By the Wisdom Conveyancing Team — Licensed NSW Conveyancers Last updated: August 2026
Conveyancing in Sydney usually charges buyers around $1,000 to $2,500 and sellers around $2,000 to $3,000, including professional charges and costs. The exact price depends on the kind of property, how complicated the transaction is, and whether you hire a conveyancer who charges a fixed fee or an hourly rate. Most licensed conveyancers in NSW these days charge a fixed fee, so you can see the total cost ahead of time when you decide to use their services.
Conveyancing in Sydney usually costs buyers around $1,000 to $2,500 and sellers around $2,000 to $3,000, with professional fees and costs added on top. How much you actually pay depends on the property, the sale or purchase complexity, and whether you pick a conveyancer with a fixed fee or one who charges by the hour. The majority of NSW licensed conveyancers now charge fixed fees, so you can see the total cost before deciding to use their services.
Typical Conveyancing Fees in Sydney
Expect to see conveyancing costs when you’re buying or selling property in Sydney. Based on current rates from licensed conveyancing firms in NSW:
| Transaction Type | Typical Cost Range |
| Buying a property (purchase) | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Selling a property (sale) | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Property transfer (e.g. between family members) | $500–$900 |
| Contract review only | $150–$400 (often free when bundled with purchase) |
These standard rates normally include a conveyancer’s fee along with typical disbursements. This does however vary between firms: some leave out disbursements and charge separately.
- What’s Included in a Conveyancing Fee
A standard conveyancing fee tends to cover:
- Contract of Sale review and negotiation
- Property and title searches
- Communication with the bank and other party’s agent, as well as the agent representing the property
- Presentation and lodgment of required legal documentation
- Determination of rate and utility adjustments
Overseeing or attending settlement
While conveyancing can be done directly, it’s a risky proposition. Conveyancing undertaken by a lawyer or a licensed conveyancer makes the process a lot smoother and less complicated. It is almost always the safest option when buying or selling real estate.
Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rates: Which is Better?
Most conveyancers in Sydney have shifted to fixed fees. This makes budgeting easier. Billing clients hourly is rare but may still occur with some solicitors on matters that are lengthy or disputed.
Fixed fees are almost always the better option for standard residential conveyancing as you have the peace of mind of knowing the price upfront.
What are Disbursements?
Disbursements are costs conveyancers incur during the transaction. These fees are in addition to the professional fee and are payable by you, the client. They may include:
- Title search fees
- Council rates certificate
- Water rates certificate
- Land Registry Services (title transfer) fees
- PEXA (electronic settlement) fees
Some firms will include these in their fixed fees. Others will not, and will charge you these fees in addition to their fixed fees. This is the main reason for different quotes on the same service.
What Determines Your Conveyancing Cost
Your final cost can depend on:
Property type — buying a commercial property, off-the-plan property, or an apartment with a stratum report is generally more expensive than purchasing a house
Location — some regions have council areas where the certificate and search fees are higher
Transaction complexity — buying a house as a deceased estate, a trust purchase, a company purchase or a contract that is contested adds to the price
Buying vs selling — selling is slightly more expensive since a contract needs to be drafted and a vendor disclosure statement needs to be prepared
Buyer Costs vs Seller Costs
| Details | Buyer | Seller |
| Main Task | Contract review, due diligence and settlement | Contract preparation, disclosure statement and settlement |
| Typical Cost | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Extra Steps | Building and pest inspection coordination | Liaising with the real estate agent throughout |
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Since each transaction is different, the only way to know your exact cost is to get a personalised fixed-fee quote from a conveyancer before you commit. A good firm will give you the disbursements and professional fees breakdown in writing with no obligation to use them.
A1. Generally yes, though the difference is usually modest. Sydney-based transactions can involve slightly higher search and certificate fees, and higher property values can occasionally affect complexity-based pricing.
A2. Most conveyancers charge at settlement, deducting their fee from the sale or purchase proceeds. Some request a small upfront payment for the initial contract review.
A3. Not necessarily. Price differences often come down to what’s included (disbursements bundled or not) rather than service quality. Compare full, itemised quotes rather than headline prices alone.
A4. Firms may have more flexibility with straightforward transactions involving a single property. It is reasonable to request a breakdown and compare this to at least one other quote.
A5. No. Stamp duty is a separate government tax paid to NSW Revenue, calculated based on the property’s purchase price. Conveyancing fees only cover the professional service and disbursements, not stamp duty.
A6. Quotes vary for several reasons. One is if a firm decides to include “disbursements” in the quote’s fixed fee. “Disbursements” refer to out-of-pocket costs for the firm. Another reason is complexity regarding the transaction, location, and type of property. Always ask for a breakdown quote and not just the total fee.
A7. Only in NSW can you avoid hiring a conveyancer and do what is called “DIY conveyancing”. Multiple issues can arise with this such as title defects and failure to disclose which can cost much, much more than what a conveyancer would charge you. For that reason, almost all buyers and sellers use a licensed conveyancer or solicitor.
A8. Any user of a conveyancing service can expect to pay the same, but first home buyers face the lowest overall costs after receiving a stamp duty exemption or concession. Check with your conveyancer to see if you qualify.
A9. Aside from the fees charged for conveyancing services, budget for any costs related to stamp duty, the establishment of the loan, building or pest inspections, and the cost of relocating. Sellers should expect to also pay for conveyancing fees, agent commissions, and any outstanding rates.