator (Office of State Revenue)