You've received three conveyancing quotes.
One is $850.
Another is $1,100.
The third is $1,450.
So which one is actually cheapest?
The answer may not be obvious. Conveyancing quotes can vary because firms structure their fees differently. One quote may include services that another charges separately. One may include professional fees but exclude searches,registration and other disbursements.
That's why comparing the headline price alone can be misleading. Queensland Government recommends asking fora detailed quote before appointing a solicitor and comparing experience, services and costs.
Here's how to compare quotes properly.
Step 1: Separate professional fees from disbursements
Professional fees are what you're paying the solicitor or conveyancer for their professional work.
Disbursements are expenses they pay tothird parties on your behalf.
These may include title searches, government searches, registration fees, electronic settlement fees, certificates and other property-specific searches.
If one firm quotes $990 + GST and another says $1,250 all inclusive, you don't yet know which is cheaper.
You need to understand what's behind the number.
Step 2: Check whether GST is included
If a professional fee is quoted at $1,000 plus GST, the amount payable for that component is $1,100.
Ask every firm: "Is GST included in this quote?" Don't assume.
Step 3: Ask about search costs
Searches can be an important part of a property transaction. Queensland Government recommends that solicitors carry out title searches and explain the results.
Ask which searches are included, which are additional, what they cost and whether you will need additional searches if an issue is identified. This is particularly important when comparing a fixed-fee quote against a lower "starting from" price.
Step 4: Check what's included in the professional fee
A good quote should tell you what you're actually buying. Does the fee include reviewing the contract, advising before signing, title searches, preparing settlement documentation, communicating with the other solicitor, liaising with the realestate agent, reviewing adjustments, electronic settlement, attending settlement and post-settlement work?
If something isn't clear, ask.
Step 5: Find out what happens if something goes wrong
Ask: "What happens if the transaction becomes complicated?"
For example, what if the buyer requests an extension, a title issue is discovered, there is a dispute, settlement is delayed, a special condition needs negotiation or additional legal work is required?
Some firms may include a certain level of additional work within their fee. Others may charge separately. Neither structure is necessarily wrong. You just need to understand it before you commit.
Step 6: Don't confuse conveyancing with legal advice
A low-cost conveyancing service may be appropriate for a straight forward transaction. But more complicated matters can require broader property-law advice.
For example: unusual contract conditions, easements, covenants, body corporate issues, development considerations, disputes or complex ownership structures.
Stanford Legal provides broader property-law services alongside conveyancing, including buying and selling property, body corporate matters and other property issues.
Step 7: Consider Queensland's seller disclosurerequirements
If you're selling property in Queensland, your comparison should also consider how the firm handles seller disclosure.
Since 1 August 2025, Queensland's seller disclosure scheme generally requires sellers to provide buyers with a disclosure statement and prescribed certificates before the buyer signs the contract.
If you're comparing conveyancing quotes asa seller, ask: "Is preparation of the Seller Disclosure Statement included?"
And: "Which search and certificate costs are additional?"
Stanford Legal offers seller disclosure preparation as part of its seller conveyancing service, with search and registry fees separately identified.
A simple way to compare quotes
Create four columns and compare professional fees, GST, searches, registration, settlement, contract review, communication, additional legal work and seller disclosure.
The cheapest quote isn't always thecheapest transaction.
Imagine Firm A is $950 and Firm B is$1,150.
At first glance, Firm A wins.
But then you discover that Firm A charges additional fees for searches, settlement, contract amendments and seller disclosure, while Firm B includes most of those services.
Suddenly, the $1,150 quote may be the better value. This is why value should be measured by total expected cost and scope of service, not the headline professional fee.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Is the quote fixed or an estimate?
- Is GST included?
- Which searches are included?
- Which government fees are additional?
- Is electronic settlement included?
- Is contract review included?
- Is seller disclosure included if I'm selling?
- What happens if the matter becomes complicated?
- Who will handle my matter?
- Will I have a direct contact?
- How will I receive updates?
- Are there any circumstances where additional legal fees apply?
A reputable firm should be comfortable answering these questions.
What should you actually look for?
The best conveyancing quote is not necessarily the cheapest. Look for the combination of transparent pricing, appropriate expertise, clear scope, proactive communication and personal service.
Stanford Legal's conveyancing team focuses on transparent communication, proactive property-law support and personalised service throughout the transaction.
If you're buying or selling property in Queensland, you can also book a consultation with Stanford Legal to discuss your circumstances. Before choosing the cheapest quote, make sure you know exactly what you're getting for the price.
General information only and not legal advice.
