Last updated: July 2026
Conveyancing Explained for First Home Buyers
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. In Australia, you will need a licensed conveyancer or property solicitor to handle this for you (in Queensland and the ACT, it must be a solicitor). It typically costs between $1,200 and $3,700, and you should engage one before you sign any contract of sale. Here is what the process involves and how it connects to first home buyer schemes.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing covers every legal step required to transfer a property title from the seller to you. It starts when you sign the contract of sale and finishes when the title is registered in your name after settlement. In most states and territories, this process can be handled by either a licensed conveyancer or a property solicitor. Queensland and the ACT are the exception: neither has an independent licensed conveyancer profession, so a solicitor must handle the transaction.
For first home buyers, conveyancing is especially important because your conveyancer will also manage scheme-related paperwork, including stamp duty concession applications and, in many states, the First Home Owner Grant application.
What Does a Conveyancer Do?
Your conveyancer handles a series of steps from the moment you are ready to make an offer through to settlement and beyond.
Reviews the contract of sale before you sign
Your conveyancer checks for unusual clauses, identifies risks, and advises on any special conditions you should include (such as making the purchase subject to a satisfactory building inspection).
Conducts property searches
This includes title searches, planning certificates, council and water rate searches, and strata reports for apartments. These searches reveal any encumbrances, easements, zoning issues, or outstanding debts on the property.
Advises on special conditions
If any search results raise concerns, your conveyancer will explain the implications and recommend next steps. They may suggest additional conditions or, in some cases, advise against proceeding.
Manages the deposit and trust account
Your deposit is held in a trust account until settlement. Your conveyancer manages this and ensures the funds are handled correctly.
Coordinates with your lender on settlement
Your conveyancer works with your bank or broker to ensure loan documents are ready, mortgage registration is prepared, and settlement happens on time.
Lodges stamp duty and FHOG paperwork
In many states, your conveyancer lodges your stamp duty concession application and First Home Owner Grant paperwork. Some lenders handle the FHOG application directly, so confirm who is responsible early on.
Attends settlement (usually electronic via PEXA)
Most settlements in Australia now happen electronically through PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). Your conveyancer logs in on the day, verifies all documents, and confirms the transfer of funds and title.
Typical Costs
Conveyancing costs vary by state, complexity of the transaction, and whether you use a conveyancer or solicitor. Here is a general guide.
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic conveyancing fee | $800 - $1,500 |
| Full-service property solicitor | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Disbursements (searches, certificates) | $300 - $600 |
| PEXA settlement fee | ~$100 |
| Total typical range | $1,200 - $3,700 |
Conveyancer vs Property Solicitor
Both can handle your property purchase, but they differ in scope and cost. The exception is Queensland and the ACT, where there is no independent licensed conveyancer profession — a solicitor must handle the transaction regardless of complexity.
Licensed Conveyancer
- Specialist in property transfers
- Handles standard transactions
- Generally cheaper: $800 to $1,500
- Good for straightforward purchases
- Licensed under state regulations
Property Solicitor
- Can handle complex legal issues
- Required for some transactions (e.g. off-the-plan)
- Higher cost: $1,500 to $3,000+
- Better for unusual situations
- Can provide broader legal advice
When to Engage a Conveyancer
The short answer: before you sign any contract. Your conveyancer should review the contract of sale and advise on any clauses that could create problems. At a minimum, engage one when you are ready to make an offer on a property.
If you are buying at auction, have your conveyancer review the contract before auction day. Once the hammer falls, you are legally bound with no cooling-off period, so you need to know exactly what you are signing up for.
How Conveyancing Connects to First Home Buyer Schemes
Your conveyancer plays a direct role in several first home buyer schemes:
- Stamp duty concessions are applied through the conveyancer when they lodge the transfer documents with the state revenue office
- In many states, the First Home Owner Grant application is lodged by your conveyancer or lender at the time of settlement
- Your conveyancer will ensure that any scheme-related conditions are met, such as residency requirements and property value caps
- If you are using the FHSS, your conveyancer can advise on settlement timing to ensure your released super funds arrive in time
For a full walkthrough of the buying process, see the first home buyer checklist. For what happens on the day ownership transfers, see our guide to the settlement process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a conveyancer or a solicitor to buy a home?
In most states, you can choose either. A licensed conveyancer is sufficient for most straightforward property purchases and is generally cheaper ($800 to $1,500). A property solicitor ($1,500 to $3,000+) is better if the transaction is complex, such as off-the-plan purchases, properties with easements, or unusual contract conditions. Queensland and the ACT are the exception: there is no independent licensed conveyancer profession in either jurisdiction, so buyers there must use a solicitor.
How much does conveyancing cost in Australia in 2026?
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,700 all up, including the professional fee ($800 to $1,500 for a conveyancer, $1,500 to $3,000 for a solicitor) plus disbursements for searches and certificates ($300 to $600) and the PEXA settlement fee (around $100).
Can a conveyancer help with my FHOG application?
In many states, your conveyancer or your lender will lodge the First Home Owner Grant application on your behalf. They also handle stamp duty concession paperwork. Ask your conveyancer at the start of the process to confirm which scheme paperwork they will manage.
When should I engage a conveyancer?
Before you sign any contract of sale. Ideally, engage a conveyancer as soon as you start making offers so they can review contracts quickly. If you are buying at auction, have your conveyancer review the contract before auction day, since there is no cooling-off period after the hammer falls.
Sources:
PEXA - Property Exchange Australia | NSW Fair Trading - Conveyancing | Consumer Affairs Victoria - Buying Property
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Calculations are estimates only and may not reflect your exact circumstances. Eligibility criteria and dollar amounts may change without notice. Always verify with the relevant government authority, your mortgage broker, or a licensed financial adviser before making decisions.