How to Find a Good Conveyancer

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, finding the right conveyancing service is essential for a smooth and hassle-free process. A skilled licensed conveyancer can handle all the legal aspects, from property searches to transferring ownership, ensuring everything is managed efficiently. But how do you choose the perfect one for your needs?

In this guide, we’ll share key tips to help you find the right conveyancer who suits your requirements. If you have any questions or need personalised assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and experienced team—we’re here to make your property transaction as seamless as possible.

Overview:

 

How to find the perfect conveyancer for your property transactions: 3 tips

Finding the right conveyancer for your property transactions is essential for a smooth and stress-free process. To help you make an informed choice, we’ll list the three most important tips to find a good conveyancer—ensuring you select someone with the expertise, reputation, and approach that aligns with your needs.

1. Ask your real estate agent or lawyer

One of the best places to start is by asking your real estate agent or lawyer. These professionals have extensive experience with the conveyancing process and often work closely with conveyancers on property transactions. Real estate agents, in particular, deal with multiple conveyancers daily. They are well-placed to recommend licensed conveyancers or conveyancing solicitors with a solid reputation.

However, always remember that the final choice is yours. Recommendations can be valuable, but make sure the conveyancer aligns with your specific needs, offers transparent conveyancing fees, and communicates effectively throughout the process. A good conveyancer ensures seamless property transfer and handles every detail professionally.

2. Ask a friend or family member

Turning to friends or family who have recently bought or sold property can be invaluable. Personal recommendations often come with real-world insights into the conveyancing process, offering details about the conveyancer’s reputation, communication style, and overall performance. For example, they can share how the conveyancer handled critical aspects like settlement timelines, conveyancing fees, and property law challenges.

This advice can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and help you identify the right conveyancer who aligns with your needs. Look for someone with a proven track record as a licensed conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor. However, while referrals are helpful, assessing whether the conveyancer’s approach, communication, and fees suit your specific property transaction requirements is still essential.

3. Search the AICSA website

The Australian Institute of Conveyancers SA Division (AICSA) is an excellent resource when searching for a licensed conveyancer. As the peak body representing the conveyancing profession, AICSA ensures its members are fully qualified, registered, and adhere to a strict code of conduct. By using their online directory, you can access a list of prospective conveyancers who are committed to providing expert advice and professional conveyancing services.

The AICSA website is particularly helpful if you’re looking for a conveyancer with a proven reputation in property law, property searches, or navigating the conveyancing process. Whether you’re managing a simple transfer or a more complex property transaction, this tool allows you to compare conveyancing fees, services, and specialisations to find the perfect conveyancer for your needs. It’s a reliable starting point for ensuring a smooth and stress-free property settlement.

How do I choose a conveyancer?

Now that you know how to find a good conveyancer, how do you narrow down your options so you can pick the best one? Here are a few things you can do to find a conveyancer (SA). 

Read reviews

Reviews are one of the best indicators of how good a conveyancer is. Take the time to carefully look at the reviews on their website, social media, Google business page and any other review website (e.g. trust pilot). If there are negative reviews, make sure to read the conveyancer’s replies too – they usually show what the conveyancer is like at resolving conflict. 

Ask the conveyancer questions

When you meet with a potential conveyancer, there are a few questions you can ask them to gauge the quality of their services. For example:

  • How will you communicate with me and how often?
  • What are your fees and charges? Are there any hidden costs?
  • What types of property do you specialise in?
  • Are you a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers?

Location

Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a conveyancer is where they’re based. If your matter is straightforward and only requires one visit, the location of the conveyancer’s office probably won’t really matter. But if you’ll need to see the conveyancer regularly, we recommend opting for one that is relatively close to where you live or work. 

At Eckermanns, we have seven locations in Adelaide, so you’re sure to find an office near you.

Language spoken

If English isn’t your first language, the whole process of buying or selling a house can seem even more daunting. If a conveyancer offers a language other than English, this may be a huge deciding factor for you. For example, we have an experienced mandarin speaking conveyancer at Eckermanns. 

Extra services

When it comes to choosing a conveyancer, sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference, especially if you’re time-poor or moving house on your own. Be sure to look out for conveyancers that offer additional services, like after-hours help, on-going observation of your title and services to help with your move. 

At Eckermanns, we offer:

What should a good conveyancer do?

When you’re selling or buying a property, there are a number of things your conveyancer should be doing on your behalf. These include:

  • Preparation of paperwork and documents
  • Contract of sale preparation (for sellers if this service isn’t provided by the sales agent)
  • Contract of sale review (for buyers)
  • Review of Form 1 documentation (and preparation if required)
  • Prepare settlement statement 
  • Property searches e.g. title search, local and state authority searches
  • Facilitate the settlement in the electronic conveyancing workspace

Learn more: what does a conveyancer do?

How much should a conveyancer cost?

The cost of a conveyancer can vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

  • Whether you are selling or buying 
  • The complexity of the transaction 
  • The type of property involved – and with some conveyancers, the purchase price
  • How much work they need to do – e.g. are there foreseen complications?
  • The number of parties involved in the purchase or sale
  • Which conveyancer you choose

If you’d like a better understanding of what you might need to pay for a conveyancer, please speak to the team at Eckermanns. 

When should you get a conveyancer?

We recommend engaging a conveyancer before you’re ready to buy or sell a house. Getting a conveyancer involved early is the best way to ensure your settlement goes smoothly. If you are purchasing, your conveyancer can review the contract and Form 1 prior to you bidding at auction or making an offer by private treaty. Remember, your choice of conveyancer is entirely up to you.

Trusted Conveyancer in Adelaide

At Eckermanns Conveyancing, we understand the importance of having an experienced and reliable conveyancer on your side. When you choose Eckermanns as your conveyancer, you can rest assured that we’ll put you first and be with you every step of the way. Contact our team via our online form or 8366 7900 to discuss your property matter. 

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How to find a conveyancer in South Australia: The video

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