Affordable conveyancing in NSW: how to get a fair price
Conveyancing in NSW does not have to be expensive, but "cheap" and "affordable" are different things. This guide explains realistic price ranges, the difference between online and traditional conveyancers, what a low quote actually means, and the five questions every buyer should ask before they sign.
This guide contains general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Rules around conveyancing in NSW are set under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 and the Conveyancing Act 1919. For advice specific to your transaction, engage a licensed conveyancer or solicitor.
What does conveyancing actually cost in NSW?
The professional fee for a standard residential purchase with a licensed conveyancer in NSW typically falls between $800 and $1,500. For a residential sale, expect $600 to $1,200. Solicitors doing conveyancing work tend to charge more: $1,200 to $2,500 for a purchase, reflecting their broader legal qualifications.
These figures are for the professional fee alone. On top of that, disbursements apply: title searches, section 10.7 planning certificates, PEXA platform fees, Land Registry lodgement, council and water rate certificates. Disbursements for a standard purchase typically add $350 to $700. Ask every practitioner whether their quote is all-inclusive or whether disbursements are charged separately.
A "cheap" quote below $700 all-in is a signal to ask questions, not to sign immediately. An "affordable" quote of $900 to $1,200 all-inclusive from a licensed conveyancer is a reasonable target for a straightforward residential transaction.
Online vs traditional conveyancers in NSW
Many buyers assume online or remote conveyancers are significantly cheaper than local practices. In practice, the price difference is usually modest. What changes is the experience, not the fee:
- Online conveyancers work remotely, communicate primarily by email and client portals, and may not meet you in person. Their overheads can be lower, but they handle higher caseloads to compensate. This works well for straightforward transactions; it can be frustrating if your deal becomes complicated and you struggle to reach someone.
- Local or boutique practices often charge similar rates but offer more direct access to the conveyancer handling your file. For first-time buyers, the ability to call and speak to someone familiar with your transaction can reduce stress significantly.
- Large legal firms with conveyancing departments typically charge at the higher end of the solicitor range. They suit complex transactions: off-the-plan, company title, caveated titles, or where a legal dispute is possible.
The most important factor is not the delivery model but whether the individual handling your file is a licensed conveyancer (licensed by NSW Fair Trading under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003) or a solicitor (admitted to practice and holding a current practising certificate from the Law Society of NSW). Both can legally complete your transaction. Neither designation on its own guarantees quality.
What a very low quote usually means
A quote that looks unusually affordable usually works one of two ways:
- Disbursements excluded. The headline fee is low, but every search, certificate, and platform fee is charged at cost (or above). By settlement, the total can match or exceed a higher all-inclusive quote.
- Hourly rates for complications. The fixed fee applies only to a frictionless transaction. Any delay, contract negotiation, bank complication, or extension triggers time-based billing that is not in the original quote.
- Volume-based practice with limited support. Some low-cost providers handle very high caseloads. This is fine if everything goes smoothly; it is a problem if you need prompt attention during a settlement dispute or contract issue.
None of these structures is inherently unethical, but they must be disclosed clearly in the engagement letter. Under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 (NSW), conveyancers are required to provide a costs disclosure before commencing work. If you do not receive one, or if it is vague about what triggers extra charges, treat that as a red flag.
How to compare: licensed conveyancer, solicitor, and DIY
| Option | Typical fee (purchase) | Best for | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed conveyancer | $800 to $1,500 + disbursements | Standard residential purchases and sales | Cannot advise on legal disputes outside conveyancing |
| Solicitor (conveyancing work) | $1,200 to $2,500 + disbursements | Complex transactions, off-the-plan, legal disputes | Higher cost for straightforward deals |
| Online/remote conveyancer | $800 to $1,400 + disbursements | Buyers comfortable with digital communication | Harder to escalate if deal becomes complicated |
| DIY (acting for yourself) | Disbursements only (~$350 to $700) | Not recommended for residential purchases | Cannot settle via PEXA without a licensed subscriber; high error risk |
Five questions to ask before you sign
Before appointing any conveyancer, get clear written answers to these five questions:
- Is this a fixed fee or a base fee plus time-based charges? A fixed fee gives you certainty. If any hourly rate applies, ask what triggers it and what the rate is.
- Are disbursements included or charged separately? Ask for an itemised list of expected disbursements so you can compare like-for-like across quotes.
- Who handles my file day-to-day? Some practices quote a senior conveyancer but assign files to junior staff. Know who will manage your matter.
- Are you licensed by NSW Fair Trading? A licensed conveyancer holds a current licence under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003. A solicitor holds a practising certificate from the Law Society of NSW. Both should be verifiable on a public register.
- What happens if settlement is delayed or the deal becomes complicated? Delays (bank issues, late documents, title defects) are common. Know whether extra charges apply and what your practitioner will do to resolve the situation.
How to verify a conveyancer's NSW licence
NSW licensed conveyancers are regulated by NSW Fair Trading. You can search the NSW Fair Trading licence check to confirm that a conveyancer holds a current licence before appointing them.
Solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of NSW. You can verify a solicitor's practising certificate on the Law Society's Find a Lawyer register.
The peak body for licensed conveyancers in NSW is the Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Division (AICNSW), which maintains professional standards for its members.
Common questions
What is a realistic price for affordable conveyancing in NSW?
A licensed conveyancer typically charges $800 to $1,500 for a standard residential purchase, all-inclusive of disbursements. If a quote is below $700, ask exactly what it includes and whether hourly rates apply for complications. An all-inclusive quote in the $900 to $1,200 range from a licensed conveyancer is achievable and represents fair value for a straightforward transaction.
Is an online conveyancer cheaper than a traditional one?
Often only marginally so. Online conveyancers in NSW charge $800 to $1,400, which overlaps with local practices. The real difference is how you communicate and how accessible the conveyancer is when issues arise. Price alone is not a reliable guide to value.
Can I do conveyancing myself to save money?
NSW law does not prohibit self-represented buyers, but electronic settlement via PEXA requires a licensed subscriber. In practice, DIY conveyancing is not feasible for standard residential purchases. The cost of a missed contract clause or settlement error almost always exceeds the fee you would save.
How do I check if a conveyancer is licensed in NSW?
Search the NSW Fair Trading licence check at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Licensed conveyancers must hold a current licence under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003. Solicitors are verified via the Law Society of NSW practising certificate register.
What are the red flags in a cheap conveyancing quote?
Key red flags: disbursements excluded from the headline fee; hourly rates for any delay or complication not disclosed upfront; no written costs disclosure provided before work starts (required under NSW law); vague answers about who will handle your file day-to-day.
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Conveyancing Explained provides general information about property transactions in Australia. It is not legal advice and does not create a client relationship. For advice on your situation, engage a licensed conveyancer, settlement agent, or property solicitor in your state or territory.