Frequently Asked Questions

Buying or selling property is one of life's biggest decisions. At Fitzpatricks, we combine decades of local expertise with genuine care for every client — whether you're a first home buyer, seasoned investor, or ready to sell. Here's what our clients have to say.

Residential Buying FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our office a call on 02 69211 555

Residential Selling FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our office a call on 02 69211 555

Residential Tenants FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our Property Management department a call on 02 6939 7177

Residential Landlords FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our Property Management department a call on 02 6939 7177

Commercial Selling FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our Commercial department a call on 02 6921 5677

Commercial Landlords FAQ's

If you can't find what you're looking for, please give our Commercial department a call on 02 6921 5677

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Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Buying FAQ's

What's the difference between buying at auction and by private treaty?

Is there a cooling-off period in NSW?

What does it cost to withdraw during the cooling-off period?

Do I need a solicitor or conveyancer?

What is a Section 66W certificate?

How much deposit do I need to pay?

Am I eligible for the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS)?

How much stamp duty will I pay if I'm not a first home buyer?

What's the difference between a building inspection and a pest inspection?

What is a Section 149 (planning) certificate and why does it matter?

Do I need a survey or can I rely on the contract's plans?

What ongoing costs should I budget for besides the mortgage?

What should I look for in a strata report if I'm buying an apartment?

What happens between exchange and settlement?

Can the price change or the vendor accept another offer after I've made an offer?

Do I need finance approval before exchanging?

What's the difference between a market appraisal and a formal valuation?

Can I negotiate the price on a property that's "for sale" rather than at auction?

What's included in the sale - fixtures vs chattels?

What happens if the vendor doesn't disclose a problem with the property?

Residential Selling FAQ's

What is my property worth?

How did you arrive at that price?

Should I set a fixed price, price range, or go to auction/EOI?

Should I sell by auction, private treaty, or expressions of interest?

What happens if my property doesn't sell at auction (passed in)?

What commission do you charge, and is it negotiable?

What other costs are involved?

What is capital gains tax and will I have to pay it?

What marketing package do you recommend?

Should I get my property professionally styled/staged?

Do I need to do repairs or renovations before selling?

How many photos/what kind of photography and floor plans do I need?

How long will it take to sell?

What's the best time of year to sell?

Do I need a Contract of Sale before listing?

Can I sell my home while still living in it, or do I need to move out first

Do I need a solicitor or conveyancer, and when should I engage one?

What's the difference between exchange and settlement, and how long does settlement usually take?

What's the difference between exchange and settlement, and how long does settlement usually take?

Can I still negotiate directly with a buyer, or does everything have to go through the agent (exclusive vs open listing)?

Residential Tenants FAQ's

How much bond can my landlord ask for?

Where does my bond get held?

How much notice does my landlord need to give before increasing my rent?

Can I dispute a rent increase I think is excessive?

How often can rent be increased?

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

What notice period applies if my landlord wants to end my tenancy?

Can I break my lease early?

What happens if my landlord or agent breaches the agreement?

Do I need to complete a condition report when I move in?

What if I miss the 7-day deadline for the condition report?

Who is responsible for repairs?

What do I do if there's an urgent repair issue?

Does my rental need to meet minimum standards?

Can my landlord or agent enter the property whenever they want?

Can I have a pet in my rental property?

What if I have a dispute with my landlord or agent?

Where can I get free advice about my tenancy rights?

Can a landlord refuse my application because I have kids or a disability?

What happens to my tenancy if the property is sold?

Residential Landlords FAQ's

How do you determine the rental price for my property?

What fees do you charge, and what's included?

How will you market my property?

How long will it take to find a tenant?

How do you screen prospective tenants?

Should I sign a fixed-term or periodic (month-to-month) lease?

Do I need landlord insurance?

What condition and safety standards does my property need to meet before I can list it?

Can I set conditions on who can rent my property, or choose the tenant myself?

What's involved in switching from my current agent, or signing a new management agreement?

How often will you inspect the property, and can I attend?

How and when will I receive my rental income?

What happens if the tenant stops paying rent?

Who handles repairs and maintenance and what's my role?

How often can I increase the rent, and by how much?