Conveyancing Costs Australia — What to Expect (2026)
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Contents
Conveyancing Costs Australia — What to Expect (2026)
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. In Australia, you will need a conveyancer or solicitor to manage this process — it is not something you can do yourself for a standard home purchase. Conveyancing fees typically range from $900 to $2,500 for a standard residential purchase, plus disbursements (additional searches and government charges).
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing involves:
- Reviewing the contract for sale (or preparing it, if acting for the vendor)
- Conducting due diligence searches (title, council, land tax, water, planning)
- Advising on the contract terms and any special conditions
- Exchanging contracts (or advising at exchange)
- Liaising with the lender and other party’s solicitor
- Preparing settlement documents
- Attending or managing settlement (now mostly via PEXA — electronic)
- Notifying land registry, council and utilities after settlement
Who Can Do Conveyancing in Australia?
Licensed conveyancers — specialists in property transfer law. Available in all states. Generally cheaper than solicitors.
Solicitors — can do everything a conveyancer does, plus provide broader legal advice (e.g., contract disputes, off-the-plan, complex transactions). Generally more expensive.
For a standard residential purchase, a licensed conveyancer is typically sufficient. For off-the-plan, complex contracts, commercial property or dispute-prone transactions, a solicitor is recommended.
Conveyancing Fees — What to Expect
Conveyancing fees have two components:
- Professional fee (the conveyancer’s/solicitor’s charge for their work)
- Disbursements (third-party costs the conveyancer pays on your behalf)
Professional Fee (Buyer)
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Licensed conveyancer (standard) | $700–$1,500 |
| Solicitor (standard) | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Off-the-plan purchase | $1,500–$3,000+ |
| Online/fixed-fee conveyancer | $500–$1,200 |
Common Disbursements (Buyer)
| Disbursement | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Title search | $25–$80 |
| Council/local government search | $50–$200 |
| Land tax certificate | $20–$70 |
| Water search | $25–$70 |
| Drainage/sewerage diagram | $25–$50 |
| Company/name search (if applicable) | $20–$50 |
| PEXA electronic settlement fee | $100–$120 |
| Title registration | $100–$300 |
| Mortgage registration | $100–$250 |
| Strata/body corporate report | $200–$400 (if apartment) |
| Total disbursements | $700–$1,600 (standard residential) |
Total conveyancing cost (buyer, standard residential): ~$1,500–$3,500 including disbursements.
Conveyancing Fees by State (2026)
Conveyancing costs vary by state — partly due to different government charges and partly due to market rates for professionals:
| State | Typical Total (Professional Fee + Disbursements) |
|---|---|
| NSW | $1,500–$3,000 |
| VIC | $1,000–$2,500 |
| QLD | $1,000–$2,500 |
| WA | $1,200–$2,500 |
| SA | $900–$2,000 |
| TAS | $900–$2,000 |
| ACT | $1,200–$2,500 |
| NT | $1,000–$2,500 |
Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate Conveyancing
Fixed fee: The conveyancer quotes a set amount for the work. Most straightforward. Allows easy comparison shopping. Risk: if the transaction becomes complex, the conveyancer may charge additional fees (“extras”).
Hourly rate: Some solicitors charge by the hour. Can be cheaper for simple transactions; more expensive if complications arise. Harder to budget.
Online/digital conveyancers: Several online conveyancing platforms offer competitive fixed-fee services (examples: Legal Kitz, Settle Easy, Conveyancing Works). Can be significantly cheaper ($500–$1,200 professional fee) for standard transactions.
What to Check When Getting a Conveyancing Quote
When comparing conveyancers, always ask for a written quote that includes:
- Professional fee (fixed or hourly)
- List of all disbursements included
- What is NOT included (additional searches, off-the-plan review, extra correspondence)
- PEXA fee (often listed separately)
Red flag: A very low “professional fee” quote with a long list of “additional disbursements” may end up more expensive than a higher-fee quote with disbursements included.
Do I Need a Conveyancer or a Solicitor?
| Use a licensed conveyancer when: | Use a solicitor when: |
|---|---|
| Standard established home purchase | Off-the-plan purchase |
| Straightforward contract conditions | Complex or unusual special conditions |
| Simple title with no issues | Commercial property or mixed-use |
| Budget-conscious, routine transaction | Potential legal disputes (defects, fraud) |
| — | Trust or company purchaser |
The Conveyancing Timeline — What Happens When
| Stage | Timing | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-exchange | Before contract exchange | Contract review, advice, section 32/vendor statement review (VIC) |
| Exchange | When both parties sign | Contract becomes binding; cooling-off period begins (if applicable) |
| Finance approval | Typically 14–21 days after exchange | Lender confirms approval; valuation completed |
| Pre-settlement | 1–2 weeks before settlement | Final searches, settlement figures calculated, documents prepared |
| Settlement | Contract date | Funds and title transfer; keys released |
| Post-settlement | Within 1–2 weeks | Council/utilities notified; stamp duty paid (where not via PEXA) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is conveyancing compulsory in Australia? For a standard residential purchase with a mortgage, yes — the lender requires a licenced professional to handle the conveyancing. While technically an individual could represent themselves in some states, it is not practical for mortgaged purchases and carries significant risk.
Can I use the same conveyancer as the seller? Generally no — there is a conflict of interest if the same professional represents both buyer and seller. Some small practices may allow this in limited circumstances, but it is not recommended.
How long does conveyancing take? For a standard purchase, conveyancing takes from exchange of contracts to settlement — typically 28–56 days (4–8 weeks). Off-the-plan conveyancing can take years (from contract to completion).
Related Guides
- Settlement Fees Explained
- Total Cost of Buying a House in Australia
- Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
- Stamp Duty Australia
- Costs and Fees Hub
This article provides general information about conveyancing costs in Australia. Fees vary by state, conveyancer and transaction complexity. Always get a written, itemised quote before engaging a conveyancer or solicitor. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser. Find one through MoneySmart.