Why conveyancing costs matter

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial moves most Australians will ever make. And once you factor in stamp duty, mortgage fees, inspections and moving costs, it’s no surprise that people also want clarity around conveyancing costs. It’s one of those expenses that everyone knows they need to budget for, but not everyone fully understands.

So, how much does conveyancing cost in 2026? Well, there is no single figure that applies to everyone.. Your final amount can vary based on where you live, whether you’re buying or selling, the complexity of the property and whether you choose a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Some transactions are quick and straightforward. Others involve extra checks, unusual clauses or tricky titles, all of which can increase the price.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of conveyancing in Australia, explain what you’re actually paying for and help you get a realistic idea of how much conveyancing should cost for your specific property transaction. That way, you can plan ahead, avoid surprises and feel confident you’re getting good value for money.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of officially transferring a property from one person to another. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes work that makes your home purchase or sale legally sound. It includes preparing, verifying and lodging all the documents needed to finalise the deal which is the part you definitely do not want to get wrong.

A conveyancer (or solicitor) is the person who handles all of this for you. They make sure the property has a clear title, meaning there are no hidden debts, disputes or surprises tied to the land. They also check that the contract is accurate, fair and legally binding, so you’re not unknowingly signing up for conditions that could cause problems later.

On top of that, they look after all the required fees, charges and government paperwork, making sure everything complies with current regulations. When settlement day arrives, they coordinate the entire process so the funds transfer smoothly and the property officially becomes yours or your buyer’s without any last-minute chaos.

Without proper conveyancing, buyers and sellers open themselves up to serious risks like legal issues, financial loss or even the whole deal falling apart. It’s one of those services that feels invisible when done well, but incredibly stressful when it’s not.

Conveyancing costs in 2026: The numbers

Typical conveyancing fees

When it comes to typical conveyancing fees in 2026, most Australians can expect to pay between $800 and $2,500. The exact amount depends on how complex your property transaction is, where the property is located and whether you choose a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Straightforward purchases, like buying a residential property with no disputes or unusual conditions attached, usually sit at the lower end of the range. But once you move into more complicated territory, such as off-the-plan apartments, rural properties with extra checks required or commercial deals with multiple legal considerations, the price naturally goes up. Essentially, the more work and risk involved, the higher the conveyancing costs will be.

What influences the cost of conveyancing?

A few key factors can influence the cost of conveyancing, and understanding them can help you budget more accurately.

Location plays a big role as fees often differ between states and can vary even more between metro and regional areas. The type of property you’re dealing with matters too. Standard houses tend to be pretty straightforward, while strata properties, apartments or rural blocks usually require extra checks and paperwork.

The complexity of the transaction also affects the final bill. Off-the-plan purchases, deceased estates or titles with existing disputes naturally involve more work, which pushes costs higher.

Then there’s the professional you choose. Solicitors often charge more than licensed conveyancers, but they may be the better option if your case is legally complex.  Finally, don’t forget about disbursements. These are the unavoidable third-party fees, like property searches, title checks and settlement fees, that get added on top of your conveyancer’s service fee. All these pieces come together to determine what you’ll ultimately pay.

What’s included in conveyancing costs?

When you pay conveyancing costs, you’re really paying for two things: the professional’s time and the unavoidable third-party expenses that come with any property transfer.

Professional fees

Professional fees cover the work your solicitor or conveyancer does behind the scenes to keep the transaction legally sound and stress-free. This usually includes reviewing and preparing the contract of sale, checking that everything in the paperwork is accurate and making sure there are no unexpected conditions hidden in the fine print. They’ll also carry out essential legal checks on the property, communicate with your bank, mortgage broker and the real estate agent, and handle settlement for you on the big day. Essentially, they’re the ones making sure the transfer happens smoothly and on time.

Disbursements (out-of-pocket expenses)

Disbursements, on the other hand, are the out-of-pocket costs your conveyancer pays to third parties and the government on your behalf. These can include things like title searches, which usually range from $20 to $100, and council or land tax searches, which often fall between $100 and $300. Depending on the property, you may also need zoning, strata or heritage certificates, each typically costing $50 to $300. Settlement agent fees generally sit around $50 to $200, and small admin charges like postage or ID checks usually add another $20 to $50. Once you add these costs together, disbursements can easily add an extra $300 to $800 to your overall conveyancing bill.

