What does a conveyancer/solicitor do for a property purchase?

When you're buying or selling a home, there’s a bunch of legal paperwork involved. That’s where a conveyancer comes in. A conveyancer is a licensed professional who helps you navigate all the legal stuff that comes with property transactions.

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What does a converyancer/solicitor do for a property purchase?

What happens on the day of settlement?

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What does a conveyancer or solicitor do for a property purchase?
Think of them as your behind-the-scenes expert handling property contracts, researching the property title and ownership, and making sure everything runs smoothly through settlement. Sometimes a conveyancer is also a solicitor (aka a lawyer), but not always.

And while both can do similar things when it comes to buying or selling property, there are a few key differences to know.

How conveyancers help property buyers

If you’re buying a home or investment property, a conveyancer plays a vital role in guiding you through the legal and administrative aspects of the home buying process. Here’s how a conveyancer supports buyers throughout the property purchase journey:


Prepare and lodge legal documents

A conveyancer will draft, review, and lodge all necessary legal documents, including the contract of sale and transfer of land paperwork. They’ll ensure everything is in order and compliant with local property law and regulations, protecting your interests throughout the transaction.
Conduct property and title search

Conduct property and title searches

Before you commit to buying, your conveyancer will research the property thoroughly. This includes checking for:

  • Title details: Ensuring the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership
  • Easements: Identifying any rights of way or restrictions on the land
  • Covenants and zoning: Verifying land use rules or development limitations
  • Planning or council proposals: Highlighting any planned developments nearby
These checks help uncover potential red flags that could impact your decision or future use of the property.

Manage the deposit securely

Your conveyancer will manage your deposit by placing it in a secure trust account until settlement. This protects your funds and ensures they are handled according to legal requirements.

 

Calculate and adjust rates and taxes

As part of the conveyancing process, your conveyancer will calculate and adjust council rates, water rates, and land tax between you and the seller. This ensures each party pays the correct amount for their time of ownership, and prevents you from being left with unexpected charges.

 

Coordinate settlement

On settlement day, your conveyancer will coordinate with your lender (if applicable), the seller’s legal representative, and the land titles office to finalise the property transfer. This includes:

 

  • Confirming funds are transferred correctly
  • Ensuring all paperwork is submitted and registered
  • Notifying you once the transaction is complete
After settlement, you’ll receive confirmation that the property is officially in your name.
Other benefits of using a conveyancer

Other benefits of using a conveyancer

 

  • Legal protection: They can explain your rights and obligations before you sign anything
  • Negotiation support: They may assist in renegotiating terms if issues arise during the process
  • Peace of mind: With a conveyancer handling the legal side, you can focus on moving or preparing your investment
Conveyancer vs Solicitor – What’s the difference?

Feature
Conveyancer
Solicitor
Can help with buying/selling property
Yes
Yes
Licensed to give legal advice on property law
Yes
Yes
Qualified lawyer
No
Yes
Can help with other legal issues (e.g. wills, disputes, family law)
No
Yes
Cheaper?
Yes
No
Best for straightforward property transactions
Yes
No
Required for complex or high-risk transactions
No
Yes
Should I have a conveyancer or a solicitor

Should I have a conveyancer or solicitor?

Choosing between a conveyancer and solicitor really depends on your situation:
If your property transaction is straightforward (like buying an existing house with no legal complications), a conveyancer is usually all you need, and it’ll often cost less.
If things are a bit more complex, like if the property is part of a deceased estate, there are boundary disputes, or if you’re buying off-the-plan, a solicitor might be a safer choice. They’ve got broader legal knowledge and can help you with any extra legal issues that might pop up.


Need help choosing the right expert?

 
Not sure what you need? No problem! At Acceptance Finance, we can help you figure out the best fit based on your situation, and even connect you with trusted conveyancers or solicitors.
Whether you’re just starting to look or already have a property in mind, our team is here to help you every step of the way, from sorting your home loan to getting you through settlement.

Get the answers to your questions.


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First Home Buyer Guide

Am I ready to buy a house?

What is a first home buyer?

Will I be able to get a loan?

Is my Credit History and Rental History important?

Buying versus renting

How much deposit do I need?

Understanding deposits

How to meet the banks genuine savings rules

Deposit calculator

Grants and schemes for FHB's

First Home Owner Grants

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Latest government announcements to help FHB’s

Getting finance pre-approval

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Mortgage brokers vs Banks?

Why use a mortgage broker?

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

Are all mortgage brokers equal?

How to buy a property

Pre-approval process

Benefits of getting a pre-approval

Are all pre-approvals equal?

Preparing for settlement

Going unconditional on the property contract

What does a converyancer/solicitor do for a property purchase?

What happens on the day of settlement?

Managing your mortgage

Understanding loan repayments

Extra repayments, redraw and offset accounts

When is the right time to review your home loan?

Get the answers to your questions.


One of our team will touch base within four business hours.