Buying your first home in NSW is exciting, but it also comes with new terms, processes, and expenses you may not have encountered before, along with important decisions to make along the way. One of the biggest is understanding the conveyancing cost, which covers the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to you. For first-home buyers, this often includes extra steps like applying for government grants or stamp duty concessions.

Understanding how much conveyancing costs and what those costs include will help you set a realistic budget, prepare for settlement, and avoid unexpected expenses that could cause delays or stress. 

What is Included in Conveyancing Costs? 

When you hire a conveyancer or solicitor to handle your property purchase, their costs usually cover three main parts.

Professional Service Fees

This is what your conveyancer charges for their time, expertise, guidance, and attention to detail throughout the purchase. For a first-home buyer in NSW, this usually includes: 

  • Reviewing the Contract for Sale before you sign it – checks the legal terms and protects you from agreeing to anything unfair
  • Advising you on any risks or unusual conditions in the contract – helps you understand potential issues before you commit
  • Arranging and checking property searches and certificates – confirms there are no legal problems or hidden restrictions on the property
  • Preparing legal documents for settlement – ensures ownership can be transferred smoothly and correctly
  • Liaising with your lender, the seller’s legal team, and other professionals – keeps everyone on track so deadlines are met.
  • Coordinating settlement – makes sure the final payment is made, legal ownership is transferred, and you receive the keys.

Disbursements

These are government, council, third-party, and administrative charges your conveyancer pays on your behalf. They are separate from the professional service fee and can include: 

  • PEXA fees – the online platform used for property settlements. It ensures funds and documents are securely transferred
  • Council rates certificate – shows the current rates for the property and whether any amounts are outstanding
  • Water rates certificates – confirm water supply arrangements and any unpaid water rates
  • Strata certificate – for units or townhouses, this shows levies payable, any outstanding amounts, and other financial details of the owners corporation.

GST

GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a 10 percent tax charged on most goods and services in Australia, and conveyancing is no exception. It applies to both professional fees and some disbursements. Most quotes already include GST in the total, but it is always worth checking if it is listed separately so you know exactly what you are paying. 

Typical Conveyancing Fees for First Home Buyers in NSW 

Conveyancing fees can vary depending on a few factors: 

Conveyancing cost for first time home buyer

  • Whether your conveyancer charges a fixed fee or an hourly rate – Fixed fees mean you pay the same amount no matter how long the work takes. Hourly rates may start lower but can increase if the process becomes more complicated
  • The type of property you are buying – A standalone house, apartment, vacant land, or property within a strata scheme can each require different checks and searches, which may change the total cost
  • The property’s location – Properties in busy metro areas like Sydney may involve higher fees than those in regional NSW, often due to higher business operating costs or more complex contracts
  • Any extra work involved – This can include applying for first home buyer grants, stamp duty exemptions, reviewing unusual contract clauses, or dealing with delays from the seller’s side. It may also cover: 
    • Preparing or reviewing licence agreements. 
    • Urgency fees when work needs to be completed on very short notice. 
    • Drafting additional documents that aren’t part of the contract, such as deeds. 
    • Issuing formal notices, for example a Notice to Complete or a Notice of Rescission.
       

For first-home buyers in NSW, many conveyancers offer fixed-fee packages so you know exactly what you will be paying before you start. Always ask for a written quote that clearly lists both the professional service fee and the disbursements so you can compare costs fairly. And remember, the cheapest quote may not offer the level of service and attention you need for such an important purchase. 

Common Disbursements and Third-Party Costs 

On top of your conveyancer’s professional service fee, there are additional charges that need to be budgeted for. These are paid to government bodies, councils, utility providers, or settlement platforms, and your conveyancer simply passes the cost on to you. 

Some of the most common disbursements for first-home buyers in NSW include: 

  • PEXA settlement fee – Required for electronic settlement (the standard method in NSW). 
  • Council rates certificate (Section 603) – Confirms council rates for the property and whether any are outstanding. 
  • Water authority certificate (Section 66) – Checks for any unpaid water usage charges or service fees. 
  • Strata certificate (Section 184) – for units or townhouses, shows levies payable, any arrears, and the financial position of the owners corporation. 
  • Specialised searches (if required) – For things like environmental, heritage, or land contamination checks depending on the property’s location. 

Your conveyancer will confirm which searches and certificates are necessary for your property so you only pay for what’s relevant. 

Extra Costs First-Home Buyers Should Budget For 

While conveyancing is a key part of the buying process, it is only one of the costs you will face when purchasing your first home in NSW. Make sure you also plan for: 

  • Stamp Duty – A state government tax on property purchases. In NSW, the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme may give you a full or partial exemption if you meet the criteria
  • Building and Pest Inspections – These can uncover hidden damage, structural problems, pest infestations, or safety hazards that might affect your decision to buy. 
  • Strata Inspection Report – For units or townhouses, this provides detailed information about the financial health of the strata scheme, past and planned repairs, insurance, and any disputes within the owners corporation. 
  • Loan and Mortgage Fees – Your lender may charge application fees, valuation fees, mortgage registration fees, or other administrative charges for setting up your loan
  • Moving Costs – Includes removalists, packing supplies, redirecting mail, and setting up utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet.

Why Paying More Can Save You Money 

It can be tempting to choose the cheapest conveyancing service, but in property transactions, experience and attention to detail are worth investing in. An experienced conveyancer who knows the NSW market can: 

  • Identify contract issues early so you do not face unexpected costs after signing
  • Make sure all grant and exemption applications are submitted correctly and on time
  • Prevent settlement delays, which can result in penalty fees or even losing the property
  • Guide you through each step so you feel confident in your decisions.
     

At Strictly Conveyancing, we protect first-home buyers by handling every detail with care. Our goal is to make your purchase smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant, while keeping you informed and confident at every step. 

FAQ – Conveyancing Costs for First Home Buyers 

1. What’s the difference between conveyancing fees and disbursements?
Conveyancing fees are what you pay for the professional service of your conveyancer. Disbursements are the extra charges they pay to third parties, like government departments or councils, to get the legal information needed for your property purchase. 

2. Do first-home buyers get cheaper conveyancing in NSW?

The legal work involved is the same for any buyer. However, first-home buyers may have extra tasks, like applying for grants, which some conveyancers include in their fixed fee.

3. Can I do my own conveyancing to save money?

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, but it is risky, especially if you are unfamiliar with property law in NSW. Mistakes can be costly and may even cause the purchase to fall through.  

Final Thoughts 

Conveyancing costs for first-home buyers in NSW can vary, but understanding what you are paying for makes it easier to plan your budget and avoid surprises. Look for a conveyancer who is upfront about their fees, has experience with first-home buyers, understands the local property market, and communicates clearly throughout the process. 

At Strictly Conveyancing, we guide first-home buyers through every step, from reviewing contracts to settlement, making sure all costs are clear from the start. If you are ready to take the next step towards buying your first home in NSW, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.