A conveyancer handles the legal transfer of property ownership. For $800–$2,500, they protect you from contract risks that can cost $10,000–$50,000+. Here’s exactly what they do.
For $1,500-$2,500, a conveyancer reviews every line of your contract and conducts searches that hidden issues. Here are the types of problems they routinely catch — any one of which would cost far more than their fee.
A buyer is purchasing a house for $950,000 with plans to build a granny flat in the backyard. The selling agent mentions nothing unusual.
The conveyancer's title searchs a drainage easement running through the rear third of the property. Council won't approve any structure over an easement. The granny flat — expected to add $150,000-$200,000 in value — cannot be built.
Without a conveyancer: The buyer discovers this after settlement when they submit DA plans to council. No legal recourse — the easement was on title.
With a conveyancer: The issue is identified before exchange. The buyer either negotiates a $80,000 price reduction or walks away.
A buyer purchases an apartment for $720,000. The contract states the seller will pay all levies up to settlement.
The conveyancer orders a strata inspection report which reveals $15,000 in special levies approved but not yet invoiced for building remediation work. Under the contract as written, these would become the buyer's responsibility.
The conveyancer negotiates a special condition requiring the vendor to either pay the levies or reduce the price by $15,000 before exchange.
An investor purchases a property for $880,000 intending to renovate and rent as a dual-occupancy (two separate dwellings).
The conveyancer's Section 10.7 planning certificate shows the property is in an R2 Low Density zone where dual occupancy requires minimum 600sqm lot size. The property is 480sqm. Dual occupancy is not permitted.
The entire investment strategy — which assumed $450/week from a second dwelling — is not viable. The conveyancer advises the buyer before exchange, saving them from a $880,000 mistake.
Examples are illustrative and represent common types of issues discovered during conveyancing. Individual circumstances vary. Always engage a licenced conveyancer or property solicitor before signing a contract of sale.
For a standard residential purchase or sale, a licenced conveyancer is usually sufficient and more cost-effective. If your transaction involves complex legal issues — subdivisions, commercial property, deceased estates, or disputes — a property solicitor is recommended. We refer to both depending on your situation.
Professional fees range from $800–$2,500 depending on state and complexity. Disbursements (searches, registration) add $300–$600. Total conveyancing cost for a standard purchase is typically $1,200–$3,000.
A licenced conveyancer specialises in property transfers. A solicitor has a broader legal qualification and can handle additional legal matters. For standard residential transactions, both are equally capable. Conveyancers are typically more affordable.
Standard settlement is 4–6 weeks from exchange of contracts. This can be negotiated. Your conveyancer coordinates the timeline with all parties to ensure everything is completed on time.
Absolutely — and you need them before the auction, not after. At auction, the contract becomes unconditional when the hammer falls. Your conveyancer must review the contract before auction day so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
The party causing the delay typically pays penalty interest to the other party. This is usually calculated at a rate specified in the contract (often 10–12% per annum). A good conveyancer ensures your side is ready on time to avoid these costs.