What "fixed-fee" conveyancing actually means
Most residential conveyancers quote a fixed fee — a set professional fee agreed before they start, which doesn't change with the hours they spend. It gives you certainty and is the standard for a straightforward purchase.
What the fixed fee covers — and what sits outside it
| Item | In the fixed professional fee? | How it's charged |
|---|---|---|
| Contract review or drafting | Yes | Included |
| PEXA electronic settlement setup | Yes | Included — the PEXA platform fee itself is a separate disbursement |
| Liaising with your lender and the agent | Yes | Included |
| Statutory searches (title, council, water) | No | Passed through at cost (a disbursement) |
| Stamp duty and registry fees | No | Paid directly to the State Revenue Office or land registry |
| Complex disputes or litigation | No | Quoted separately if it falls outside standard scope |
Fixed fee vs hourly
Some solicitors charge by the hour, which can suit complex or unusual matters but leaves the final cost open-ended. For a standard purchase, a fixed fee is usually the safer, more predictable choice.
Watch the "from $X" trap
Be wary of pricing quoted as "from $X". It's an entry price, not your price — extras and disbursements are often added later. Ask what the fee actually includes, and get it in writing.
Red flags
- A professional fee well below the going rate — someone is usually cutting corners.
- Disbursements left off the quote entirely.
- No named person responsible for your file.
