When buying or selling property in Australia, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to engage a conveyancer or a solicitor to handle the legal side of the transaction. While both professionals are qualified to assist with property transfers, there are key differences between the two—and choosing the right one can make a big difference to your peace of mind and the outcome of your property deal.
In this blog, we’ll explore the roles of conveyancers and solicitors, what sets them apart, and how to decide which professional best suits your needs. If you’re navigating a property transaction and looking for reliable support, it’s essential to understand what kind of help you’re getting when you enlist legal conveyancing services.
What is a Conveyancer?
A conveyancer is a licensed professional who specialises solely in property transactions. Their main role is to ensure the legal transfer of ownership from seller to buyer is executed correctly. This includes:
- Preparing and reviewing contracts of sale
- Conducting title searches and checking for encumbrances
- Lodging documents with the relevant authorities
- Managing settlement processes
- Calculating rates and taxes to be adjusted at settlement
Conveyancers are well-versed in the practical and procedural aspects of property law. They are typically more cost-effective than solicitors and are a suitable choice for straightforward residential transactions.
What is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified legal practitioner with a broader scope of expertise, which includes property law but also extends to other legal areas such as wills, disputes, commercial law and family law. When handling conveyancing matters, solicitors offer everything a conveyancer can do, with the added advantage of:
- Providing legal advice on complex or unusual property matters
- Dealing with disputes, breaches of contract or caveats
- Advising on related legal issues such as family or estate matters that may impact the transaction
Solicitors are often recommended for more complex transactions—for example, those involving deceased estates, commercial properties, or disputes over boundaries or easements.
So, Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on the complexity of your property transaction. Here’s a general guide:
- Choose a conveyancer if your sale or purchase is straightforward, with no anticipated legal complications.
- Choose a solicitor if your transaction has any complexities or legal risks, or if you’d prefer to have broader legal support available throughout the process.
Also consider your personal preference—some people feel more comfortable knowing a solicitor can step in to handle any issue beyond conveyancing, while others are happy with a more streamlined and cost-effective service from a conveyancer.
Can a Solicitor Provide Conveyancing?
Yes. Many solicitors offer legal conveyancing services as part of their broader practice. This can be particularly helpful if you need a legal team that can assist beyond the transaction itself—for instance, helping with a property settlement in the context of a divorce or estate distribution.
Whether you choose a conveyancer or solicitor, the key is to work with someone experienced, communicative and responsive
Property transactions are significant milestones, and having the right professional on your side can make all the difference. If you’re seeking a trusted partner for your next property transaction, consider engaging a firm that offers comprehensive legal conveyancing services with practical experience with expert legal insight to guide you smoothly through the process.
