How to choose a conveyancer in Australia (2026 checklist)

Choose a conveyancer by checking these five things first: (1) relevant credentials and registration with the appropriate industry body, (2) a minimum of 50+ public reviews averaging 4.5+, (3) transparent itemised pricing in a written quote, (4) availability within your timeframe, and (5) responsiveness to your initial enquiry. Shortlist 3 candidates, ask the same 5 questions of each, and choose the one that scores highest on communication and value — not just the lowest price.

Standard residential conveyancing in Australia in 2026 costs $700-$2,500 in professional fees, plus $300-$800 in disbursements (title searches, council and water certificates, rates certificates). Total $1,000-$3,300. Online conveyancers like Settle Easy and Lawlab offer fixed fees from $770. Traditional conveyancers charge $1,200-$2,000. Solicitor-led conveyancing $1,500-$4,000. Off-the-plan and commercial work is more expensive due to contract complexity. Always get a written fixed-fee quote that includes disbursements.

Standard settlement periods in Australia: New South Wales typically 42 days, Victoria 30-60 days, Queensland 30-45 days, Western Australia 35-60 days. The exact period is negotiated in the contract. Settlement timeline starts at exchange of contracts (after cooling-off) and includes time for the buyer to arrange finance and the conveyancer to do pre-settlement checks. Cash buyers can settle in 14-21 days. Off-the-plan settlements can take 12-36 months depending on construction.

Your conveyancer: reviews the contract before you sign, conducts title searches and verifies legal ownership, orders council and water certificates, calculates stamp duty and arranges payment, prepares all settlement documents, liaises with your bank for mortgage settlement, attends settlement on your behalf (or organises electronic settlement via PEXA), arranges title transfer and registration. They are your legal representative for the entire transaction. They prevent you from inheriting unpaid rates, undisclosed easements, or contract issues that could cost you thousands.

PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is the digital settlement platform now used for over 99% of property transactions in Australia. It replaces the old paper-based system where conveyancers physically attended a settlement room with bank cheques. PEXA settles transactions electronically — typically completing within 1-2 hours on settlement day. Both your conveyancer and the lender must be PEXA-registered. PEXA settlement is faster, cheaper, and reduces errors compared to manual settlement.

A Section 32 (Victoria) or Vendor Statement is a legal document the seller must provide before contract signing, disclosing key information about the property: title details, rates and charges, planning information, building permits, owners corporation (strata) details, and any encumbrances or covenants. Buying without a Section 32 — or one that's incomplete — gives the buyer rights to cancel the contract. Other states have similar disclosure documents (NSW: Contract for Sale + s149 Certificate, QLD: Contract Disclosure Statement, etc.).