In NSW, both licensed conveyancers and solicitors can handle the legal work of buying or selling property. A licensed conveyancer specialises in property transactions; a solicitor can also advise on other areas of law and act in court, so for a standard purchase or sale either is fine, and the choice comes down to experience, service and whether your matter needs wider legal advice.
Many clients only know about lawyers when they start buying or selling, and search for a "property lawyer". Most of the time, what they need is conveyancing.
The difference
| Licensed conveyancer | Solicitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed by | NSW Fair Trading, under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 | Law Society of NSW, holding a practising certificate |
| Main focus | Property transfers | Any area of law |
| Contracts, searches, exchange and settlement | Yes | Yes |
| Section 66W certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Court disputes and litigation | No | Yes |
| Wills, family law, business structures | No | Yes |
| Insurance and trust accounts | Required | Required |
When a conveyancer is the right choice
- Buying or selling a house, apartment, townhouse or duplex
- Off the plan purchases
- First home purchases
- Investment property purchases and sales
- Selling an inherited property, alongside the executor's solicitor for the estate
When you may also need a solicitor
- A dispute that may go to court
- A complex property development or commercial deal
- Family law property settlements
- Advice on trusts, companies or tax structures
If your matter needs a solicitor, we will tell you.
Common questions
FAQs
Is a conveyancer cheaper than a lawyer?
It varies by firm. See our conveyancing fees page for what City Peak charges.
Can a conveyancer give legal advice?
Yes, on conveyancing matters. A licensed conveyancer cannot advise on areas outside conveyancing.
Is City Peak a law firm?
No. We are a licensed conveyancing practice and act only on property conveyancing.
Sources: NSW Fair Trading: conveyancers · Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 (NSW)
City Peak Conveyancing acts on NSW property only. This page is general information, not advice about your circumstances.