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Conveyancing fees NSW: what licensed conveyancers and solicitors charge
Conveyancing fees in NSW are not regulated, so quotes vary significantly. A licensed conveyancer for a standard residential purchase typically charges $800 to $1,500 for their professional work; a solicitor $1,200 to $2,500. This page is about what goes into that professional fee -- what it covers, what affects the price, and what to ask before you sign an engagement letter. (For the total cost of buying including stamp duty, see the complete cost estimator.)
Conveyancing fees at a glance: buyer, seller, and refinancer
The total you pay depends on whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing. This table shows the three main cost components for each. Stamp duty is listed separately because it is paid to Revenue NSW, not to your conveyancer.
| Cost component | Buyer | Seller | Refinancer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional fee (licensed conveyancer) | $800 to $1,500 | $600 to $1,200 | $600 to $1,000 |
| Professional fee (solicitor) | $1,200 to $2,500 | $1,000 to $2,000 | $900 to $1,800 |
| Disbursements (searches, PEXA, registration) | $350 to $700 | $150 to $350 | $150 to $350 |
| Transfer duty (stamp duty) -- paid to Revenue NSW | Scales with price (e.g. ~$30,412 on $800k) | Not payable by seller | Not applicable |
| Typical all-up cost (excl. stamp duty) | $1,200 to $2,200 | $800 to $1,600 | $750 to $1,400 |
Figures are indicative only for a standard residential freehold transaction in NSW in 2026. Strata, off-the-plan, and complex transactions cost more. Always obtain a written, itemised quote. Not legal or financial advice. Transfer duty: verify using the Revenue NSW calculator.
Typical conveyancing fees for buyers in NSW
For a standard residential property purchase, these are the professional fee ranges you can expect to see quoted in NSW in 2026. These are the conveyancer or solicitor's charge for their time and expertise only. Disbursements (searches, PEXA, registration) are charged separately.
| Transaction type | Licensed conveyancer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard freehold purchase | $800 to $1,500 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Strata (apartment, townhouse) | $900 to $1,700 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Off-the-plan purchase | $1,200 to $2,000 | $1,800 to $3,500 |
| Auction purchase | $900 to $1,600 | $1,300 to $2,600 |
| First home buyer (standard) | $800 to $1,500 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
Ranges reflect market rates for standard transactions in Sydney and surrounding regions. Fees vary by practice, complexity, and location. Always obtain a written, itemised quote. These figures are for the professional fee only and do not include disbursements or stamp duty.
Seller conveyancing fees in NSW
Selling a property typically costs less in professional fees than buying, because the work involved is different. As a seller, your conveyancer or solicitor prepares the contract of sale, obtains mandatory vendor disclosure certificates (title search, section 10.7 planning certificate, drainage diagram), attends settlement via PEXA, and handles the discharge of any mortgage.
| Transaction type | Licensed conveyancer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard freehold sale | $600 to $1,200 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Strata sale | $700 to $1,400 | $1,200 to $2,200 |
| Sale with existing tenants | $800 to $1,500 | $1,300 to $2,500 |
Disbursements: the costs charged on top of the professional fee
Disbursements are out-of-pocket costs your conveyancer or solicitor pays on your behalf during the transaction and passes on to you. They are separate from the professional fee and are not profit for the practice. Typical disbursements for a buyer in NSW include:
| Item | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title search (Land Registry Services) | $25 to $35 | Confirms ownership and encumbrances |
| Council rates certificate | $40 to $70 | Varies by local council |
| Water rates certificate (Sydney Water / Hunter Water) | $40 to $60 | Confirms arrears |
| PEXA platform fee (electronic settlement) | ~$120 | Standard for most NSW settlements |
| Land Registry Services: Transfer lodgement | $160 to $500+ | Scales with property value |
| Section 10.7 planning certificate (from council) | $53 (standard) / $133 (full) | Relevant if you want full planning history |
| Strata records inspection (if applicable) | $200 to $400 | Strata properties only |
| Drainage diagram search | $25 to $40 | Usually seller-side; sometimes buyer too |
A typical total for disbursements on a standard freehold purchase in metropolitan Sydney is $350 to $700, excluding stamp duty and LRS lodgement. For strata, add the strata inspection cost.
