Understanding conveyancing fees in 2026: A guide for buyers and sellers

If you’re buying property or selling, understanding conveyancing fees in Australia is essential. These costs can vary depending on your location, the complexity of the transaction, and whether you decide to hire a lawyer or conveyancer.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how much conveyancing costs, what’s included, and how to avoid overpaying.

What are conveyancing fees?

Conveyancing fees are part of the overall costs of buying a property and cover the professional services required to legally transfer ownership from one party to another. A licensed conveyancer or solicitor oversees this process, which includes reviewing contracts, conducting title searches, preparing legal documents, calculating rate adjustments and coordinating settlement. They ensure the transaction is completed accurately and complies with all relevant state laws.

How much does conveyancing cost in Australia?

On average, conveyancing fees in Australia range between $1,500 to $2,500 for standard residential transactions.  However, costs can vary depending on the state:

Typical conveyancing costs by state:

• NSW: $1,500 – $2,500

• VIC: $1,500 – $2,200

• QLD: $1,800 – $3,000 (solicitors only)

• WA/SA: $1,000 – $2,000

• ACT: $1,800 – $3,000 (solicitors only)

Some conveyancers advertise low starting prices (e.g. ‘from $899’), but these quotes often exclude key disbursements, meaning your total conveyancing fees will be higher than quoted. 

You should know: In Queensland and the ACT, conveyancing must be carried out by a qualified solicitor. This means all paid conveyancing work must be handled by a law firm, with legal responsibility resting with an admitted lawyer who holds a current practising certificate.

As a result, conveyancing fees in Queensland and the ACT can be slightly higher than in other states where licensed conveyancers are permitted to operate independently. On average, buyers and sellers in these states can expect to pay more, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

For a clearer idea of costs, it’s best to contact a licensed conveyancer or lawyer directly. They’ll give you a detailed quote based on your property and what services you need. We’ve shortlisted the top conveyancers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to simplify things.

Conveyancer vs solicitor: What’s the difference?

• Conveyancers specialise in property law and are licensed to handle the transfer of real estate ownership and related property transactions.

• Solicitors are fully qualified lawyers who can manage conveyancing as well as more complex legal issues beyond property transactions.

What’s included in conveyancing fees?

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of conveyancing fees, so you can compare them against the invoice you receive from your conveyancer or solicitor and understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Professional fees: ~$1,500

Professional fees cover the conveyancer’s or solicitor’s time, expertise, and management of your property transaction. This typically includes:

• Reviewing and preparing contracts

• Managing the settlement process

• Liaising with banks, agents, and other parties

• Providing legal guidance throughout the transaction

These fees are often quoted as a fixed amount but may vary depending on the complexity of the property and location.

Common disbursements: ~$800 (see breakdown below)

Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf and are usually itemised separately on your invoice.

Typical disbursements include:

• Title searches: Confirm legal ownership and identify any encumbrances or restrictions (typically $40–$100)

• Property certificates and council checks: Verify zoning, rates, and local property details (usually $50–$250)

• Mortgage registration and transfer fees: Government charges for registering ownership and any home loan (around $250)

• Administrative costs: File handling, postage, and processing fees (generally $40–$100)

• PEXA electronic settlement fee: Charged for completing settlement digitally (typically $50–$100)

Disbursements and government charges can add $300 to $800+ to your total conveyancing costs.

Extra fees to watch out for

Some additional conveyancing costs may apply for services not included in the original scope, like contract reviews or inspections. To avoid unexpected charges, ask for a detailed quote upfront with a full breakdown of fees and disbursements. Clarifying any potential extras early ensures complete cost transparency.

Factors to consider when choosing a conveyancer or property lawyer

Reputation and experience

A good reputation is vital when picking a conveyancer or lawyer. Check out customer reviews and testimonials, especially those mentioning transparent pricing and high-quality service. You want someone reliable and upfront about costs.

Fixed fee vs. hourly rate option

Decide if you prefer a fixed fee or an hourly rate. Fixed fees offer predictability and are great for straightforward deals, while hourly rates might be better for complex transactions. Remember that hourly rates can make knowing the total cost upfront tricky.

Service inclusions

Before you commit, make sure you know exactly what the standard fee covers. Some conveyancers might charge extra for council rate checks or title updates, so ask for a detailed fee breakdown to avoid surprises later.

Availability and accessibility

It’s worth choosing someone who is easy to get in touch with and keeps you in the loop throughout the process. Clear communication can make all the difference, especially if unexpected issues arise before settlement.

How to save on conveyancing costs

Compare quotes

Don’t settle for the first option. Get quotes from multiple conveyancers or solicitors and make sure they include all fees and disbursements.

Use a conveyancer for simple transactions

For straightforward property purchases, a licensed conveyancer can often provide a more cost-effective service than a solicitor. 

Consider online conveyancing

Online conveyancers typically offer fixed-fee pricing, which can be more affordable — though with less face-to-face support.

Look for bundled services

Some providers partner with mortgage brokers or financial professionals, which can streamline the process and reduce overall costs.

Conveyancing services by property type

Conveyancing fees and services required can vary depending on the type and complexity of the property transaction. Here’s what you can expect across different scenarios:

First-home buyers

If you’re a first-home buyer, you might qualify for government grants or stamp duty concessions, which can help offset some conveyancing costs. However, these deals often need extra legal checks to ensure you’re eligible for all available benefits, so expect fees to fall on the higher end of the standard range.

Off-the-plan purchases

Buying off-the-plan usually involves more complex contracts and additional legal work. Conveyancers need to review developer agreements, sunset clauses, and building timelines. All of this can increase costs, so be prepared.

Investment properties

If you buy an investment property, conveyancers may need to confirm if the property is tenanted and review the lease terms as part of the settlement process. They may also conduct searches that could reveal zoning information and planning restrictions, which is crucial for potential future development. This additional work can increase conveyancing fees, especially when dealing with a multi-unit building or commercial property.

Rural vs. urban properties

Conveyancing costs can differ depending on whether you buy land in a rural or urban area. Rural properties sometimes require additional searches for land use, water rights, and environmental issues, which can bump up the fees. Urban purchases are usually more straightforward, but costs vary based on the deal’s complexity and local council requirements.

FAQs about conveyancing fees

Can conveyancing fees be included in my mortgage?

In most cases, conveyancing fees aren’t included in your mortgage. These are considered upfront costs, so you must pay them out of pocket. However, some lenders might allow you to roll specific fees into the loan if your serviceability allows, but it’s best to check with them directly.

Do I have to pay conveyancing fees upfront?

Usually, conveyancing fees are paid at settlement. Some conveyancers may ask for a small deposit or payment for disbursements upfront, so it’s best to confirm their terms beforehand.

Are conveyancing fees tax-deductible?

If you’re a property investor, some conveyancing costs may be tax-deductible. While the professional fee usually isn’t, certain expenses like loan document preparation and mortgage registration fees could be. It’s best to check with your accountant for specific advice.

Why do conveyancing fees differ by state?

Conveyancing fees vary because each state and territory in Australia has its own property laws and regulations. These laws affect property law and the amount of legal work involved, so the fees may be different.

Is using a personal conveyancer or an online conveyancer cheaper?

Online conveyancers often offer fixed fees that can be lower than traditional conveyancers. However, you might not get the same level of personal service, so it’s a trade-off between cost and accessibility.

What happens if I need extra services not covered in the quote?

If extra services are needed (like a detailed contract review or dispute handling), your conveyancer should let you know immediately and provide an updated quote. Always ask for clarification upfront to avoid any surprise charges.