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Conveyancing cost calculator
How much does conveyancing cost? Choose your state and transaction type below. The calculator shows a line-by-line breakdown of the professional fee and every disbursement you are likely to pay. Professional-fee ranges are fully researched for NSW and Victoria; other live states, and Victoria's own refinancing costs, show a general Australian range until their fee research is published. Stamp duty (or your state's own duty) is shown separately, because it is a state tax, not a conveyancing fee.
What conveyancing costs include
Conveyancing cost has two parts. Both appear on your conveyancer or solicitor's invoice:
- Professional fee. The conveyancer's or solicitor's charge for their time: reviewing the contract, ordering searches, managing exchange, attending settlement via PEXA, and liaising with your lender and the other side. This fee is a flat amount negotiated with the professional and is not regulated in NSW.
- Disbursements. Third-party costs paid on your behalf: government search fees (Land Registry, council, water authority), the PEXA platform fee, and title registration. These are largely set by government and third-party providers, not by the conveyancer.
Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a separate state tax paid directly to Revenue NSW by the buyer. It is not a conveyancing cost, but it is the largest single extra cost for most buyers. The calculator shows it separately.
How this differs from the total buying cost
This calculator focuses on the conveyancing cost: what you pay your conveyancer or solicitor plus the associated search and registration fees. For the full picture of buying costs in NSW -- including building inspections, lender fees, and mortgage registration -- see our total NSW buying cost estimator. For a deep dive on professional fee ranges only, see conveyancing fees in NSW.
Buyer disbursements explained
| Item | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title search (LRS) | $25 to $35 | Confirms registered owner, encumbrances, caveats |
| Council rates certificate | $40 to $70 | Varies by local council; confirms outstanding rates |
| Water rates certificate | $40 to $60 | Confirms arrears with Sydney Water or regional authority |
| PEXA platform fee | ~$120 | Charged to each side at electronic settlement |
| LRS transfer registration | $231 to $500+ | Scales with property value (see nswlrs.com.au/services/fees-payments/fees) |
| Strata inspection report | $200 to $400 | Strata properties only; recommended, not mandatory |
NSW, 2026-27. Disbursements are indicative. LRS fees published at nswlrs.com.au/services/fees-payments/fees.
Seller disbursements explained
Sellers must prepare a contract of sale before the property can be marketed. Under the Conveyancing (Sale of Land) Regulation 2022 (NSW), the vendor must attach prescribed documents including a title search, section 10.7 planning certificate, and drainage diagram. These become seller disbursements.
| Item | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title search (LRS) | $25 to $35 | Required for contract preparation |
| Section 10.7 planning certificate | $53 (standard) | Issued by local council; mandatory vendor disclosure |
| Drainage diagram | ~$25 to $40 | Obtained from Sydney Water or relevant authority |
| PEXA platform fee | ~$120 | Seller side charged at settlement |
| OC certificate (strata only) | $100 to $200 | Owners corporation certificate for strata schemes |
Common questions about conveyancing costs in NSW
How much does conveyancing cost in NSW in 2026?
For a standard residential purchase, the conveyancing cost (professional fee plus disbursements, before stamp duty) is typically $1,200 to $2,200. A licensed conveyancer charges $800 to $1,500 for their professional work; a solicitor $1,200 to $2,500. Disbursements add another $350 to $700. Use the calculator above for a line-by-line estimate.
Is conveyancing the same as stamp duty?
No. Conveyancing is the professional service (and associated searches and registration fees) for transferring ownership. Stamp duty -- formally transfer duty -- is a separate tax paid to Revenue NSW and is calculated on the purchase price under the Duties Act 1997 (NSW). Conveyancing costs are typically $1,200 to $2,200 for a standard purchase; transfer duty on an $800,000 property is approximately $30,187 (2026-27 rate).
What disbursements does a buyer pay in NSW?
Title search ($25 to $35), council rates certificate ($40 to $70), water rates certificate ($40 to $60), PEXA platform fee (~$120), and LRS transfer registration fee (scales with price). For strata, add a strata inspection report ($200 to $400). Total typically $350 to $700 for a standard freehold purchase.
How much does it cost to sell a property in NSW?
Seller conveyancing is typically $800 to $1,600 all-in. A licensed conveyancer charges $600 to $1,200; a solicitor $1,000 to $2,000. Seller disbursements include a title search, section 10.7 certificate, drainage diagram, and PEXA fee. Sellers do not pay transfer duty on a standard residential sale.
Does the purchase price affect conveyancing fees?
The professional fee is usually flat and does not scale with the purchase price. However, the Land Registry Services transfer registration fee does scale with property value. Transfer duty (stamp duty) scales significantly and is the largest variable cost for buyers.
How much does refinancing conveyancing cost in NSW?
Typically $750 to $1,400 all-in. A licensed conveyancer charges $600 to $1,000; a solicitor $900 to $1,800. Disbursements include the PEXA fee (~$120) and LRS mortgage registration fee (~$160 to $200). Your lender charges its own legal fee separately.
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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.