What is conveyancing?

It is the process of conveying (or transferring) ownership of a property from one entity to another. For example if you are buying, selling or merely changing the ownership of a property.

Conveyancer or solicitor?

Both conveyancers and solicitors can act on your behalf in relation to a conveyancing matter. On July 1st 2006, the laws changed, creating a standard for all conveyancers that required them to do the following: become licensed, have completed certain academic qualifications, have a minimum amount of practical experience, and apply and pay for a conveyancing licence together with professional indemnity insurance.

Solicitors tend to charge more for their fees, probably because they are more qualified in law. On rare occasions, a problem may arise that can end up in court if not resolved between the parties. If this happens, you will need a solicitor. My view is why would you pay for it on the small chance you might need it? To date, I haven't had a file that I've referred to a solicitor for advice. It could happen though, and if so, I would cease acting for my client, bill them for the work I have done to date, and send them off to a solicitor. You would incur solicitor's fees, but this would be the case even if you had the solicitor acting for you from the beginning. Usually conveyancing fees, whether using a conveyancer or a solicitor, will only be for a standard conveyancing file. Extra work means extra fees.