Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from seller to buyer. It encompasses all the legal steps required to complete a property transaction — from reviewing the contract to managing settlement and registering the title in the buyer’s name.
What a conveyancer or property solicitor does:
Contract review. Before signing a contract of sale, a conveyancer reviews the contract and section 32 or vendor statement (in Victoria) to identify any unusual conditions, encumbrances, easements, or risks. This is one of the most valuable steps — buyers who sign contracts without review may be bound by unfavourable terms.
Title search and due diligence. The conveyancer searches the property’s title history and identifies any outstanding mortgages, caveats, court orders, or restrictions on the property.
Liaising with the lender. The conveyancer coordinates with the buyer’s mortgage broker and lender to ensure funds are ready for settlement and all mortgage documentation is in order.
Settlement management. The conveyancer manages the financial settlement — ensuring the purchase price is disbursed correctly, existing mortgages on the title are discharged, and the title is registered in the buyer’s name.
Cost. Conveyancing fees for a standard residential purchase are typically $800–$2,000 depending on the complexity of the transaction and the state. Investment property with additional structures (SMSF, trusts) or complex conditions attracts higher fees.
Conveyancer vs solicitor. Licensed conveyancers specialise specifically in property transactions. Property solicitors can provide the same service and also advise on broader legal issues if they arise.