What affects your conveyancing fee
Several factors influence where your quote lands within the typical ranges:
- Transaction complexity. Off-the-plan, lots with caveats, deceased estates, or properties with development approvals attached all take more time and carry higher risk of complication. Expect a premium on standard rates.
- Property type. Strata transactions require review of strata records, by-laws, and sometimes a strata inspection report. This adds both disbursements and professional time.
- Lender requirements. If you have a mortgage, your conveyancer must liaise with your bank or broker and manage the loan discharge (for sellers) or drawdown (for buyers). Some practices charge an extra $150 to $300 for mortgage-related work.
- Location. Regional NSW practices may charge less than Sydney metropolitan firms. Online and remote-based conveyancers sometimes offer lower fixed fees.
- Rush or short settlement. If the contract specifies a short settlement period (e.g. 14 days), expect a premium.
- Complications after exchange. Disputes over repairs, settlement delays, or contract variations after exchange may attract additional hourly charges if your quote is not genuinely fixed.
Conveyancer or solicitor: does it change the fee?
Yes, in general. Solicitors carry broader legal qualifications and can advise on matters beyond the property transaction itself (contract disputes, family law implications of joint ownership, tax advice). Licensed conveyancers are specialists in property transactions only but are qualified and regulated by NSW Fair Trading under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 (NSW).
For a standard residential purchase or sale with no unusual legal complexity, a licensed conveyancer is typically sufficient and costs less. For a transaction involving trusts, a deceased estate, a family arrangement, or a dispute, engaging a solicitor may be worth the additional cost. See our full guide: Conveyancer vs solicitor in NSW.
Fixed fee vs hourly rate: what to ask
Most practices in NSW now quote a fixed fee for residential conveyancing. A fixed fee means you know the professional charge upfront, regardless of how long the transaction takes. However, "fixed fee" can mean different things:
- Some quotes exclude disbursements. Always ask whether the quoted amount is the professional fee only or an all-in total including disbursements.
- Some quotes apply the fixed fee only if settlement occurs on the contracted date. Delays caused by the other party, the lender, or a council search may trigger additional hourly charges.
- Some practices charge the fixed fee plus time-based rates for negotiations, disputes, or variations after exchange.
Before signing an engagement letter, ask: "Is this a fully fixed fee with no additional hourly charges, regardless of what happens after exchange?" A firm that answers yes clearly is generally safer to compare on price. A firm that gives a qualified answer needs more scrutiny.
How to compare conveyancing quotes honestly
Comparing quotes in NSW can be misleading if you are not comparing the same components. When you receive a quote, confirm whether each of the following is included or excluded:
- Professional fee (for their time and expertise)
- Disbursements (searches, PEXA, LRS lodgement)
- Mortgage-related work (discharge or drawdown, if applicable)
- Strata inspection and report review (if strata)
- Any hourly rate for post-exchange complications
A quote of $700 that excludes disbursements may end up costing more than a quote of $1,200 that includes all disbursements. Ask for an itemised breakdown and a total estimate.
Adding it all up: total transaction cost
Conveyancing fees are the professional fee component of your total property transaction cost. For buyers, the largest additional cost is typically stamp duty (transfer duty), which is calculated on the purchase price under the Duties Act 1997 (NSW). For a property at $800,000, transfer duty for a standard buyer is approximately $30,412 under the 2025-26 Revenue NSW rate table (brackets are indexed to CPI annually). First home buyers may be fully exempt on properties up to $800,000.
To estimate your total purchase cost including stamp duty, professional fees, and disbursements, use our total conveyancing cost estimator for NSW buyers.
Which situation are you in? What to budget
Use the scenarios below as a quick budgeting guide. All figures are estimates for a standard residential freehold transaction in metropolitan Sydney. Obtain a written quote before making any financial decision.
