1. No cooling-off periods – so get a good solicitor
Unlike most other states, Tasmania doesn’t have a standard cooling-off period when you buy property. Once you sign, it’s legally binding – unless you’ve added specific conditions in advance (like finance approval or building inspection clauses). The takeaway? Don’t sign anything without first speaking to a Tasmanian conveyancer or solicitor. A good one will help make sure your contract protects you if anything goes wrong – and there’s no second chance if you skip this step.
2. Live auctions are relatively rare
Most Tassie properties are sold via private treaty, not auction. That can be a relief if bidding wars aren’t your thing – but it doesn’t always mean the process is relaxed. Good properties can still sell quickly, often after the first open home. Some agents will hint at “other interest” to nudge you into a quick offer. Do your research, know your limits and ask for a contract early if you’re serious about a place.
3. Consider using a buyer’s agent
If you’re buying from interstate or just feeling overwhelmed, a local buyer’s agent can be a huge help. They know the zoning lingo, can attend inspections on your behalf and may even hear about listings before they hit the market. Some will negotiate for you, too. It’s an upfront cost, but could save you from a costly mistake – especially in regional areas where properties vary wildly in condition and value.
4. Meet your neighbours – if you can
If you’re serious about a property, it’s worth knocking on the doors of the immediate neighbours. Ask what the area’s like in winter, how often the road floods, what the mobile reception is like – or if there’s anything they wish they’d known before moving in. You’ll learn more from that five-minute conversation than from any real estate ad. Trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.
If you can’t do it yourself, a buyer’s agent or trusted local contact might be able to suss it out for you.
5. Use LIST and LISTmap to research property properly
The Tasmanian Government’s Land Information System Tasmania (LIST) and the associated LISTmap tool are goldmines for buyers. You can look up titles, zoning, planning overlays, road classifications, bushfire-prone areas and more – all online, for free. The interface isn’t the friendliest, but once you get the hang of it, it’s powerful. In the guide, we walk through how to check a property’s zoning and overlays before you even pick up the phone to an agent.
Want more practical advice?
This post is just a taste of what’s inside our full guide – Moving to Tasmania? – which includes 60+ tips like these. From housing to job hunting, timelines to lifestyle quirks, it’s based on our real experience of relocating to Tassie – and what we wish we’d known.
Gemma Chilton 