Finding a good conveyancer in Australia
Finding a good conveyancer to assist you with the process will ensure a correct, and hassle-free procedure.
When you’re buying a property, finding a qualified conveyancer to take charge of all the legal processes and documents involved can help make the process smoother.
What does a conveyancer do?
A conveyancer is a licensed professional who provides advice and information about the transfer of property ownership, as well as assisting buyers and sellers through the selling process.
Conveyancers will organise all the appropriate documentation required for settlement, communicate with lenders and provide advice where appropriate. It’s recommended you use a conveyancer when buying or selling land, subdividing land, updating a title, and registering, altering or removing an easement.
Generally, conveyancing costs around $1,000 to $2,200 in metro areas. In rural areas, it can cost between $800 and $1,800.
Conveyancers will usually conduct property searches, identify easements, outline the type of title, compute adjustment of the rates and taxes and act on your behalf to settle the property.
It’s important to note that a conveyancer is legally required to have professional indemnity insurance. This covers the conveyancer for certain accidental potential mistakes or omissions that could result in the customer taking legal action against them.
How does conveyancing help home buyers?
Conveyancers can help buyers with the logistics of buying a home. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in a new home purchase, which could overwhelm both novice and experienced home buyers. To help you navigate this part of the buying process, a conveyancer will generally:
- Arrange building and pest inspections.
- Prepare and lodge legal documents.
- Research the property and its certificate of title.
- Check for any issues that might infringe on council regulations.
- Organise a land survey to ensure the boundaries of the property are accurately represented.
- Place your deposit into a trust account.
- Help with stamp duty and other property ownership transfer costs.
- Calculate the adjustment of rates and taxes.
- Settle the property on your behalf.
This can make the whole buying experience much simpler. Having a professional conveyancer can help you avoid making costly mistakes that could delay your home purchase.
Conveyancing works differently in each state and territory in Australia due to different laws and practices. In Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, it’s important to note that only solicitors can help you with your conveyancing process.
Tips when choosing a conveyancer
A good conveyancer can make the whole property buying process a breeze. Before choosing one, make sure you do your research. Ask around your friends and family if they’ve worked with a good conveyancer and get recommendations. Or if you have a real estate agent or lender, ask them if they have any trusted conveyancers that they can refer you to.
If you’re looking for a conveyancer online, start your search by looking at the Australian Institute of Conveyancers in your state or territory. Look at your local law society to see if there are any conveyancer/solicitors near you.
Once you have a shortlist of conveyancers, give them a call and ask them a few questions. Here’s a checklist of queries to help you determine whether a conveyancer is right for you:
- Is the conveyancer a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers?
- What type of real estate do they specialise in?
- What services are covered by the fees and charges?
- How long do they think the settlement will take?
- How will the communication be, and how often?
Referrals from your friends and family may help you to find a good conveyancer. You can also visit the Australian Institute of Conveyancers website to check registered and licensed conveyancers within your state or territory.
Ready to start your home buying journey?
While searching for a good conveyancer is important, so is getting the right home loan. We can help you with that! At loans.com.au, we have a range of competitive home loan offers. Know more by calling 13 10 90 or apply online today!
Find out in under 2 minutes if you qualify for one of our home loans.
About the article
As Australia's leading online lender, loans.com.au has been helping people into their dream homes and cars for more than 10 years. Our content is written and reviewed by experienced financial experts. The information we provide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives or needs. If you'd like to chat to one of our lending specialists about a home or car loan, contact us on Live Chat or by calling 13 10 90.
