Conveyancing quotes NSW vary wildly depending on who you hire and what services they include. Most property buyers and sellers have no idea what they are actually paying for, which leads to nasty surprises down the track.
At Jameson Law, we have seen countless clients overpay simply because they didn’t know how to read a quote properly. This guide breaks down exactly what should be in your quote and how to spot the conveyancers who are worth your money.
What is Actually Included in Your Conveyancing Quote
A conveyancing quote in NSW breaks down into three distinct cost categories, and understanding each one stops you from being blindsided at property settlement. The professional fees cover the conveyancer’s time to review contracts, coordinate searches, manage your mortgage paperwork, and handle settlement itself.
According to recent industry data, NSW conveyancing fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 excluding disbursements, though the exact amount depends on whether you are buying or selling and the complexity of your property. Selling generally costs less than buying because the seller’s conveyancer drafts the initial Contract of Sale and vendor disclosure documents, while the buyer’s side requires heavier due diligence.
Understanding Professional Fees
Your conveyancer’s professional fee covers specific work: reviewing contracts, coordinating searches, managing your mortgage paperwork, and handling settlement. Your quote should clearly state what services the professional fee includes and what triggers additional charges.
The Disbursement Trap
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses that vary depending on your council, location, and property type. Your quote must itemise every single one so you know exactly what you are paying for. Heritage-listed properties trigger extra searches that suburban apartments do not need, and rural properties often require additional environmental certificates.
When you request a quote, ask specifically what council and government searches are included. Some conveyancers bundle searches into a flat fee, while others charge per search. Avoid vague language like “miscellaneous fees” or “search costs to be confirmed.” Note that stamp duty is a separate NSW government tax calculated on the purchase price, not a conveyancing fee.
Hidden Costs That Wreck Your Budget
Building and pest inspections, strata reports, mortgage establishment fees, and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) all sit outside conveyancing fees entirely. Settlement adjustments for council rates, water rates, and strata levies can amount to several thousand dollars and catch buyers off guard. Moving costs, utilities connection fees, and insurance cover immediately after contract exchange must also be factored into your budget.
How to Compare Conveyancing Quotes
Getting multiple quotes is non-negotiable, but most people compare them wrong. The issue isn’t just that quotes vary—it is that you are comparing apples to oranges because each conveyancer includes different services.
Request Itemised Quotes from Multiple Conveyancers
Request formal written quotes from at least two licensed conveyancers or property lawyers. Ask each to provide a breakdown that separates professional fees from disbursements. Typical 2026 NSW conveyancing fees (including GST) range from $1,000–$3,000 in metro areas and $800–$2,200 in regional areas, with disbursements adding roughly $270 or more.
Evaluate Turnaround Times and Communication
Turnaround time and communication style matter more than most buyers realise. When you contact a conveyancer, note how quickly they respond—anything over 48 hours suggests they are stretched thin. Ask each conveyancer how long they typically take from the exchange of contracts to final settlement. Ensure they maintain professional indemnity insurance to protect you if mistakes occur.
Red Flags When Reviewing Conveyancing Quotes
Pricing That Falls Outside the Market Range
Conveyancers who quote significantly below or above the 2026 NSW market range deserve immediate scrutiny. If a quote falls below $700 for a purchase in a metro area, essential services like contract review or settlement coordination are likely missing. Conversely, an inflated quote might reflect unnecessary add-ons.
Vague Fee Breakdowns and Hidden Costs
When a quote lumps searches into “miscellaneous fees” or does not specify which council searches are included, you cannot accurately compare it. This opacity often hides the fact that one conveyancer is overcharging for a basic title search.
Resistance to Written Documentation
Conveyancers who resist providing written itemised quotes or become defensive when you ask detailed questions are signalling they are not worth your time. The best legal professionals welcome scrutiny because they understand that transparency builds trust.
Final Thoughts
Comparing conveyancing quotes NSW requires discipline, but the effort saves you thousands of dollars and prevents settlement disasters. Request itemised quotes, compare professional fees against the market range, and scrutinise every disbursement line. Vague quotes and suspiciously cheap pricing signal that a conveyancer isn’t worth your money.
We at Jameson Law understand that conveyancing represents one of the largest financial commitments you will make, and getting the right support from the start makes all the difference. Contact Jameson Law to discuss your property transaction and receive a detailed, transparent quote tailored to your specific circumstances.
