2025 Cost of Buying a House in Australia: Conveyancing Fees Explained
Everyone talks about the purchase price, but the hidden fees can add thousands. Here’s the real cost of conveyancing when buying residential property in 2025 — no surprises.
Average Conveyancing Costs (2025)
| Item | Average Cost (incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Professional conveyancing / legal fees | $900 – $2,200 |
| Title searches & certificates | $250 – $450 |
| Council, water & land tax searches | $180 – $350 |
| Strata report (if unit/apartment) | $280 – $420 |
| PEXA electronic settlement fee | $120 – $180 |
| Bank liaison & settlement attendance | Included in professional fee |
| Total typical range | $1,500 – $3,200 |
Many reputable firms now offer fixed-fee conveyancing with no hidden extras. Get an instant quote in under 60 seconds from First Class Legal here.
Additional Government Costs You Can’t Avoid
- Transfer duty (stamp duty) – varies by state & price
- Mortgage registration fee – $150–$220
- Transfer registration fee – $150–$300
- Foreign buyer surcharge (if applicable)
Bottom line: Budget at least $2,000–$3,500 for the full legal side of buying a standard house or unit in 2025. Choosing a fixed-price conveyancer eliminates nasty shocks at settlement.
Costs updated December 2025