Conveyancer vs Solicitor: Discovering the Difference

Purchasing property isn’t as simple as buying something in the supermarket. There will come a time when you need to deal with financial, legal, and administrative work altogether, which can be a headache. That is why it is best to employ the expertise of a professional to help make the process easier for you. 

Generally, you will have two types of professionals to ask for help: a conveyancer and a solicitor. While both can help you have a smooth property sale, purchase, or transfer process, they focus on different things in property transactions. 

In this blog, let us discuss the roles of a conveyancer vs a solicitor to help you decide who you will need for the property transaction. 

Conveyancers vs Solicitors: What Is the Difference Between the Two? 

What Does a Conveyancer Do? 

Conveyancers are professionals who have the license to help you deal with processes involved in property transfers, such as preparing the documents and assisting you during the settlement. Moreover, conveyancers can lodge caveats and enquiries for property zoning.  

These individuals are required to meet specific education and experience to obtain licenses and provide the following services: 

• -Conduct Property Searches 
• -Prepare and Review Contracts 

• -Fill Out Legal Forms 
• -Gather Necessary Documents 
• -Liaising with Relevant Parties 
• -Monitor the Transaction’s Progress 
• -Facilitate Settlement 

• -Provide Legal Advice 

What Does a Solicitor Do? 

On the other hand, solicitors are legal professionals responsible for representing and protecting the client’s rights and interests during the property transaction. While conveyancers have licenses, solicitors are full-fledged lawyers and therefore have extensive knowledge of the law in general. Hence, they will be of great help if you need some assistance with tax implication issues and complicated property transactions. 

To be clear, though, solicitors don’t necessarily focus on property law, making them different from conveyancers when it comes to expertise in property transactions.  

Solicitors cover a wide range of legal services. But here, let us look into their key roles and responsibilities in property sale, purchase, or transfer: 

• -Provide Legal Advice and Consultation 
• -Contract Review and Negotiation 
• -Title and Property Searches 
• -Offer Financial Advice 
• -Conduct Due Diligence 
• -Arrange Property Valuation 
• -Prepare and Review Legal Documentation 
• -Advise Clients with Regard to Stamp Duty  
• -Provide Tax Advice 
• -Dispute Resolution 
• -Post-Transaction Assistance 

Choosing Between a Conveyancer and a Solicitor 

If you’re having a hard time choosing between a conveyancer and a solicitor, remember that your choice will largely depend on the property transaction and budget. Listed below are some factors you need to consider before making a choice: 

• –The Complexity of the Transaction: It will be best to work with a conveyancer if the transaction is simple and involves no legal issues or disputes, such as a residential purchase. Since conveyancers specialise in property law, this will be more efficient for them to handle. Also, it is crucial to bear in mind that the value of the property can also determine the complexity of the process or transaction. 
• –Budget: When it comes to the budget, hiring conveyancers is more cost-effective, given that their services are specifically for standard property transactions. Meanwhile, you may need to shell out more for solicitors due to their more extensive knowledge of the law.  

• –Location of the Property: If you’re one of the property investors in Melbourne, you must know that the laws of every property transaction will vary from one state to another. 
• –Personal Preferences: Of course, your personal preferences will play an essential role in your decision-making. If you need someone with a broader scope of legal expertise, just in case, a solicitor is a better choice. But if you prefer someone who specialises in property transactions with a more focused approach, a conveyancer is an excellent option. 

Tips to Finding a Good Conveyancer or Solicitor 

Regardless of what you’re looking for, here are some things you need to remember to find a great conveyancer or solicitor who will cater to your needs: 

1. Ask for referrals or recommendations from your family, friends, or other property investors you know.  

2. Visit the company’s website and read the reviews posted by people who have experienced their services. 

3. You may also check their credentials and accreditations, as they usually feature these on their website. 

4. Make sure to interview more than one conveyancer or solicitor before finalising your decision. 

5. See to it that they have a transparent fee structure and they provide you with timely responses. 

If Conveyancers Are All You Need, We Got You! 

When we talk about conveyancers vs solicitors, we can conclude that each comes with its own advantages or benefits. 

So, if you’ve decided that conveyancers are all you need, Melbourne Conveyancing Group is here to help you make informed decisions and assist you throughout your property transaction. We offer a wide range of services tailored to our client’s specific needs. Contact 0426 385 900 for more details.