How much does a conveyancer cost in NSW?

Typically between $1,400 and $2,700 all up for a standard residential matter — a professional fee plus disbursements at cost. Gately Conveyancing quotes a fixed professional fee upfront, usually the same day.

Is conveyancing cheaper than using a solicitor?

Often, yes — licensed conveyancers specialise exclusively in property transfers and typically charge fixed fees rather than hourly rates. For standard residential matters the work performed is the same transfer.

Do I pay conveyancing fees upfront?

No. On a purchase, our fees are paid at settlement. On a sale, fees are also paid at settlement — unless the property hasn't sold within three months, in which case fees are charged on a pro rata basis plus disbursements.

Are disbursements included in the fixed fee?

Disbursements are separate — they're third-party costs that vary with the searches your matter needs, generally $500–$900. We itemise them at cost so you can see exactly what was ordered and why.

Does a more expensive property cost more to convey?

Not necessarily. The work depends on the complexity of the contract and title, not the price of the property.

Services

How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in NSW?

Reviewed by Brenda Gately, Licensed Conveyancer (NSW Licence No. 05006556) — 36 years’ experience.

In NSW, conveyancing for a standard residential purchase or sale typically costs between $1,400 and $2,700 all up, made up of a professional fee (commonly $900–$1,800 in Sydney) plus disbursements — third-party costs such as title searches and certificates, which generally run $500–$900. At Gately Conveyancing we quote a fixed professional fee upfront, usually the same day you call, so you know the full cost before we begin.

What conveyancing costs in NSW — typical ranges

Conveyancing costs have two parts:

The professional fee— what your conveyancer charges for the work of the transfer. In Sydney this commonly ranges from $900 to $1,800 depending on the property and complexity. Our fixed fee sits in the middle of the Sydney market — you’re not paying a premium, and if a quote you’ve received is well above this range, it’s worth asking why.
Disbursements — costs your conveyancer pays on your behalf to third parties: title searches, council and water certificates, registration fees. These generally range from $500 to $900 and are itemised at cost.

Purchases usually involve more searches than sales, so buying tends to sit at the higher end. Off-the-plan and strata purchases can involve additional review work — we’ll always tell you upfront if your matter needs it.

What’s included in our fixed fee

Our fixed fee for a standard residential matter covers the whole transfer, including:

Reviewing (for buyers) or preparing (for sellers) the contract of sale
Explaining the contract to you in plain English before you sign
Raising enquiries and negotiating amendments where needed
Ordering and reviewing searches and certificates
Calculating settlement adjustments (council rates, water, strata levies)
Coordinating and attending electronic settlement via PEXA
Confirming registration and notifying the relevant authorities after settlement

Unlike time-based billing, a fixed fee means a long phone call to put your mind at ease never costs you extra.

Fixed fee vs hourly rates — why it matters

Property transfers in NSW can be handled by a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor. Solicitors often bill by the hour, which means the final cost can grow if your matter takes longer than expected. A fixed fee gives you certainty: the price we quote at the start is the professional fee you pay at the end, even if the matter needs extra phone calls, follow-ups or patience.

For most standard residential purchases and sales, a licensed conveyancer — a specialist who works exclusively on property transfers — is the cost-effective choice.

What are disbursements?

Disbursements are the out-of-pocket costs of your transfer — fees charged by councils, water authorities and other relevant government bodies for the searches and certificates your matter requires. They’re the same no matter who does your conveyancing, and we pass them on at cost with an itemised list.

Read our full guide: what are disbursements in conveyancing?

Other costs to budget for when buying

Conveyancing is one of the smaller costs of a property purchase. Depending on your circumstances, also budget for transfer duty (stamp duty), lender fees, building and pest or strata inspection reports, and moving costs. First home buyers may pay reduced or no transfer duty under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme — ask us where to check your eligibility.

How to get an upfront quote

Tell us whether you’re buying or selling, the property type (house, apartment, off-the-plan) and the suburb. Call us and we can usually confirm your fixed quote over the phone the same day, followed up in writing with the professional fee and expected disbursements listed separately.

Request a Free Quote (02) 8815 8148

Frequently asked questions

How much does a conveyancer cost in NSW?: Typically between $1,400 and $2,700 all up for a standard residential matter — a professional fee plus disbursements at cost. Gately Conveyancing quotes a fixed professional fee upfront, usually the same day.
Is conveyancing cheaper than using a solicitor?: Often, yes — licensed conveyancers specialise exclusively in property transfers and typically charge fixed fees rather than hourly rates. For standard residential matters the work performed is the same transfer.
Do I pay conveyancing fees upfront?: No. On a purchase, our fees are paid at settlement. On a sale, fees are also paid at settlement — unless the property hasn't sold within three months, in which case fees are charged on a pro rata basis plus disbursements.
Are disbursements included in the fixed fee?: Disbursements are separate — they're third-party costs that vary with the searches your matter needs, generally $500–$900. We itemise them at cost so you can see exactly what was ordered and why.
Does a more expensive property cost more to convey?: Not necessarily. The work depends on the complexity of the contract and title, not the price of the property.