Conveyancing Fees in NSW

One of the first questions people ask when buying or selling property is: how much will conveyancing cost? It is a fair question, and one that deserves a straight answer.

Conveyancing fees in NSW are made up of two parts: professional fees (what you pay your conveyancer for their expertise and work) and disbursements (third-party government and search costs paid on your behalf). Together, these typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the nature of your transaction.

At Strictly Conveyancing, we have been providing transparent, fixed-price conveyancing across NSW since 2006. We will always give you a clear written quote before your matter begins, with every cost itemised and nothing hidden.

How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in NSW?

Buying a Property

For most standard purchases in NSW, professional conveyancing fees typically fall in the range of $1,500 to $2,500, depending on:

• Whether the property is a house, strata unit, off-the-plan, or rural title
• The complexity of the contract and any required amendments
• The number of searches and certificates required
• The property’s location (regional councils often charge more for their certificates)

Disbursements (searches, PEXA fees, and government charges) are additional to this and generally add $400 to $700 for a standard purchase.

Selling a Property

Selling involves preparing the contract for sale, collating all disclosure documents, and managing the transaction through to settlement. For most standard sales in NSW, total conveyancing costs typically range from $1,800 to $3,000, including disbursements.

Sellers should also factor in land registry lodgement fees and PEXA electronic settlement platform fees, which are charged at settlement.

Typical Disbursements in NSW

Disbursements are third-party costs that your conveyancer arranges and pays on your behalf. These are not set by us; they are charged by the NSW Government, local councils, and service providers. Common disbursements include:

Fees by Property Type

Not all properties are the same, and neither are the fees. Here is a guide to what you can expect for different property types:

Standard House (Purchase or Sale) The most straightforward transaction type. Searches are typically limited to title, planning, drainage, and council/water certificates.

Strata Unit Strata properties require additional strata searches and review of the owners corporation records. Buyers should also consider obtaining a strata inspection report (arranged separately) to understand the financial health and condition of the building.

Off-the-Plan Property Off-the-plan contracts are significantly more complex: they are longer, contain more conditions, and often require careful legal review of sunset clauses, deposit terms, and developer obligations. Professional fees for off-the-plan purchases are typically $300 to $750 higher than standard purchases.

Rural or Acreage Property Rural properties often require additional searches including zoning certificates, contamination searches, and heritage overlays. Disbursements can be higher in regional areas where council search fees vary.

Commercial Property Commercial conveyancing involves additional legal complexity, including GST considerations, lease review, and due diligence requirements. Fees reflect this complexity.

What Is Included in Our Professional Fee?

When you engage Strictly Conveyancing, our professional fee covers the full management of your transaction from start to settlement, including:

• Full legal review of the contract for sale and all prescribed disclosure documents
• Written advice on contract terms, risks, and recommended amendments
• Negotiation of special conditions and contract amendments on your behalf
• Arrangement and review of all required property searches and certificates
• Liaison with your bank, broker, and the other party’s solicitor or conveyancer
• Preparation and review of all transfer documents
• Electronic settlement through PEXA
• Calculation of settlement adjustments (rates, water, strata levies)
• Advice on stamp duty obligations and First Home Buyer eligibility
• OSR (Revenue NSW) lodgement assistance
• Clear communication at every stage of the process

There are no hidden fees. Before your matter begins, you will receive a written quote that clearly separates our professional fee from the expected disbursements.

Stamp Duty in NSW: What You Need to Know

Stamp duty (formally called transfer duty) is a NSW Government tax paid separately to conveyancing fees. It is one of the largest upfront costs in a property purchase and is calculated based on the purchase price.

Current indicative stamp duty rates (NSW, 2025):

• Property value up to $16,000: $1.25 for every $100
• $16,000 to $35,000: $200 + $1.50 per $100 over $16,000
• $35,000 to $93,000: $485 + $1.75 per $100 over $35,000
• $93,000 to $351,000: $1,500 + $3.50 per $100 over $93,000
• $351,000 to $1,155,000: $10,530 + $4.50 per $100 over $351,000
• Over $1,155,000: $46,710 + $5.50 per $100 over $1,155,000

First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Concessions

If you are purchasing your first home in NSW, you may be eligible for a full exemption or concessional rate of stamp duty. Eligibility depends on the purchase price and whether the property will be your principal place of residence.

As of 2025, first home buyers purchasing properties valued at $800,000 or less may be eligible for a full exemption, with concessions applying up to $1,000,000. We will advise you on your eligibility and handle the Revenue NSW lodgement as part of our service.

Fixed Fee vs Sliding Scale: What’s the Difference?

When comparing conveyancing quotes, you will generally encounter two pricing models:

Fixed-fee conveyancing provides a set price for a defined scope of work. You know your costs upfront. However, it is important to understand what is and is not included in that fixed price. Unexpected issues such as title defects, settlement extensions, or disputes may fall outside the fixed scope.

Sliding-scale (time-based) conveyancing charges according to the time spent on your matter. This can be more flexible but may result in higher costs if complications arise.

At Strictly Conveyancing, we provide clear, written quotes for each transaction. We will always discuss the scope of our service and the circumstances in which additional charges may apply, so there are no surprises.

Why Experience Matters: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Conveyancing

It can be tempting to choose the lowest quote. But conveyancing is not a commodity; it is the legal backbone of the most significant financial transaction most people will ever make.

A conveyancer’s fee covers far more than paperwork. It covers:

• The legal judgment to identify a problematic clause before you sign
• The experience to anticipate what searches are needed for a specific title
• The relationships with lenders, agents, and the other side that keep settlement on track
• The accountability of a licensed professional who is responsible for the outcome

Missing a deadline, failing to detect an easement, or overlooking a defect in the contract can result in penalties, failed settlement, or loss of deposit. The cost of fixing a problem mid-transaction (often with a specialist solicitor stepping in urgently) almost always far exceeds the savings made on a cheaper fee.

Strictly Conveyancing has operated since 2006. We have seen the consequences of poorly managed transactions and we are committed to making sure that never happens to our clients. Our pricing reflects our experience, our standards, and our genuine accountability to you.

Get a Personalised Quote

Because every property transaction is different, we provide personalised written quotes rather than one-size-fits-all pricing. To get your quote, we will ask a few simple questions about your property, transaction type, and timeline, and provide you with a clear, itemised cost breakdown with no hidden charges.

📞 Call us: (02) 9630 5553 📧 Email us: mail@strictlyconveyancing.com.au

We are available Monday to Friday and will respond to all enquiries within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions