Lismore Conveyancing and Property Lawyers
Flood, insurance and the Northern Rivers recovery
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In February 2022 the Wilsons River reached 14.4 metres at Lismore, the highest flood on record, and much of the city went under. Every purchase in and around Lismore now starts with the same questions: where the land sits, what happened to it in 2022, and whether it can be insured.
Optimum Lawyers is a NSW property law firm in Parramatta Square, led by principal solicitor Wisam Assi. We act on Northern Rivers purchases and sales by phone, email and video, and NSW settlements are electronic.

Send us the contract before you exchange
We offer a free initial contract assessment. It is a brief first look at whether the contract appears ready for a full paid legal review. It is not the full review, and it is not free conveyancing.
Checks that are specific to Lismore
- Flood controls. The planning certificate attached to the contract says whether flood related development controls apply. Read it with council's flood information for the address.
- Insurance. Premiums and availability vary a great deal across the floodplain. Get a written quote before you exchange, not after.
- Resilient Homes Program. The NSW Reconstruction Authority has offered buybacks, house raising and retrofits in the worst-affected areas. Ask whether the property has been part of it and what was done.
- Repairs after 2022. Repairs and rebuilds since the flood should have the approvals they needed. A building inspection and the council records show what was done.
- Higher ground. Land on the ridges and in the newer estates is in demand for obvious reasons. Check easements, covenants and access on new lots.
NSW contract basics
- The contract comes first. A NSW property cannot be advertised until the contract has been prepared, so it can be reviewed before you make an offer.
- Cooling-off. 5 business days on a private sale, ending at 5pm on the fifth business day. You forfeit 0.25% of the price if you withdraw. It is 10 business days for off-the-plan purchases.
- Waivers and auctions. A section 66W certificate removes the cooling-off period, so sign one only after the contract has been checked. There is no cooling-off at auction.
Selling in Lismore
The contract, with its prescribed documents including the title search and planning certificate, must be ready before the property is advertised. Every seller needs an ATO clearance certificate, or the buyer must withhold 15% of the price at settlement.
Transfers without a sale
We also act on transfers between partners, after a separation, from a deceased estate, and into or out of a trust or self-managed super fund. NSW duty can apply even where no money changes hands, so get advice before anything is signed.
Lawyer or conveyancer?
A conveyancer can handle a simple purchase well. On a flood-affected property, a lawyer can advise on what the certificates and insurance mean for you, negotiate the contract, and act for you if the property is not as described.
What clients say
“Wisam has been my solicitor for both purchasing and selling my property.”
Glenn Johnstone, Google review
Questions about conveyancing in Lismore
How do I know if a Lismore property flooded in 2022?
Ask the agent and seller directly, check council flood information, and get a building inspection. The contract itself may not tell you.
Should I get insurance quotes before I exchange?
Yes. In parts of Lismore the premium can decide whether a purchase makes sense.
How long is the cooling-off period in NSW?
Five business days on a private sale, ending at 5pm on the fifth business day. You forfeit 0.25% of the price if you withdraw. There is none at auction.
Do I need to come to your office?
No. Documents can be signed electronically and NSW settlements are completed electronically. You are welcome to meet us at Parramatta Square.
Related: Tweed Heads | Coffs Harbour | Property lawyers Sydney | Contract review | Property lawyers Australia
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