What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal and administrative process of transferring property from seller to buyer. It includes contract review, disclosure checks, searches, negotiation of special conditions, finance and settlement coordination, duty/registration and post-settlement tasks.
Key outcomes a good conveyancer/lawyer delivers
- identifies title issues, easements, outstanding rates and charges
- checks contract terms, special conditions and timelines
- orders searches and reports relevant to the property type and state
- coordinates finance, discharge, transfer and electronic settlement
- manages risks so you do not inherit hidden problems or penalties
When to seek help immediately
- you are about to sign or bid at auction
- tight finance/approval dates or unusual special conditions
- strata, body corporate or building defect concerns
- off-the-plan, rural, commercial or complex title
- you want to compare licensed conveyancer vs property solicitor
Important: property law is state-based. Always check your specific contract and local requirements. This conveyancing Australia guide provides general information only.
Conveyancing costs and quotes (Australia)
Professional fees and out-of-pocket costs vary by state, property type and complexity. Here are typical ranges to help you compare.
| Item | Typical range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed conveyancer fee | $800 – $1,800 | Standard residential sale or purchase |
| Property lawyer (solicitor) fee | $1,200 – $2,500+ | Useful for complex titles, disputes or bespoke drafting |
| Disbursements (searches, certificates) | $300 – $800 | Varies by state and property type (strata vs house) |
| PEXA/e-settlement platform fee | $130 – $160 | Per transfer/mortgage in most states |
| Transfer/registration charges | $120 – $250+ | State land registry fee schedule applies |
| Stamp/transfer duty | State calculator | Separate from conveyancing fee; check concessions |
Factors that increase cost: off-the-plan, company/strata complexity, rural water rights, caveats, encroachments, title defects, tight timeframes or heavy negotiations.
How conveyancing works: step-by-step
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Pre‑contract | Contract review, vendor disclosure checks, special conditions, price/terms negotiation. Auction contracts are reviewed before bidding. |
| Cooling‑off (if any) | Buyers may have a statutory period to rescind (state rules/auctions differ). Often used to finalise building/pest and finance. |
| Unconditional | Once conditions are satisfied/waived, both sides prepare for settlement. Searches and adjustments are confirmed. |
| Settlement preparation | PEXA workspace setup, VOI, transfer duty assessment, mortgage documents, discharge/transfer signed, settlement statement finalised. |
| Settlement day | Funds exchange, titles registered, keys released per contract. Buyer arranged insurance earlier (recommended on exchange). |
| Post‑settlement | Notices to authorities, rate changes, any holdbacks or special conditions completed. |
Buying property: checks that protect buyers
- Contract review before signing or bidding (auction contracts have no cooling‑off)
- Building and pest report for houses; strata/owners corporation report for units
- Finance approval, valuation and any lender special conditions
- Identify easements, encumbrances, unapproved works and flooding/bushfire overlays
- Insurance from exchange (often recommended) and pre‑settlement inspection
- First home buyer, principal place of residence and other duty concessions where eligible
- Foreign buyer or FIRB requirements if applicable
Selling property: documents sellers need
Sellers have strict disclosure duties that change by state. Missing or incorrect documents can delay settlement or trigger rights to rescind.
- Contract of sale and required vendor disclosure (e.g., NSW prescribed documents; VIC Section 32 vendor statement)
- Title and plan, dealings, easements and covenants
- Rates, water, land tax and strata/owners corporation certificates where applicable
- Compliance certificates (e.g., pool fencing, smoke alarms) as required
- Special conditions: rent-backs, fixtures, delayed settlement, release of deposit
- Discharge of mortgage and payout figures
Key risks and searches
Common searches
- Title, plan and dealings (easements, covenants, caveats)
- Council rates, water/sewer charges and usage
- Land tax and outstanding charges where applicable
- Strata/owners corporation certificates and minutes (for units)
- Planning/zoning, flood/bushfire/heritage overlays (state/local)
- Road proposals, contamination or infrastructure notices
Frequent issues caught early
- Unapproved structures and non‑compliant renovations
- Encroachments, access or fencing disputes
- Special levies or strata capital works funding gaps
- Tenancy terms affecting vacant possession
- Title discrepancies, boundaries or adverse possession claims
State differences that matter
- Cooling‑off (private treaty residential): NSW 5 business days (66W can waive), VIC 3, QLD 5, SA 2, ACT 5, NT 4. WA and TAS have no statutory cooling‑off. Auctions generally have no cooling‑off.
- Settlement timeframes: commonly 30–60 days. NSW often 42 days; QLD ~30 days; WA 28–42 days. Your contract governs.
- Disclosure documents vary: e.g., VIC Section 32 vendor statement; NSW prescribed documents; different strata certificates and local authority checks apply per state.
- Duty, registration and concession rules are state‑based. Always use the state calculator and verify eligibility for concessions.
Compare your options: DIY vs conveyancer vs property lawyer
| Option | Best for | Pros | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | Very simple transactions; high risk tolerance | Lowest professional fee | High risk, limited negotiation power; lenders may require a professional |
| Licensed conveyancer | Standard residential buy/sell | Fixed‑fee, efficient on routine matters | Refers out complex disputes or unusual legal issues |
| Property lawyer (solicitor) | Complex titles, bespoke conditions, disputes or risks | Full legal advice and negotiation capability | Higher fee range; value increases with complexity |
Documents and information to have ready
- Contract of sale and any draft special conditions
- Vendor statement/disclosure (e.g., VIC Section 32) and prescribed documents
- Title, plan, dealings, easements, covenants and any caveats
- Finance details: pre‑approval, mortgage broker/lender contact
- Building/pest or strata/owners corporation reports
- Transfer documents, VOI, duty forms and settlement statement
- Rates, water, strata levies and recent notices
Conveyancing FAQ
How long does conveyancing take?
Most residential matters settle in 30–60 days from exchange. NSW often uses 42 days; QLD ~30 days; WA 28–42 days. Your contract controls the date.
Conveyancer or solicitor: which should I choose?
For standard transactions a licensed conveyancer is usually sufficient. Choose a property lawyer if you expect complex clauses, title issues, disputes or need tailored legal advice and negotiation.
What are the main out‑of‑pocket costs?
Searches and certificates ($300–$800), PEXA/e‑settlement (~$130–$160) and land registry fees ($120–$250+). Stamp/transfer duty is additional and state‑based.
Can I waive cooling‑off?
Often yes by a formal waiver (e.g., NSW 66W). Auctions usually have no cooling‑off. Always take advice before waiving.
When should I arrange insurance?
Many buyers insure from exchange to protect risk before settlement. Check your contract and state rules.
What if my finance is delayed?
Your representative can request an extension, but the seller does not have to agree. Missing dates can trigger penalties or termination—seek help early.
Get conveyancing help now
Use the form below for free initial guidance on costs, timelines and what to do next. We’ll connect you with suitable licensed conveyancers or property lawyers near you.