Real Estate Jargon Explained

🏡 Real Estate Jargon Explained

Clearing the Confusion for Buyers and Sellers

Navigating the world of real estate can feel like learning a new language. Whether you're buying your first home or selling an investment property, understanding the terminology is key to making confident decisions. Let’s break down the most common terms you’ll encounter—no more guesswork, just clarity.

🔑 Key Terms You Should Know
 

Vendor: Simply put, the owner of the property.
 

Purchaser: The buyer of the property.
 

Contract: Officially called the Contract for Sale, this outlines the details and conditions of the transaction.
 

Cooling-Off Period: Generally, a 5-10 day grace period where the buyer can withdraw from the sale (unless waived). This is for the buyer to get their legal representative to view the contract, seek finance approval and source any property reports required to move forward confidentially with their purchase.
 

Deposit: Typically, 10% of the purchase price, but can be negotiated less, paid prior to the buyer being able to enter into a contract of sale to secure the property.
 

Exchange: When both parties sign and swap contracts, making the deal official.
 

Settlement Period: The time between exchange and final payment—usually 42 days in NSW but open for negotiation.
 

Settlement: The moment the buyer pays the balance and becomes the legal owner.
 

Title Deed: The legal document proving ownership of the property.
 

66W Certificate: A waiver signed by the buyer and their legal representative confirming their intention to waive the cooling-off period.
 

Pest & Building Report: An independent inspection to assess the property’s condition.
 

Solicitor/Conveyancer: Your legal guide through the ownership transfer process.
 

Off The Market: Indicates the property is temporarily held for a buyer typically when the property is under contract.
 

Under Contract: A buyer’s offer has been accepted and contracts have been exchanged with a cooling off period.
 

Sold: The deal is done—deposit paid, contracts exchanged, no cooling-off period.
 

Gazumping: When a seller accepts an offer but later sells to someone else for more.
 

Strata Report: A detailed audit of the building’s management and finances (for strata properties).

Why This Matters

Understanding these terms helps you:

Avoid costly mistakes

Communicate clearly with agents and solicitors

Feel confident throughout the buying or selling process

Whether you're buying or selling, clarity in real estate language empowers better decisions.