How to Choose a Conveyancer in Australia: The Complete Guide

Choosing the right conveyancer is one of the most important decisions you will make during the property buying process. Your conveyancer handles the legal transfer of ownership, reviews the contract of sale, conducts title searches, and ensures settlement runs smoothly. A good conveyancer can save you from costly mistakes. A bad one can leave you exposed to risks you never knew existed.

This guide explains the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor, what to look for when choosing one, the questions you should ask, and typical costs across Australian states.

Conveyancer vs Solicitor: What Is the Difference?

Both conveyancers and solicitors can handle the legal aspects of a property transaction in Australia, but they differ in qualifications and scope:

• Licensed conveyancer: A specialist who holds a conveyancing licence issued by their state regulatory body. They are trained specifically in property law and the conveyancing process. They cannot provide legal advice outside of property transactions.
• Property solicitor: A fully qualified lawyer who can handle conveyancing as part of their broader legal practice. They can provide advice on complex legal matters, disputes, tax implications, and issues that fall outside standard conveyancing.

For a straightforward residential purchase, a licensed conveyancer is usually sufficient and more affordable. However, if the transaction involves complex issues — such as a deceased estate, boundary disputes, commercial elements, off-the-plan purchases with non-standard contracts, or potential litigation — a solicitor is the safer choice.

What to Look for in a Conveyancer

Not all conveyancers offer the same level of service. Here are the key factors to evaluate:

Experience and Specialisation

Choose a conveyancer who has substantial experience with residential property in your state. Property laws vary significantly between states, and a conveyancer familiar with NSW contracts will not necessarily understand Queensland's REIQ forms or Victoria's Section 32 vendor statements. Ask how many transactions they handle per year and whether they specialise in the type of property you are buying (house, apartment, off-the-plan, or rural).

Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate

Most conveyancers offer a fixed fee for standard residential transactions. This is preferable because you know the total cost upfront. Solicitors more commonly charge hourly rates, which can escalate if complications arise. Always ask for a written quote that includes the professional fee and all disbursements (searches, certificates, registration fees).

Communication Style

Property transactions move quickly, especially in competitive markets. You need a conveyancer who responds promptly to calls and emails, explains things in plain English, and keeps you informed at every stage. Ask about their typical response time and whether you will have a dedicated contact person or be passed between staff members.

Local Knowledge

A conveyancer with local knowledge can identify area-specific risks — flood zones, heritage overlays, planned infrastructure, contaminated land, and council-specific requirements that an out-of-area practitioner might miss. They will also have established relationships with local agents, banks, and council offices, which can help expedite the process.

Questions to Ask Before Appointing a Conveyancer

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid conveyancers who exhibit any of the following:

Typical Conveyancing Costs by State

Professional fees vary by state and complexity. The following ranges are for standard residential purchases:

• New South Wales: $800 - $1,500 (plus disbursements of $300 - $600)
• Victoria: $700 - $1,400 (plus disbursements of $200 - $500)
• Queensland: $600 - $1,200 (plus disbursements of $300 - $500)
• Western Australia: $800 - $1,500 (plus disbursements of $300 - $600)
• South Australia: $600 - $1,200 (plus disbursements of $200 - $400)
• Tasmania: $600 - $1,100 (plus disbursements of $200 - $400)
• ACT: $700 - $1,300 (plus disbursements of $300 - $500)
• Northern Territory: $600 - $1,200 (plus disbursements of $200 - $400)

Solicitors typically charge 20-50% more than licensed conveyancers for the same transaction, but the additional cost may be justified for complex purchases.

Online vs Local Conveyancer

The rise of online conveyancing firms has given buyers more options. Online conveyancers often offer lower fees and the convenience of handling everything digitally. However, there are trade-offs:

• Online conveyancers work well for straightforward transactions, offer competitive pricing, and provide digital document signing and tracking portals. However, they may lack local knowledge and personal interaction.
• Local conveyancers offer face-to-face meetings, deeper knowledge of area-specific risks, and established local networks. They tend to charge slightly more but may catch issues that a remote operator would miss.

For a first-time buyer or a complex transaction, a local conveyancer with a strong reputation is generally the better choice. For experienced buyers making a straightforward purchase, an online conveyancer can be a cost-effective option.

When You Need a Solicitor Instead

Consider using a property solicitor rather than a licensed conveyancer in these situations:

• The property is part of a deceased estate or involves a family law settlement
• There are boundary disputes or encroachment issues
• You are purchasing off-the-plan with a non-standard contract
• The contract contains unusual special conditions that need legal interpretation
• You are purchasing commercial or mixed-use property
• There is a risk of litigation or the transaction involves multiple parties with competing interests

Using Technology to Complement Your Conveyancer

While a conveyancer handles the legal process, tools like Realestate Lens AI Contract Analysis can help you understand your contract before your first conveyancer meeting. By reviewing the contract yourself with AI assistance, you can ask more informed questions and ensure nothing is overlooked. This does not replace professional legal advice — it supplements it.

Related Resources

• How to Read a Property Contract — Understand every section of your contract
• The Settlement Process Explained — What happens from exchange to settlement
• AI Contract Analysis — Get your contract reviewed in 60 seconds

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified conveyancer or solicitor for advice specific to your situation.