How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in Victoria?
Conveyancing costs can vary depending on your property type, transaction complexity, and the level of support required. This guide breaks down what buyers and sellers usually pay, what is included, what may be extra, and how to compare quotes with confidence.
1. Understanding Conveyancing in Property Transfers
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. It covers contract preparation, title transfer, settlement coordination, and compliance with state-specific requirements.
2. What Does a Conveyancer Do?
A conveyancer helps manage the legal, financial, and administrative steps from contract signing through to settlement.
- Contract review and negotiation of special conditions
- Settlement coordination with banks and legal representatives
- Title and property searches to identify risks
- Support at key milestones, including finance approval and auction day
Key Tasks
- Prepare and verify legal documents
- Conduct title searches
- Manage digital settlement through PEXA
- Calculate settlement adjustments
- Advise on compliance requirements
3. Average Fees for Conveyancing Services
The average professional fee for conveyancing in Australia is commonly between $1,000 and $2,000. However, many quotes exclude disbursements, which can add another $600 to $800.
Who Pays Conveyancing Fees?
- Buyers usually pay their conveyancer’s fee, property searches, stamp duty preparation, and lender liaison costs.
- Sellers usually pay their conveyancer’s fee, contract preparation costs, and settlement discharge fees.
- Buyers often pay more because searches, risk checks, and finance coordination are more extensive.
4. What Do Conveyancing Fees Include?
| Category | Usually Included | Usually Extra / Needs Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Professional work | Contract review, document preparation, settlement attendance | Additional correspondence or special condition drafting |
| Third-party costs | Usually not included in the professional fee | Title searches, certificates, PEXA, land registry charges |
| GST | Sometimes included | Always confirm whether the quote is GST-inclusive |
| Auction support | May be included by some providers | Ask if urgent or after-hours contract review costs extra |
5. Why Buyers Often Pay More Than Sellers
| Fee Component | Buyer | Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Property and title searches | Yes, usually multiple searches | No |
| Stamp duty preparation | Yes | No |
| Lender liaison | Yes, if mortgaged | Discharge only |
| Risk checks and compliance | Extensive | Limited |
| Typical fee range | $900 to $2,500+ | $600 to $1,500 |
6. Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Conveyancer
- Is your quoted fee fixed, and does it include GST?
- What disbursements will I pay on top of the professional fee?
- Can you provide an itemised written breakdown?
- Do you charge extra for auction contract review?
- Do you handle PEXA settlements, and is the PEXA fee included?
- Are you a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers?
- How quickly do you respond to client queries?
7. Conveyancer or Solicitor?
| Criteria | Licensed Conveyancer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Specialisation | Property law only | All areas of law |
| Typical fee range | $800 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $3,000+ |
| Best for | Standard residential purchases and sales | Complex matters, disputes, trusts, commercial transactions |
| Value | Focused scope and usually lower fees | Broader legal advice when required |
For a standard residential transaction, a specialist conveyancer can often provide focused, practical support at a more accessible price point. Solicitors are usually better suited to complex legal matters.
8. When Do You Actually Pay?
Most conveyancing fees and disbursements are finalised in one statement and paid at settlement.
Need Clarity on Conveyancing Fees?
Speak with All Hours Conveyancing for clear, practical guidance before you buy, sell, transfer, or sign a contract.
📞 03 9649 7832
📧 info@allhoursproperty.com.au
📍 Level 1, 530 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC