Property & Conveyancing
Licensed conveyancing is a provider category distinct from legal practice. A conveyancer may offer work connected with property transfers under the applicable jurisdiction’s rules. Check the person’s licence and the permitted scope rather than treating the title as interchangeable with solicitor.
General information only — not legal advice. This Australian overview is not a statement of every state or territory’s law. Check the jurisdiction and current requirements with an appropriately qualified adviser.
This area includes some non-lawyer legal services. The person’s or firm’s registration, authority and permitted scope differ from those of an Australian legal practitioner. Check which professional is needed for your task.
Licensing arrangements and available services vary. A fixed-fee description does not establish that every transaction or legal problem is included. Ask how unexpected disputes, complex ownership questions or work outside the provider’s permitted scope would be handled.
Organise the following material you already lawfully hold. This is a preparation list, not a complete evidentiary requirement. Ask the verified adviser what they need and how to send it securely.
Keep originals and dates intact. Use a short initial enquiry for a conflict and suitability check before sending sensitive documents.
Ask what services the licensed conveyancer is authorised and engaged to provide in the property’s jurisdiction. Identify unusual contract terms, disputes or related estate and business issues early. A clear proposal should state the transaction work included and when a referral to a legal practitioner may be needed.
A licensed conveyancer and a lawyer are different professional categories. Compare the actual service and authorisation rather than treating similar advertising or office branding as proof of identical qualifications.
What are you licensed to do for this transaction, and when would a legal practitioner need to be involved?
Ask the adviser to explain the assumptions behind the answer, any missing information and what would change the proposed next step. You can request an initial assessment without assuming that full representation is included.
Ask before engaging who can advise on the dispute and whether that work is outside the conveyancing service. Confirm how papers and responsibility would be transferred if another practitioner becomes involved.
Compare the defined work and exclusions, not just the initial price. Ask about GST, third-party expenses, later stages and what happens if the scope changes. Our legal fees guide explains useful questions, and the comparison worksheet helps record proposals.
For a related legal task, read property & conveyancing. Use both sets of preparation questions if your enquiry spans the two tasks.
Define the work before comparing the fee
A property engagement should identify the transaction or disagreement, the relevant jurisdiction and the practical decision pending. Document review, due diligence, negotiation and completion are different pieces of work.
Mention connected issues when you enquire. One engagement may not cover every part of your situation.
Use these primary resources for background and current pathways. A state-specific resource is an example for that jurisdiction, not a rule for all Australia. Broad regulator and tribunal links do not establish your eligibility or a legal entitlement.
Victorian property, renting and housing information; check the property’s actual jurisdiction.
Our document lists, questions and examples are original editorial preparation prompts. Follow the relevant authority for current requirements and seek individual advice before acting.
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