Unfortunately it is not as simple as that…. Depending on the mortgagee's special conditions in the contract, they might not even be obligated to pay out the body corporate / rates / water arrears at settlement, and you could be left with the outstanding bills. If you were selling a property it would be somewhat easy to do the conveyancing yourself, but with buying, it is a minefield and you really do need a solicitor. Feel free to contact me if you still need help.