Conveyancer Vs Solicitor: Who Should You Hire For Property Transactions?

Buying or selling property can be thrilling — until you realise how much legal paperwork it drags in tow. Between contracts, title searches, settlements and a few hidden traps, it’s no wonder first-timers (and even seasoned buyers) ask: What are the differences between a solicitor and a conveyancer?

Let’s break down what each does, where they shine and how to pick the right fit for your next move.

What is conveyancing?

In a nutshell, conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. But more than flicking a switch, it’s a series of careful checks, searches and legal steps designed to protect you from nasty surprises. For those buying their first home, selling an investment property or subdividing land, conveyancing sits at the heart of the deal.

What does a conveyancer do? They’re professionals qualified to handle the nuts and bolts of a property transaction: preparing contracts, liaising with banks, checking for hidden easements and sorting council rates and taxes. In short, they steer your deal from contract to settlement — and ideally, without hiccups.

In Queensland, conveyancing usually happens within a law firm. Licensed solicitors hold legal responsibility, but conveyancers or paralegals often manage the day‑to‑day tasks under strict solicitor supervision.

How to become a conveyancer

To be a licensed conveyancer in Australia, you’d normally complete a recognised course — usually an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing — and then apply for a conveyancer’s licence through your state or territory’s licensing body.

However, things work a bit differently in Queensland. There’s no separate conveyancer licence here — only qualified solicitors with a current practising certificate issued by the Queensland Law Society are legally allowed to handle conveyancing work.

What does a conveyancer do when you’re buying a house?

When you’re buying a house, a good conveyancer is your legal wingman (or wingwoman). They take your signed contract and turn it into a secure, legal transfer.

Here’s what a conveyancer does when you’re buying a house:

• Reviews the contract — Pinpoints any unusual clauses or traps that might bite you later.
• Performs title searches and checks — Digs up any caveats, encumbrances, zoning restrictions or pending council orders.
• Calculates settlement adjustments — Works out council rates, water charges and strata fees so you don’t get stung paying for the seller’s leftover bills.
• Coordinates with your bank — Makes sure your finance is lined up and the funds land where they should.
• Prepares legal documents — The Transfer of Land and everything else needed for settlement.
• Finalises settlement — Liaises with the vendor’s team, books settlement through PEXA or in person and ensures the keys are yours when the dust settles.

Do you need a conveyancer to sell a house?

Technically, you’re not legally required to hire a conveyancer. But unless you’re a contracts whiz with nerves of steel, it’s risky to go it alone. Even the simplest sale comes with plenty of fine print.

A conveyancer ensures your contract is airtight, your paperwork lines up with state regulations and settlement goes off without a hitch. For anything more complicated, a solicitor earns their keep.

An important update for Queensland sellers

New seller disclosure laws under the Property Law Act 2023 will kick in from August 1, 2025. You’ll need to provide buyers with a formal disclosure statement and supporting documents before a contract is signed — covering details like title, zoning and encumbrances.

This shift from a “buyer beware” to a “seller disclosure” approach means more upfront preparation and costs, but it also helps avoid nasty surprises that could derail your sale. A good solicitor or conveyancer will make sure you get this right and stay compliant.

What is a solicitor?

Solicitors are lawyers, plain and simple. Unlike conveyancers, who specialise in property law only, solicitors have a broader legal scope. They can advise on everything from family law to estates, commercial contracts to tax implications.

In the property world, a solicitor can do everything a conveyancer does — plus handle complex legal issues that might pop up along the way. That could mean contract disputes, estate matters tied to the property, trust structures or fighting a legal claim if your transaction goes pear-shaped.

Conveyancer vs solicitor: key distinctions

Now for the big question: What’s the real difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Qualifications and scope

A licensed conveyancer holds a diploma and must be registered with the relevant state authority (if applicable). They focus purely on property transactions. A solicitor has a law degree and is admitted to practise in multiple areas, including litigation, trusts and estates.

Cost and value

Conveyancers usually charge less for simple property deals — their work is streamlined for straight transfers. A solicitor may cost more, but they bring the firepower to handle complex issues that a conveyancer legally can’t.

Risk and complexity

If your sale or purchase is unusual — think disputes, family trust structures, cross-border matters or anything likely to end up in court — a solicitor is the better pick. Conveyancers can’t represent you in litigation.

Regulation and insurance

Both must carry professional indemnity insurance. Reputable conveyancers and solicitors are licensed and held to strict professional standards, so you’re protected if things go wrong.

Conveyancer vs solicitor in Australia — a quick snapshot

Feature	Conveyancer	Solicitor
Qualifications	Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Conveyancing, state licence (if applicable)	Law degree, admitted to practise, can be an accredited specialist
Scope of work	Property transactions only	All legal areas, including property, family law, estates and litigation
Cost	Lower cost for straightforward transactions	Higher cost, reflects wider legal support
Complexity	Can’t represent you in court	Can handle disputes, complex structures, cross-border matters
Regulation	Must carry indemnity insurance	Same, plus wider professional obligations

Solicitor vs conveyancer — when should you choose one over the other?

Conveyancing vs solicitor decisions often come down to risk. If your transaction is pretty straightforward (a simple house purchase or sale with no disputes), a conveyancer is a solid, cost-effective choice.

But here’s a distinction to note: In Queensland, your file will be overseen by a solicitor anyway. So even if you’re working directly with a conveyancer, you’re already most likely backed by full legal protection. If things get complex — a family separation, boundary dispute, inheritance issue or anything likely to spark legal conflicts — the solicitor will simply step in and take over.

Watch out for cyber-scams

One last word to the wise — conveyancer vs solicitor discussions aside, modern property transactions attract scammers like seagulls to a chip. Fake emails, hacked bank details, intercepted deposit instructions — the works.

Good conveyancers and solicitors use secure systems (like PEXA) and will always verify banking details with you directly. If you’re about to send hundreds of thousands of dollars, pick up the phone and double-check account numbers. One call can save you from a world of heartbreak.

Ready to make your move?

If you’re buying or selling on the Gold Coast, Michelle Porcheron Lawyers offers both conveyancing and solicitor services under one trusted roof. You can expect no jargon or handballing your file to three different people. Just personal service from experienced women who know exactly how to get you the best possible outcome.

Contact us today for a confidential chat about your property plans.