Conveyancing cost guide · Updated May 2026
Standard residential conveyancing across Australia: $1,400–$2,800 all-in for an established home. Off-the-plan and commercial transactions significantly more.
Conveyancing fees vary between states and between licensed conveyancers and property solicitors. Below is what to expect across the major Australian markets.
Median fixed professional fee for an established residential conveyance, May 2026:
| Location | Median professional fee | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney metropolitan | $1,820 | $1,200–$2,650 |
| Newcastle & Hunter (NSW) | $1,540 | $1,100–$2,100 |
| Melbourne metropolitan | $1,650 | $1,150–$2,400 |
| Regional Victoria | $1,300 | $980–$1,850 |
| Brisbane metropolitan | $1,480 | $1,050–$2,100 |
| Perth metropolitan | $1,420 | $1,050–$1,950 |
| Adelaide metropolitan | $1,290 | $950–$1,750 |
| Hobart | $1,180 | $900–$1,600 |
| Canberra | $1,620 | $1,200–$2,250 |
Out-of-pocket costs paid to third parties (NSW indicative figures):
| Disbursement | Cost | Charged by |
|---|---|---|
| PEXA settlement fee | $118 | PEXA |
| Title search | $45 (NSW) | NSW Land Registry Services |
| Section 10.7 certificate (NSW) | $166 typical | Local council |
| Section 88B / dealings search | $60 | Land registry |
| Section 66 water certificate | $94 | Sydney Water / regional supplier |
| OSR transfer lodgement | $226 | Revenue NSW |
| Verification of identity | $42 | Australia Post / firm |
Total standard disbursements in NSW: approximately $751. Add a strata search ($350+) if buying strata, building/pest inspection ($550+) if you arrange one through the firm.
Off-the-plan: additional $400–$1,200 in professional fees for the more complex contract review and the multi-stage settlement. See off-the-plan risks.
Commercial property: typically 0.1–0.3% of purchase price plus disbursements.
Off-the-market or private treaty with no contract: additional $500–$1,500 for the lawyer to draft the contract.
Foreign buyer (FIRB approval required): FIRB application fees from $14,700 plus legal costs of $1,500–$3,000 for the application.
Trust or company purchaser: additional $400–$1,200 for the additional documentation and review.
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