Why We’re Not Concerned About Negative Online Reviews – And Why You Shouldn’t Be Either

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In the course of running a specialised, client-first conveyancing practice, we have noticed a trend: most of the negative reviews written about our firm do not come from our clients at all. They come from individuals who were on the opposite side of a transaction—either buyers or sellers who were not represented by us but by other conveyancers or solicitors.

These reviews often follow a very particular pattern. The reviewer complains about receiving a default notice, being issued a notice to complete, or being sent a bill for our client’s incurred costs.

Let us be perfectly clear:

We don’t apologise for doing our job properly.

And we certainly don’t apologise for acting swiftly, lawfully, and firmly to protect the rights and interests of our clients, who are the only people we represent and are duty-bound to protect under the Conveyancers Act 2006 (Vic).

We Act When Others Don’t – That’s the Real Story

Most of these reviews appear after a buyer or seller has defaulted on their obligations—missing settlement, failing to provide documents, or not paying on time. Their frustration is understandable, but it is misdirected.

If a party to a contract fails to meet their legal obligations, we will issue:

  • A Notice of Default (under the contract and the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic));

  • A Notice to Complete;

  • Or a Claim for Costs, where our client has suffered loss, delay, or legal expense.

These actions are not taken lightly. They are carefully considered and justified, and they arise only when another party has breached the contract.

We do not create the situation—we respond to it, to protect our client’s contractual rights.

Why Should Our Clients Pay for Someone Else’s Poor Choice of Conveyancer?

We’re often told by the other side’s conveyancer, “Please understand, they’re a first-home buyer,” or, “They didn’t know they needed to arrange their finance this early.” Unfortunately, these situations are all too often the direct result of someone choosing a cut-price conveyancer who lacks the foresight, diligence, or commitment to properly manage a transaction.

We are not prepared to let our clients bear the cost of someone else’s budget decisions.

Our clients choose us because they want a conveyancer who:

  • Prepares and reviews contracts thoroughly;

  • Understands complex titles and owners corporation structures;

  • Issues notices promptly when the other side defaults;

  • And ensures settlement occurs without delay or compromise.

We do not work for free, we do not tolerate error, and we do not absorb the cost of poor work by others.

We Don’t Make Mistakes – And That Makes Us a Target

Our team operates with precision and professionalism. We don’t miss critical deadlines. We don’t leave clauses unchecked. And we don’t allow vague verbal representations or marketing statements to go unchallenged.

That may make us unpopular with the other side of a deal—but it makes us invaluable to our clients.

The fact that these negative reviews come not from people who engaged our services, but from those who found themselves on the wrong end of a lawful notice issued by us, speaks volumes.

It means we’re doing our job.

Our Duty Is to You – Not the Internet

Under the Australian Consumer Law, we owe a duty of care, loyalty, and professionalism to our client—not the other side of the contract. We are not a public dispute resolution service. We are not here to compromise simply for the sake of politeness or to avoid offending someone else’s bargain-basement conveyancer.

If you want a conveyancer who will protect your interests, act without delay, and give clear, accurate advice grounded in law and experience, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you're more concerned about whether the other side thinks we’re “friendly,” you may be missing the point.

We Represent Our Clients – Fiercely, Lawfully, and Without Apology

We’re proud of our record. Our clients settle on time, avoid unnecessary risk, and are never left wondering if something was missed.

So yes—some strangers on the internet might not like us. But our clients respect us. They refer their friends and family. And they come back to us for every property transaction, because they know we act in their best interest—every time.

If you’re looking for a conveyancer who does the job right—not just cheaply—speak to David Dawn at Victorian Property Settlements.