Licensed Conveyancing: understand your next step.

Obtain review before your next commitment

Send the complete contract, attachments and proposed signing or auction date. Explain finance arrangements, intended ownership and any unusual condition. Ask what can be reviewed in the available time and what remains uncertain. Avoid treating an initial enquiry or quote as confirmation that the provider has accepted responsibility for your transaction.

Distinguish legal checks from physical inspections

Ask which title searches, contract checks and settlement tasks are included. Building, pest, strata, planning, finance and tax issues may require other professionals or separate work. Explain any concern about access, alterations, tenants or boundaries so the provider can identify the right check or referral rather than assuming a standard package covers it.

Compare the complete scope and escalation route

Request the professional fee and likely search, registration or other external costs separately. Ask about extra work if settlement changes or a dispute arises, and when a solicitor may be needed. Confirm how payment instructions are verified through a trusted channel and who will keep you informed at each milestone.

Compare milestones and communication, not just the headline fee

Ask each provider to describe the work from initial review through settlement and file completion. Identify when searches are ordered, when advice is given and what you must arrange yourself. Tell them about an auction, tenant, unusual ownership or related transfer so the quote reflects the actual transaction. A useful comparison also records who handles urgent questions and what happens if the other party changes the timetable. Confirm acceptance of the engagement before relying on the provider to monitor contractual dates.

Compare the scope and cost of advice

Property advice is easier to compare when every quote uses the same property, documents and transaction stage. Identify signing, auction, settlement or response dates at the start. Ask which legal checks are included and which physical, planning, valuation or financial checks you must arrange separately. A low fixed fee is difficult to assess without the exclusions and the cost of changes.

Before a commitment

Confirm when the full documents can be reviewed, how advice is explained and what information must be obtained before you decide to proceed.

During the matter

Identify who tracks dates, requests searches, communicates with other parties and tells you about changes that require a new decision or additional work.

If a problem emerges

Ask whether the provider handles disputes or needs to refer you, what additional work costs and who manages any urgent obligation during that transition.

Read the guide to consultation fees and written quotes, or use the provider comparison worksheet.

Your preparation checklist

Gather what you already have. Mark missing records and uncertain dates rather than guessing; ask the office what it needs before sending sensitive documents.

A first enquiry you can adapt

I need conveyancing for [purchase, sale or transfer] in [location]. I have [signed or not signed] and the next date is [date]. Can you confirm availability, licence scope, included searches and any circumstances that would require a solicitor?

Replace the bracketed details with accurate information. Keep the first message brief and confirm a secure channel for the full records.

Common questions about licensed conveyancing

Further reading and scope

This is general preparation information, not an assessment of your legal position. Requirements, dates and available remedies depend on the facts and jurisdiction. The linked resource has the scope described above; it does not verify an individual provider or this guide.

Explore affordable and free legal-help pathways.