Section 27 Statement FAQ
What is a Section 27 Statement?
A Section 27 Statement, commonly known as an “Early Release of Deposit Authority”, allows the vendor to request access to the deposit funds paid by the purchaser prior to settlement. It is a statement provided by the vendor that provides information required under s.27 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (“the Act”).
When can a Section 27 Statement be served?
A Section 27 Statement can be served when the contract of sale is unconditional. This means that all the additional conditions have been satisfied and the ‘cooling off period’ has expired. It is important to note that a property sold at auction is unconditional on the day of sale. At this point, the purchaser is bound by the contract to fulfil their payment obligations and purchase the land.
In the event the purchaser is in breach of the contract of sale there is a risk that the deposit of up to 10% of the contract price is forfeited to the vendor.
Why would a vendor issue a Section 27 Statement?
Obtaining access to the deposit early can provide the vendor with financial assistance prior to settlement. The funds can be useful if, for example, the vendor wishes to purchase a property prior to settlement and requires additional funds to secure the property.
What is required to be disclosed in a Section 27 Statement?
There are specific particulars that the vendor must disclose pursuant to s.27 of the Act, however the purpose of requesting the release does not need to be disclosed.
The vendor must disclose:
The details of any mortgage over the land; and
Particulars of any caveat lodged under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 in respect of the land.
Where a vendor knowingly or recklessly supplies false information, they may be found guilty of an offence under the Act and liable to penalties.
Can the purchaser object to a Section 27 Statement?
If the purchaser is not satisfied by the particulars disclosed in a Section 27 Statement, they may object within 28 days.
The purchaser may object if:
The vendor has not provided supporting evidence from the mortgagee as to the particulars of the Statement;
The vendor owes more than 80% of the sale price; or
A caveat has been lodged in respect of the land.
If the purchaser fails to object within 28 days of receiving the particulars, pursuant to s. 27 (7) of the Act, they shall be deemed to have given authorisation to the early release of the deposit.
What are the risks for the purchaser?
There are a number of risks involved with consenting to a Section 27 Statement, which is why it is important to engage a solicitor or conveyancer to assist when reviewing the particulars of the Section 27 Statement.
At settlement, the vendor must be the holder of an unencumbered estate (i.e. the title must be free from security interests such as caveats and mortgages). If the vendor does not have an unencumbered estate they may be unable to complete the transfer of the title settlement. In this instance, if the vendor has obtained the early release of the purchaser’s deposit, and the vendor is unable to effect settlement, it may be difficult for the purchaser to recover their deposit monies from the vendor.
How can the purchaser mitigate their risk?
If the purchaser does not have any grounds to object, they may register their interest in the land by lodging a caveat on Title. This will ensure the purchaser’s interest is protected up until settlement.
How does the release occur?
Unless the parties otherwise agree, the purchaser is required to pay the deposit to the vendor’s licensed estate agent; or to the vendor’s legal practitioner or conveyancer. The deposit is held until settlement, or until the Section 27 Statement has been accepted by the purchaser.
The vendor’s solicitor or conveyancer will instruct the estate agent to release the deposit upon receipt of a fully executed Section 27 Statement or if the 28 days has expired with no objection, whichever is the former.
When the deposit is released, the estate agent may retain out of the deposit moneys any amount owed in relation to the transaction. It is important for the vendor to review the sales account from the estate agent prior to the release to ensure the amount withheld is accurate.
Our advice
A Section 27 Statement has become valuable to the vendors as it provides the vendor with access to funds prior to settlement.
For a purchaser, if you have been served with a Section 27 Statement we strongly recommend engaging a solicitor or conveyancer to review it prior to execution. For a vendor, it is important that you engage a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare a Section 27 Statement correctly, ensuring your compliance with the terms of s.27 of the Act.
Where to next?
If you have any queries about Section 27 Statement’s or require assistance with the sale or purchase of your property, please contact us on (03) 9645 9500 or email our Conveyancing Team at info@mertonlawyers.com.au.
“Please note that these Conveyancing Publications are intended to provide commentary and general information only. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular transactions or on matters of interest arising from these Conveyancing Publications. We further note that the information provided may differ as amongst the different States and Territories outside of Victoria.”
