How to Choose the Right Conveyancer for Your Property Deal

Buying or selling a property is an exciting journey—often marking a major life milestone. But behind the scenes of open houses, price negotiations, and mortgage approvals lies a critical step that holds everything together: conveyancing.

Choosing the right conveyancer can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free property deal and a frustrating, costly experience. In this article, we’ll explain what conveyancing is, walk through the key stages, and help you understand how to choose the right conveyancer for your property transaction—especially within the Australian context.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. It ensures the transaction is carried out according to state laws and that all parties meet their obligations before, during, and after settlement.

Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, conveyancing helps protect your legal rights and ensures the transfer is valid and dispute-free.

Who Performs Conveyancing?

In Australia, conveyancing can be handled by two types of professionals:

✅ Licensed Conveyancers

These are specialists trained specifically in property transactions. They handle most residential and commercial deals and are typically more affordable than solicitors.

✅ Solicitors

Solicitors are fully qualified lawyers. They’re ideal for more complex transactions, such as those involving family trusts, deceased estates, or property disputes.

Tip: If your transaction is straightforward, a licensed conveyancer is often sufficient. But if there’s any legal complexity, consider hiring a solicitor who specialises in property law.

Key Stages of the Conveyancing Process

Understanding the conveyancing journey can help you spot red flags when evaluating professionals. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

📝 1. Contract Review

Your conveyancer reviews the contract of sale, making sure it’s fair, legally accurate, and reflects your intentions.

🔍 2. Searches and Title Checks

They conduct various legal and property searches—such as title checks, zoning restrictions, and easements—to ensure there are no hidden surprises.

💬 3. Negotiations and Amendments

If any issues are found, your conveyancer negotiates with the other party’s legal team to amend the contract or resolve disputes.

📆 4. Pre-Settlement Preparations

This involves preparing the settlement statement, coordinating with your lender (if applicable), and finalising legal paperwork.

💼 5. Settlement

On settlement day, the legal transfer of ownership takes place, money is exchanged, and keys change hands.

See more: Understanding the Role of Insolvency Lawyers in Canberra

📑 6. Post-Settlement

They’ll handle post-settlement tasks, like lodging transfer documents with the land titles office and notifying authorities.

Why Conveyancing Is So Important in Property Transactions

You wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt—and you shouldn’t transfer property without a legal professional. Conveyancing ensures:

Contracts are legally binding and fair
Your rights and obligations are protected
All required legal checks are done
Money and property are exchanged correctly
You avoid fines, penalties, or worse—legal action

Real-Life Example: Why Choosing the Right Conveyancer Matters

Take the story of Linda, a first-time buyer in Melbourne. She hired a discount online conveyancer who missed an easement on the property title. After settlement, she discovered she couldn’t build a garage due to council restrictions she had never been told about. It was a costly mistake that a more thorough professional could have prevented.

This highlights why you need a conveyancer who is not just affordable—but also reliable and detail-oriented.

Risks of Not Using a Qualified Conveyancer

Some people try to save money by handling conveyancing themselves or using underqualified providers. This can lead to:

Missed legal deadlines
Invalid contracts
Undisclosed issues like debts or zoning restrictions
Delayed or failed settlements
Expensive legal disputes

For the relatively low cost of hiring a professional, the peace of mind and protection they offer is more than worth it.

How Conveyancers Help Resolve Common Challenges

Even well-planned property transactions can hit bumps. A skilled conveyancer helps you navigate challenges like:

Disputes over inclusions or special conditions
Delays in bank finance approvals
Unexpected issues found during title searches
Missing or incomplete documents before settlement
Last-minute legal negotiations

They act as your legal safety net, guiding you calmly through what might otherwise be a stressful experience.

How to Choose the Right Conveyancer: Key Questions to Ask

Here’s what to consider when choosing the right professional for your deal:

📍 1. Are They Licensed and Experienced?

Make sure they’re officially licensed in your state or territory. Ask how many years of experience they have and if they’ve worked with your type of property.

📍 2. Do They Specialise in Your Area?

Local knowledge matters. Someone familiar with your city or suburb will better understand local councils, zoning laws, and real estate trends.

📍 3. What’s Included in Their Fee?

Don’t just compare price—compare value. Ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included. Are there hidden fees for disbursements or extra searches?

📍 4. Will You Have a Dedicated Point of Contact?

You want someone you can actually speak with. Confirm who will handle your file and how you’ll receive updates.

📍 5. How Responsive Are They?

A good conveyancer keeps you informed at every stage. If they’re hard to reach before you hire them, they may be just as slow once you’ve signed on.

What Makes a Great Conveyancer?

Beyond qualifications and cost, a great conveyancer is:

Detail-oriented – They read the fine print
Proactive – They flag issues before they become problems
Transparent – You understand every step and fee
Supportive – Especially if you’re a first-time buyer or seller
Communicative – You never feel left in the dark

Conveyancing in Australia: Local Laws Matter

Each Australian state and territory has unique laws and procedures:

NSW: Includes a 5-day cooling-off period and strict vendor disclosures
VIC: Requires a Section 32 Statement (Vendor Disclosure)
QLD: Building and pest clauses are often included by default
WA: Settlements are frequently handled by settlement agents
SA, TAS, ACT, NT: Each has specific timelines, documentation, and laws

Tip: Your conveyancer should be well-versed in your local state requirements to avoid unnecessary delays or compliance issues.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Cut Corners on Legal Protection

Choosing the right conveyancer isn’t just about ticking a legal box. It’s about safeguarding your finances, your property, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a bigger space, or investing in real estate—having a professional who knows the ropes is invaluable.

✨ Take the Next Step with Confidence

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve got the right person guiding you. Speak to a trusted, licensed conveyancer or solicitor who will protect your interests from start to finish.

Because in property, it’s not just about getting the keys—
it’s about getting them the right way.