| Your situation | Key fee considerations | Estimated out-of-pocket (excl. stamp duty) |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a house (first home buyer, under $800k) | May be exempt from transfer duty. Standard buyer disbursements apply. Professional fee same as any buyer. | $1,200 to $2,200 (no stamp duty if under $800k threshold) |
| Buying a house (non-first-home, $800k to $1.5M) | Transfer duty is the largest additional cost. Allow $800k = ~$30,412; $1M = ~$40,335; $1.5M = ~$65,335. Use Revenue NSW calculator. | $1,200 to $2,200 professional + disbursements, plus transfer duty |
| Selling a house or apartment | Seller fees lower than buyer fees. Vendor disclosure certificates (title search, s10.7, drainage diagram) are disbursements. No stamp duty payable by seller. | $800 to $1,600 all-in (professional fee + disbursements) |
| Refinancing an existing mortgage | Work involves discharging the old mortgage and registering the new one. No contract review or searches. Lender may charge its own legal fee separately. | $750 to $1,400 (conveyancer or solicitor fee + PEXA + registration) |
| Buying a strata property (apartment or townhouse) | Strata inspection report recommended ($200 to $400 disbursement). By-law review adds professional time. Slightly higher fees than freehold. | $1,400 to $2,500 all-in (professional + disbursements + strata report) |
This is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Fees vary between practitioners and by transaction complexity. Transfer duty figures: verify at Revenue NSW.
Common questions about conveyancing fees in NSW
How much do conveyancing fees cost in NSW?
Licensed conveyancers typically charge $800 to $1,500 for a standard residential purchase; solicitors $1,200 to $2,500. These are professional fees only. Disbursements (searches, PEXA, title registration) add another $350 to $700.
What is included in conveyancing fees?
The professional fee covers contract review and advice, search ordering, exchange management, transfer preparation, PEXA settlement attendance, and lender liaison. Disbursements (government searches, registration) are charged separately.
Are conveyancing fees fixed or variable in NSW?
Most practices quote a fixed fee for a standard transaction, but the definition of "fixed" varies. Confirm whether complications after exchange attract additional hourly charges. Always request a written, itemised engagement letter.
Do conveyancing fees differ for buyers and sellers?
Yes. Seller fees are typically lower ($600 to $1,200 for a licensed conveyancer) because the seller's work involves preparing the contract and attending settlement, while buyer work also includes ordering and reviewing searches and managing the mortgage drawdown.
What disbursements are charged on top of conveyancing fees?
Typical disbursements: title search ($25 to $35), council rates certificate ($40 to $70), water rates certificate ($40 to $60), PEXA fee (approximately $120), LRS transfer lodgement (scales with property value), and section 10.7 certificate ($53 or $133). Total disbursements for a standard freehold purchase are typically $350 to $700.
Can I negotiate conveyancing fees in NSW?
Yes. Conveyancing fees are not regulated, so you can request written fixed-fee quotes from multiple practices and compare. Ensure all quotes are itemised and include the same components before comparing on price.
Are conveyancing fees paid upfront in NSW?
Generally no. Most NSW conveyancers and solicitors do not require the full professional fee upfront. A small holding deposit or engagement fee (typically $200 to $500) is sometimes requested at sign-up to secure the appointment. The balance of the professional fee and most disbursements are usually settled at or around settlement day from the transaction proceeds. Always check your engagement letter for the exact payment schedule before signing.
Are conveyancing fees different for commercial properties?
Yes. Commercial conveyancing in NSW is typically more complex and more expensive than residential. Commercial transactions often involve GST on the purchase price, more detailed due diligence searches, lease reviews, and stamp duty calculated differently. Commercial conveyancing is almost always handled by solicitors rather than licensed conveyancers. Professional fees of $2,500 to $6,000 or more are common, depending on transaction value and complexity. Always obtain a written quote from a qualified property solicitor for any commercial transaction.
This is general information only, not legal advice. Fees vary between practitioners.
What are the total conveyancing costs for buying a house in NSW?
For a standard residential house purchase in NSW, budget for:
- Professional fee (licensed conveyancer): $800 to $1,500
- Professional fee (solicitor): $1,200 to $2,500
- Disbursements (title search, council/water certificates, PEXA, Land Registry): $350 to $700
- Transfer duty (stamp duty) (separate, paid to Revenue NSW): approximately $30,412 on an $800,000 property for a standard residential buyer under the 2025-26 rate table. Brackets are indexed to CPI annually by Revenue NSW. First home buyers may be fully exempt on properties up to $800,000 under the First Home Buyers Assistance scheme.
Total out-of-pocket costs beyond the purchase price are typically $1,500 to $4,500 for most Sydney house purchases, before stamp duty. Use our total cost estimator to model your specific purchase.
This is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Use the Revenue NSW calculator for your specific circumstances.
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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.