You’ve found the property you love. You put in an offer and – hallelujah – it’s accepted. But before the keys are in your hand, there’s some boring but important stuff you need to get through – such as, do you need a conveyancer or solicitor for a house purchase?
Before the property can be legally transferred from the seller to you, you’ll need to engage a solicitor or conveyancer to sort out the legal side of things. But what’s the difference – and who should you choose?
What does a conveyancer do?
A conveyancer specialises in the legal side of property transactions. Their main role is to ensure the sale goes through smoothly and make sure the legal and financial aspects of the sale are handled correctly and on time.
This includes preparing and reviewing the contract of sale, checking the property title, identifying any council restrictions or outstanding rates, and liaising with banks and agents to coordinate settlement.
They also manage the transfer of funds and ensure all legal documents are correctly lodged with the relevant government body.
Getting a conveyancer for your house purchase could be a more affordable option – as they focus solely on property law.
What does a solicitor do?
A solicitor can perform all the duties of a conveyancer, but with broader legal training and experience. This can be helpful if your purchase involves more than just a basic house sale – think buying off-the-plan, purchasing through a company or trust, or if there are legal complications with the title or contract.
Their broader legal expertise makes them better suited to handle unusual contract terms, disputes or legal risks.
Do you need a conveyancer to buy a house?
You can act as your own conveyancer, but this isn’t your average DIY vertical herb garden. Conveyancing involves coordinating with multiple parties, reviewing the vendor’s statement, running title searches, checking the contract for hidden clauses, uncovering unpaid rates or land tax, and digging through council records for any dodgy building work or disputes.
In other words, it's a legal minefield – so unless you’ve got serious legal chops, it’s best left to a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Do you need a conveyancer or solicitor when buying a house?
For most first-home buyers purchasing a standard residential property, a licensed conveyancer is more than capable of handling the process from start to finish.
However, if there are any red flags – unusual terms in the contract, complications with the title, or if you simply want more in-depth legal guidance – you might prefer a solicitor.
The main difference lies in their qualifications, but here’s how they line up:
| Service/responsibility |
Conveyancer |
Solicitor |
| Prepare and review contract of sale |
Yes |
Yes |
| Conduct title searches and check for encumbrances |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adjust council and water rates |
Yes |
Yes |
| Liaise with banks, agents and government bodies |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lodge transfer documents with the land titles office |
Yes |
Yes |
| Provide legal advice beyond the property transaction |
No |
Yes |
| Handle complex purchases (e.g. trusts, deceased estates) |
No |
Yes |
| Represent you in legal disputes |
No |
Yes |
Which costs more? A conveyancer or solicitor?
Conveyancing was traditionally a nice little earner for property solicitors, but using a specialist conveyancer can save you big money.
Fees can vary depending on location and complexity, but as a guide, you might pay around $1000 for a conveyancer and closer to $1800 for a solicitor.
For uncomplicated sales, using a conveyancer is a practical, budget-friendly choice – while still getting the job done properly.
How do you choose between a solicitor or conveyancer:
Choosing between a solicitor and conveyancer comes down to your situation. Some buyers only need the basics, while others benefit from more comprehensive legal support. Here’s what to consider:
You might choose a conveyancer if:
- you’re buying an existing home with a standard contract
- the property title is relatively routine
- you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option
- you don’t need additional legal advice.
You might choose a solicitor if:
- the contract includes more legally involved clauses or special conditions
- the purchase involves a trust, company, or deceased estate
- you’re buying off-the-plan or at auction
- you want access to broader legal support in case issues arise.
When deciding who to go with, don’t feel pressured to use the professional recommended by the selling agent. Whoever you choose, make sure they’re licensed, experienced in property transactions and transparent about their fees. Ask for referrals, read reviews and always get quotes in writing before you commit.
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This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.