Buying property in Victoria without a conveyancer
is like going to court without a lawyer. Technically
possible. Almost always a mistake.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing
the right conveyancer for your Victorian property
purchase.
What Does a Conveyancer Do?
A licensed conveyancer manages the legal and
administrative process of transferring property
ownership from the vendor to you. In Victoria
this involves:
- Reviewing the Section 32 vendor’s statement
- Reviewing and advising on the contract of sale
- Conducting title searches and property searches
- Liaising with your lender and the vendor’s
legal representative - Calculating adjustments for rates, taxes,
and owners corporation fees - Preparing settlement documents
- Attending settlement and transferring funds
- Registering the transfer of title with
Land Use Victoria
From the moment you make an offer to the day
you get the keys your conveyancer is your
legal representative and guide.
Conveyancer vs Solicitor — What’s the Difference?
In Victoria both licensed conveyancers and
property solicitors can handle residential
property transfers. The key differences:
Licensed conveyancer:
- Specialist in property transactions only
- Licensed by the Business Licensing Authority
- Typically lower fees than solicitors
- Cannot advise on complex legal matters
outside property law
Property solicitor:
- Broader legal qualifications
- Can handle complex legal issues that arise
- Typically higher fees
- Worth considering for complex purchases —
commercial property, deceased estates,
disputed titles
For a standard residential purchase a licensed
conveyancer is perfectly adequate and more
cost effective.
How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in Victoria?
Victorian conveyancing fees typically range from:
- Simple apartment purchase: $1,200–$2,000
- Standard house purchase: $1,500–$2,500
- Complex purchase: $2,500–$4,000+
Be wary of very cheap quotes — conveyancing
involves significant legal responsibility and
a $700 quote often means limited service or
hidden disbursements added later.
Always ask for a quote that includes:
- Professional fee
- All disbursements (title searches,
government fees, certificates) - GST
A reputable conveyancer will provide a clear
written quote upfront with no hidden costs.
What to Look For When Choosing
1. Victorian licence
Your conveyancer must hold a current licence
issued by the Business Licensing Authority
of Victoria. Verify this before engaging anyone.
2. Local experience
A conveyancer with strong experience in
Victorian property law and familiarity with
your target area is invaluable. Local
knowledge matters — they’ll know common
issues in certain buildings or areas.
3. Clear communication
Property transactions move quickly. Your
conveyancer must be responsive, explain
things clearly, and keep you informed at
every stage. Poor communication is the
most common complaint about conveyancers.
4. Availability
Check whether you’ll deal with the same
person throughout or be passed between
staff. Continuity matters.
5. Technology
Modern conveyancers use electronic
settlement platforms like PEXA. This
speeds up settlement and reduces the
risk of errors. Ask whether they use
electronic conveyancing.
6. Reviews and referrals
Check Google Reviews and ask friends,
family, or your buyer’s agent for
recommendations. A conveyancer with
consistently strong reviews over many
years is a safer choice than the
cheapest option.
When to Engage a Conveyancer
Earlier than most buyers think.
Before you make an offer is ideal —
your conveyancer can review the Section 32
and contract of sale before you sign
anything. This is particularly important
at private sales.
Before auction is essential — get
the Section 32 and contract reviewed
before auction day. You cannot negotiate
contract terms after the hammer falls.
Don’t wait until after you’ve signed.
By then it’s too late to identify and
address problems in the contract.
Questions to Ask a Conveyancer
Before engaging a conveyancer ask:
- Are you licensed with the Business
Licensing Authority of Victoria? - Do you carry professional indemnity
insurance? - Will I deal with you directly or be
passed to support staff? - Do you use PEXA for electronic settlement?
- What is your full fee including all
disbursements? - What is your typical turnaround time
for reviewing a Section 32? - Have you worked on properties in
this area before?
A good conveyancer will answer all of
these questions confidently and clearly.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No clear written quote upfront
- Unable to verify their licence
- Slow to respond to initial enquiries
- Discourages you from asking questions
- Recommends you skip the building
inspection to save time - Has no online presence or reviews
The Bottom Line
Your conveyancer protects your interests
in what is likely the largest financial
transaction of your life. This is not
the place to find the cheapest option.
Find someone licenced, experienced,
responsive, and well reviewed. Engage
them early. And let them do their job.
Disclaimer: This article is for
general informational purposes only
and does not constitute legal advice.
Always engage a licensed Victorian
conveyancer or solicitor before
signing any property contract.
Vic Property Guide 
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