Conveyancing vs Solicitor – What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Advertisement / Sponsored Content

This content is paid advertising and has been prepared in collaboration with the advertiser.

This post remains active as a legacy issue and is being phased out from January 2026.

Tasmanian Times no longer accepts requests for paid content or advertorials.

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions most Australians will ever make. But when it comes to handling the legal side of things, many people find themselves confused between conveyancers and solicitors. Both are involved in property transactions, but they play different roles, and choosing the right one can save you time, money, and stress.

So, what’s the real difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor? And which one do you actually need for your property deal?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring ownership of real estate from one person to another. This involves:

• Preparing and reviewing the contract of sale

• Conducting property searches (title, zoning, planning, etc.)

• Managing financial adjustments like council rates and water

• Lodging documents with the relevant authorities

• Overseeing settlement day logistics

Whether you’re buying or selling, this legal transfer needs to be done correctly to avoid disputes, delays, or worse, costly mistakes that could derail your deal.

In Australia, licensed conveyancers and solicitors are both qualified to carry out conveyancing, but with some important differences in their scope of work, qualifications, and costs.

What Is a Conveyancer?

A conveyancer is a licensed professional who specialises in property law and the transfer of property. They’re experts in the conveyancing process and handle everything from preparing contracts to liaising with banks and local councils.

In most Australian states (like NSW, Victoria, and South Australia), conveyancers must be licensed by a regulatory authority such as NSW Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs Victoria. They carry professional indemnity insurance and are legally allowed to represent clients in property transactions.

However, they are not qualified to give legal advice outside property matters. If your transaction involves legal complexities, like a dispute, a deceased estate, or a family law settlement, a conveyancer may not be equipped to handle it on their own.

Key Services Provided by Conveyancers:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts of sale

• Title and zoning searches

• Preparing and lodging legal documents

• Calculating settlement figures

• Coordinating the settlement with banks and other parties

What Is a Solicitor?

A solicitor is a fully qualified legal practitioner who can advise clients on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to property law. They must complete a law degree, undertake practical legal training, and be admitted to practice by the Supreme Court in their state or territory.

Solicitors are often engaged in more complex property transactions, especially when the deal involves legal risk or overlapping issues like wills, trusts, or business law.

Because solicitors have a broader legal background, they can step in if a dispute arises or if the contract has unusual clauses that require legal interpretation.

Key Services Provided by Solicitors:

• Everything a conveyancer does (they can handle standard conveyancing)

• Legal advice on disputes or risks

• Handling transactions involving deceased estates or trusts

• Advice on tax implications or other legal crossover issues

Which One Should You Use?

Use a Conveyancer If:

• You’re involved in a straightforward purchase or sale of residential property

• There are no legal disputes or complications

• You’re looking to keep costs down

• You want someone who focuses solely on property transfers

In many standard cases, a conveyancer is all you need. They’re often more cost-effective and efficient for routine transactions. Many Australians prefer this option for simple deals.

Use a Solicitor If:

• The property is part of a deceased estate

• There are legal disputes or negotiations required

• You’re dealing with commercial, rural, or strata property

• You want broader legal advice (e.g., tax, asset protection)

Solicitors are more suitable for transactions where legal complexities could arise, such as off-the-plan purchases, vendor financing, or disputes between joint buyers or sellers.

State-by-State Differences in Australia

While the overall duties of conveyancers and solicitors are similar across the country, there are some state-based differences worth noting.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has strict licensing requirements for conveyancers. Most residential property buyers use conveyancers unless their matter is legally complex.

Victoria

Conveyancers are commonly used for most property transactions. Many firms offer fixed-price services, making budgeting easier.

Queensland

In QLD, only solicitors can conduct conveyancing work—conveyancers must work under a solicitor’s supervision. This makes QLD unique and limits standalone conveyancer options.

South Australia

Conveyancers are widely used and fully licensed to carry out the entire process.

Western Australia

Both conveyancers and settlement agents are used, often interchangeably. Licensing is regulated by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Tasmania, ACT, and NT

Conveyancers and solicitors are both available, though availability may vary depending on regional location and market demand.

Pricing: Conveyancer vs Solicitor

Conveyancers typically offer fixed-fee packages, which can range from \$800 to \$2,000, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the location. This makes them a cost-effective choice for standard deals.

Solicitors, on the other hand, often charge hourly rates (\$250–\$500 per hour) or a fixed fee for conveyancing (\$1,500–\$3,000+). If the matter becomes legally complex, extra charges may apply.

That said, hiring a solicitor from the start can save money in the long run if your deal involves legal risk. It’s about matching the service to your specific needs.

Can You Switch Between the Two?

Yes, and in fact, it happens often. If you start with a conveyancer and hit a legal snag, they may refer you to a solicitor. Likewise, a solicitor may refer more routine parts of the transaction to a conveyancer within their firm to reduce your overall legal bill.

Some firms offer dual-service teams where both conveyancers and solicitors work together. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: affordability and legal backup.

For example, if you work with a team like Complete Conveyancing, you may benefit from streamlined service that combines legal know-how with the efficiency of specialist property professionals. This can be particularly helpful if your transaction starts simple but takes an unexpected turn.

Common Myths About Conveyancers and Solicitors

Myth 1: Conveyancers aren’t qualified

Not true. Licensed conveyancers must pass strict educational and regulatory requirements in every state they operate in. They are legally authorised to manage property transactions.

Myth 2: You always need a solicitor

Only in some cases. If you’re dealing with legal risks, disputes, or non-standard contracts, yes. But for the average residential property sale or purchase, a licensed conveyancer is often more than enough.

Myth 3: Solicitors are always more expensive

Generally, yes, but not always. Some solicitors offer fixed-price conveyancing that’s competitive with conveyancers, especially in suburban or regional areas. The key is getting a detailed quote upfront.

Myth 4: It’s safer to go with a solicitor

That depends. A qualified conveyancer is just as capable for standard transactions. The safest option is choosing the right professional for the job, not necessarily the most expensive one.

Advertisement / Sponsored Content — This content is a paid advertorial published in consideration of payment or other commercial benefit. The views, claims, statements, offers and representations are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, which does not endorse or verify them. This material is provided for general promotional information only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, investment or other professional advice; readers should make their own enquiries and seek professional advice before acting. Claims, testimonials and performance statements have not been independently verified unless stated. Offers and availability are subject to change and additional terms. This advertorial may contain links to third-party websites and the publisher may receive commissions or other benefits from reader engagement; the publisher is not responsible for third-party content or fulfilment. To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law, the publisher disclaims liability for reliance on this content, and nothing limits rights that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Where applicable, this advertorial is authorised by the advertiser and does not constitute independent editorial content.