Property help in NSW
Conveyancer or solicitor?
Both conveyancers and solicitors may help with a property transaction in NSW. Your choice depends on the work you need and whether the matter requires broader legal advice.
Aquarius Lawyers confirms the proposed work, boundaries and likely third-party charges in writing before work begins.
- Transaction
- The immediate scope needed
- Advice
- Any wider legal questions
- Boundary
- What is confirmed in writing
Before you engage anyone
- Ask what work is included
- Name the documents and deadline
- Confirm the scope in writing
A licensed conveyancer may suit a standard transaction that falls within their licence. A solicitor may suit a matter that needs broader legal advice. Ask what is included before you engage anyone.
This comparison covers NSW. For property elsewhere, read our conveyancer and solicitor guide across Australia, including questions to raise before signing.
How their services differ.
Ask each professional what they will do, what is outside the scope and when they will refer you for other legal advice.
| Question | Licensed conveyancer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Typical focus | Conveyancing and settlement work within the professional's licence and agreed scope. | Conveyancing plus the ability to provide broader legal advice within the solicitor's practice. |
| When this may suit you | A clearly scoped standard residential purchase or sale where the transaction fits the service. | A matter where contract risk, broader advice, unusual ownership, or another legal issue needs to be considered. |
| What to ask about cost | Ask for the professional fee, disbursements, GST, and what happens if work falls outside scope. | Ask for the same breakdown, including the advice and transaction steps included in the written scope. |
| What to ask first | Does this matter fit your licence and standard transaction scope? | What legal questions should we address before exchange, signing or settlement? |
A conveyancer may suit a standard transaction.
A licensed conveyancer may be a suitable choice when the transaction is within their licence, the documents are familiar, and you understand what the service includes.
- Standard residential buying or selling steps.
- A written scope that answers your immediate questions.
- A clear route to refer broader legal issues when they arise.
A solicitor may suit a matter with wider legal questions.
A solicitor may be useful when the property transaction sits alongside a dispute, an unusual transfer, an estate or family arrangement, commercial property, or complex contract terms.
- Unusual conditions, ownership, or title questions.
- A dispute, estate matter or family law issue.
- Commercial property or a property bought off the plan.
Go to the page for your next step.
Common questions about conveyancers and solicitors.
Is a conveyancer a lawyer?
No. A licensed conveyancer and a solicitor are different regulated professionals, although both may assist with conveyancing work in NSW. Your choice depends on the transaction, the legal advice you need and the agreed scope.
Is a conveyancer cheaper than a solicitor?
The total depends on the work required. Compare the written scope, inclusions, disbursements and GST. Ask what happens if the matter becomes more complex.
When might a solicitor be useful for conveyancing?
A solicitor may be useful when the matter involves unusual contract conditions, a dispute, a complex transfer, commercial property, an estate or family arrangement, or another issue that needs broader legal advice. That does not mean every standard transaction requires a solicitor.
Can a solicitor review a contract before I sign it?
Yes. A contract review can focus on the clauses, searches, deadlines, disclosure material, and questions that matter before exchange or an auction. Start with the contract, the property details, and the deadline so the review scope is clear.
Sources. Read the NSW Fair Trading conveyancer guidance and the Law Society of NSW lawyer directory to check professional roles and licensing. Confirm the details for your own matter.
Not sure which property service you need?
Tell Aquarius Lawyers whether you are buying, selling, reviewing a contract or dealing with an unusual issue. We can explain which information we need before we prepare a written scope.