Lawyer or conveyancer?

For a straightforward residential purchase or sale, a licensed conveyancer is usually enough. Use a solicitor if the property is unusual, the contract has non-standard terms, or there is a dispute or estate involved.

When should I get the contract checked?

Before you sign or bid at auction. Once contracts are exchanged or you've bought at auction, your ability to withdraw is limited.

What does conveyancing cost?

Many firms quote a fixed professional fee, plus disbursements such as searches and registration fees. Ask for the total expected cost in writing.

Property & Conveyancing lawyers in Canberra, ACT

Choosing the right kind of assistance

Reviewing a purchase contract, administering a conveyance and resolving a building or tenancy dispute are different services. Explain whether you are buying, selling, leasing, developing or already in conflict. Confirm the scope offered by a lawyer or licensed conveyancer rather than assuming their services are identical.

Working with a firm in Canberra

A Canberra address does not automatically mean ACT law is the only law involved. Commonwealth decisions, workplace matters and transactions involving nearby NSW can require different experience and procedures.

For property & conveyancing, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant ACT experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Canberra. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.

How the engagement may progress

Provide the address, parties and current contract or notice. Explain whether anything has been signed and identify every agreed date.
Ask which terms, searches and ownership questions will be reviewed. Explain finance, proposed use and any linked transaction.
Agree who communicates with agents, lenders and the other side. Confirm how documents are approved and what happens if the matter is delayed or disputed.

Fees and the scope of work

Separate legal fees from searches, registration, taxes and third-party expenses. Complex ownership, negotiations or a dispute may fall outside an advertised conveyancing price.

Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.

Dates to raise at first contact

Seek review before signing where possible. Ask about the actual dates in your documents; cooling-off and completion arrangements differ across states and transactions.

Questions to ask a property & conveyancing adviser

What is included and what counts as extra work?
Have you handled this kind of transaction or dispute?
What must be decided before signing or the next scheduled date?

Property & Conveyancing lawyers in Canberra

Farrar Gesini Dunn

MyGoTo

Ammitoj Singh Legal

NBC LAW PTY LTD

NatLaw

WMG Legal

Parker Coles Curtis

Dickson Legal Barker Trevor,LLB

Legal Guru Pty Ltd

LEXMERCA Lawyers

Tetlow Legal

Emma Brown Legal

Harrington Hall Lawyers

Signus Legal

BAL Lawyers

Boland legal family lawyers

Artisan Legal

Colquhoun Murphy

Topaz Legal

Clifford Lois

JSP Legal

Apollo Law

Convey Legal

TERRACON LEGAL PTY LTD

Why property law matters

The Australian context

A practical guide to property & conveyancing in Canberra