What’s a conveyancer?

When setting out to buy your first home there are many questions, but the most common question usually comes directly after receiving a recommendation for a conveyancer.  The question is what’s a conveyancer?

A conveyancer is qualified person who is able to provide information about the sale of a property and also prepares the documentation and finalises settlement.   The common misconception is that a conveyancer is a solicitor but this isn’t necessarily the case.

So what do they do?

Conveyancers will perform different tasks depending on whether you are buying or selling a property.

For a seller, a conveyancer will:

  • Complete documentation.
  • Respond to buyer’s questions and requests as your representative.

For a buyer, a conveyancer will:

  • Prepare, edit and lodge purchase documentation.
  • Look over property documentation (certificate of title, easements etc).
  • Transfer of deposit.
  • Transfer of land documentation.
  • Calculate taxes and adjustment of rates.
  • Perform settlement, including payment.
  • Notice of acquisition.
  • Be your representative.

Fees will vary between solicitors and conveyancers as there is no official charge for conveyancing. As well as a legal service fee you will usually be charged for ‘disbursements’. These can include:

  • a title search
  • certificate fees charged by authorities with responsibility for water, electricity, roads, schools etc.
  • photocopying
  • registering the mortgage
  • registering the transfer.

Conveyancing costs other than legal fees and disbursements may include:

  • building and pest inspections
  • survey report
  • establishment of mortgage
  • home building insurance
  • valuation fees
  • mortgage insurance
  • stamp duty and mortgage duty
  • levies, if the property is in a strata or community scheme
  • council and water rates.

Legal practitioners and conveyancers must disclose their costs to clients, including the client’s right to negotiate a costs agreement, receive bills and be advised of changes.

 

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