Your quick guide to conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. Whether you're buying or selling a home, a conveyancer helps ensure that all legal requirements are met, minimising risks and ensuring a smooth transaction.

A conveyancer’s core responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and preparing contracts, ensuring all legal terms are clear and accurate.
• Conducting property searches to check for zoning restrictions, encumbrances or outstanding rates.
• Managing financial transactions, including deposit transfers and settlement payments.
• Liaising with banks, real estate agents and other parties involved in the sale.
• Ensuring all legal documents are correctly prepared, signed and lodged.
• Guiding buyers and sellers through the legal aspects of the transaction.

Conveyancers vs solicitors

Conveyancers and solicitors can both handle property transactions, but their fees and scope of service differ.

Conveyancers specialise solely in property law and typically charge lower fees.

Solicitors have broader legal expertise, which can be useful if the transaction is complex, such as involving disputes, tax implications or estate matters. However, this expertise usually comes at a higher cost.

How much does a conveyancer cost?

The cost of conveyancing varies depending on the property’s location, the complexity of the transaction and the conveyancer’s experience. Generally, conveyancing fees range from $500 to $2,500, covering both professional service fees and disbursements (such as property searches, title registration and government charges).

How conveyancers help buyers

A conveyancer ensures buyers:

• Understand the contract and its terms before signing.
• Are aware of any hidden risks, such as legal restrictions or outstanding property debts.
• Meet all legal obligations and deadlines to avoid penalties.
• Have a smooth settlement process with all paperwork correctly lodged.

How conveyancers help vendors

For sellers, a conveyancer:

• Prepares the contract of sale, ensuring it complies with legal requirements.
• Helps resolve any title issues before listing the property.
• Liaises with the buyer’s conveyancer to ensure a seamless transaction.
• Organises settlement, ensuring the proceeds are correctly distributed.

How to find a good conveyancer

Here are some key questions to ask when researching and comparing conveyancers:

• What are your fees, and what do they include?
• Do you charge a fixed fee or hourly rate?
• How long will the conveyancing process take?
• Have you handled transactions similar to mine before?
• How will you keep me updated throughout the process?