How much should conveyancing cost?

The short answer is that it really comes down to how simple or complicated your property transaction is. For most straightforward residential purchases or sales, you’re usually looking at somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500, and that typically includes disbursements. Things start to shift when the property type gets more complex. For example, buying a strata or apartment property often costs around $1,500 to $2,000 because your conveyancer needs to run extra searches, check strata reports and make sure the building’s financials and compliance records are all above board.

If you’re dealing with a rural or commercial property, costs generally move past the $2,000 mark. These transactions usually involve extra layers like water rights, environmental reports, lease agreements, or land-use restrictions, all of which take more time to review. Off-the-plan purchases also tend to be more expensive, typically coming in at $2,000 to $2,500, simply because the contracts are more complex and the settlement period can stretch out for months or even years.

Example: If you’re buying a $700,000 house in Sydney, you could expect to pay around $1,300 for conveyancing in 2026. But if that same property were a strata unit, the cost might jump to around $1,800 thanks to the extra strata searches and due diligence involved.

Conveyancers vs solicitors: Which should you choose?

When it comes to handling your property transaction, you’ll usually be deciding between a licensed conveyancer and a solicitor, and the right choice really depends on how complex your situation is. Licensed conveyancers are specialists in property law and tend to be more affordable, which makes them a great fit for straightforward residential purchases or sales where things are likely to run smoothly. They understand the details of contracts, title checks and settlement processes, and for many first-home buyers or simple deals, they’re all you need.

Solicitors, on the other hand, are fully qualified lawyers who can handle the trickier stuff including disputes, unusual contract conditions, complex titles or high-value transactions where there’s a bit more at stake. They generally cost more, but the extra legal expertise can be worth it if you’re dealing with anything out of the ordinary.

A good rule of thumb is this: If your purchase is simple and low-risk, a conveyancer is often the most cost-effective option. But if you’re buying an off-the-plan property, dealing with a complicated contract or investing in an expensive home, choosing a solicitor is usually the safer (and smarter) choice.

Hidden costs to watch out for

When you’re budgeting for conveyancing, it’s worth keeping an eye out for a few sneaky extras that can catch people off guard. Some firms promote low ‘flat fees’, but the fine print often reveals that disbursements including searches, certificates and admin costs, are added on top and can quickly inflate the final bill. You might also face additional charges if the property has complications such as disputes, unregistered easements, heritage considerations or if you need an urgent or last-minute settlement.

Another one to be aware of: if settlement gets delayed because the other party isn’t ready, you could still be charged rebooking fees or even penalty fees depending on the agreement. These surprises aren’t ideal, so the best move is to ask for a clear, itemised breakdown of all potential costs right from the start. It makes budgeting easier and helps avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Why conveyancing is worth the cost

While it might be tempting to save money by cutting corners, conveyancing is really an investment in peace of mind. Without proper checks, you could unknowingly buy a property tied up in debts, disputes, or hidden complications that only surface after you’ve signed the contract. You also run the risk of missing important compliance deadlines, which can lead to penalties, and in worst-case scenarios, including losing your deposit. There’s also the long-term fallout to consider that could end up with you facing costly legal disputes after settlement. 

Example: A buyer who skips thorough conveyancing might later learn that their dream renovation isn’t allowed because of council restrictions or heritage rules. Fixing issues like that can turn into an expensive legal headache.

Budgeting for conveyancing in 2026

So, how much does conveyancing cost? In 2026, most Australians can expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $2,500, depending on the property, the location and how complicated the transaction is. Remember, the cost of conveyancing isn’t just the professional fee; it also includes disbursements such as title searches, council certificates and settlement costs, all of which are essential for a smooth transfer.

When you’re wondering how much should conveyancing cost, it helps to look beyond the number and consider the value you’re getting. A good conveyancer or solicitor doesn’t just shuffle paperwork, they protect you from unexpected issues, make sure everything is legally sound and keep the whole process running without stress. Choosing the right professional means fewer surprises, fewer delays and a much safer property transaction overall. In the grand scheme of buying or selling a home, that peace of mind is well worth it.