Conveyancing involves the legal transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It’s a crucial part of the sales process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and the title is correctly transferred.
As of December 2025, in Melbourne, it’s traditionally the seller who covers the cost of conveyancing. This includes the fees for the solicitor or licensed conveyancer who prepares the Contract of Sale, conducts searches, and manages the legal aspects of the transfer. Currently in Melbourne, conveyancing fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of the sale. In the Eastern Suburbs, where we often see properties with established titles and straightforward transactions, costs tend to be at the lower end of this range. However, more complex sales – such as those involving subdivisions, easements, or deceased estates – will naturally incur higher fees. It’s important to realise that while the seller pays, the buyer also engages their own conveyancer to review the contract and protect their interests, and those fees are separate. Fletchers’ experience over 105 years demonstrates that clear communication about these costs upfront is vital for a smooth transaction. In 2026, we anticipate continued buyer demand for well-prepared properties, emphasising the importance of a competent conveyancer.
Ultimately, the seller is responsible for the legal costs associated with transferring ownership of the property in Victoria.