The 10-step framework

1. STEP 1

   Understand what a conveyancer does

   A conveyancer manages the legal transfer of property title from seller to buyer. They review the contract of sale, conduct property searches, coordinate settlement, calculate adjustments, and lodge documents with the Lands Titles Office. In SA, conveyancers are regulated under the Conveyancers Act 1994.

2. STEP 2

   Compare conveyancer vs solicitor

   Both can conduct residential conveyancing in SA. Conveyancers specialise in property transactions and typically charge lower fees. Solicitors handle conveyancing plus broader legal issues (disputes, wills, complex commercial). For a straightforward residential purchase, a conveyancer is usually the right choice.

3. STEP 3

   Get a fixed-fee quote

   Standard residential conveyancing in SA is typically fixed-fee. A conveyancer fee for a typical suburban property purchase is often in the range of $800 to $1,500 plus disbursements (search fees, government charges). Get itemised quotes from at least two conveyancers.

4. STEP 4

   Verify registration under the Conveyancers Act

   Registered conveyancers appear on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) SA register. Only registered conveyancers can perform property transactions in SA. Verify before engagement.

5. STEP 5

   Confirm professional indemnity insurance

   Registered conveyancers must hold PI insurance under regulation. Ask for a certificate of currency. Insurance protects you if a search is missed or a title issue is not properly resolved.

6. STEP 6

   Engage the conveyancer before signing anything

   Even for a straightforward purchase, the conveyancer should review the contract of sale before you sign. Late engagement (after contract) limits their ability to negotiate favourable terms. Fees are the same either way.

7. STEP 7

   Understand off-the-plan specifics

   Off-the-plan purchases (buying an apartment or house before it is built) have specific legal risks. Sunset clauses, building specification changes, and developer default all apply. Confirm your conveyancer is experienced with off-the-plan; it is a specialist niche.

8. STEP 8

   Discuss stamp duty and concessions

   RevenueSA administers stamp duty. First Home Buyer, off-the-plan, and pensioner concessions have specific eligibility rules. Your conveyancer should confirm eligibility for all applicable concessions before settlement.

9. STEP 9

   Confirm the settlement process

   Modern SA conveyancing uses electronic settlement via PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). Confirm your conveyancer is PEXA-enabled and can conduct electronic settlement. Paper settlement is essentially obsolete.

10. STEP 10

    Discuss post-settlement matters

    After settlement, various matters need attention: title recording, council rates apportionment, mortgage registration, insurance activation. Confirm your conveyancer manages the post-settlement paperwork, not just the settlement itself.

FAQs