When you are buying or selling a property, you’ll probably collect a few conveyancing quotes. They can look very different, even when the headline figure is similar. One quote is “all inclusive”, another lists a long schedule of disbursements, and a third offers a low fixed fee with extras buried in the fine print.
Fixed fee conveyancing in NSW can be a good way to get cost certainty, but only if you understand what the fee covers. This guide explains what is usually included, what commonly costs extra and how to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
What Is Fixed Fee Conveyancing?
A fixed fee means your conveyancer or lawyer agrees to charge a set professional fee for a defined scope of work, rather than billing by the hour. You know the cost of the professional work upfront, as long as the matter stays within that scope.
The key words are “defined scope”. A fixed fee is only as useful as the description of what it covers. Two fixed fees can mean quite different things.
Professional Fees vs Disbursements
Most conveyancing quotes have two parts:
- Professional fees: the charge for the conveyancer’s or lawyer’s time and expertise. This is the part that is usually fixed.
- Disbursements: out-of-pocket costs paid to third parties on your behalf, such as title and council searches, certificates, registration fees and electronic settlement fees. These are often passed on at cost and may vary depending on the property.
When comparing quotes, check whether the figure you are looking at includes disbursements and GST, or just the professional fee.
What Fixed Fee Conveyancing Usually Includes
Every firm defines its own scope, but a standard residential fixed fee commonly covers:
- reviewing the contract for sale and advising on key terms
- preparing the contract (if you are selling), in conjunction with the required certificates
- ordering and reviewing standard searches
- advising on special conditions and straightforward amendments
- handling the exchange of contracts and the deposit
- liaising with the other party’s representative, your lender and the agent
- calculating adjustments for rates, water and strata levies
- arranging electronic settlement and registration
- keeping you updated through to settlement
What Can Cost Extra
Fixed fees usually assume a standard transaction. Common items that fall outside the scope, or attract an additional charge, include:
- disbursements and government fees, if they are not included in the quote
- extensive negotiation of contract terms or multiple contract reviews for properties you don’t proceed with
- off-the-plan purchases, company titles or complex strata matters
- properties with title defects, unapproved works or boundary issues
- delayed settlements, notices to complete or rescission
- disputes with the other party, including deposit or defect disputes
- related documents, such as trust deeds, co-ownership agreements or loan arrangements between family members
- stamp duty itself, which is a government charge separate from conveyancing fees
Buying vs Selling: Does the Fixed Fee Differ?
Some firms quote the same fee for buyers and sellers; others charge differently because the work is different. When you sell, your representative prepares the contract, obtains the certificates that must be attached to it and deals with buyers’ queries. When you buy, the focus is on reviewing the contract, checking searches, coordinating with your lender and preparing for settlement.
If you are selling one property and buying another at the same time, ask whether the firm offers a combined arrangement and how it handles linked settlement dates. Coordinating two transactions takes extra care, and you want to be clear upfront about how that work is charged.
A Transparent Scope Checklist
Before you accept a quote, ask for the following in writing:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the fee for professional work only, or does it include disbursements? | Disbursements can make a real difference to the total. |
| Is GST included? | Some quotes show GST-exclusive figures. |
| What exactly is in scope? | A clear list prevents surprises later. |
| What triggers an extra charge, and how is it charged? | You should know if extra work is billed hourly or at a set amount. |
| Who will do the work? | Check whether a solicitor or licensed conveyancer is handling your matter. |
| What happens if the sale does not proceed? | Some firms charge a reduced fee, others charge for work done. |
| When are fees payable? | Many are paid at settlement, but some require payment upfront. |
Is the Cheapest Quote the Best Value?
Not always. A very low fixed fee may suit a simple transaction, but it can also mean less time spent on each file, limited access to the person handling your matter or a narrow scope with frequent extras. For many buyers and sellers, the more important questions are whether the contract will be properly reviewed and whether someone will pick up the phone when something goes wrong.
Your home is likely to be one of the largest purchases you make. Clear advice at the right time is usually worth more than a small saving on the fee.
Conveyancing Costs at MCB Lawyers
Contact us to discuss the scope and cost of your matter.
We will explain our fees and the scope of our work before we start, so you know what to expect. Under NSW law, lawyers must also give clients information about their costs, and we are always happy to talk through any part of a quote.
Talk to Our Team
MCB Lawyers has been helping Northern Beaches buyers and sellers since 1945. If you would like a clear quote for your purchase or sale, our conveyancing and property law team can help. Contact us for a quote.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Please speak with a solicitor about your circumstances.