Fixed fee conveyancing has become the preferred choice for many property buyers and sellers in Melbourne. Instead of paying by the hour, you agree on a set professional fee before any work begins. But what exactly does a fixed fee cover, and what costs sit outside it? This guide explains how fixed fee conveyancing works so you can compare quotes with confidence.
What Is Fixed Fee Conveyancing?
With fixed fee conveyancing, your conveyancer quotes a single professional fee for a standard purchase or sale. The fee stays the same regardless of how many emails, phone calls or contract questions arise. This makes budgeting easy and removes the risk of a surprise invoice at settlement.
What a Fixed Fee Usually Includes
- Review of the Contract of Sale and Section 32 Vendor Statement
- Advice on special conditions, finance clauses and cooling-off rights
- Preparation of transfer and settlement documents
- Calculation of land transfer duty and concessions
- Statement of adjustments for rates, water and owners corporation fees
- Electronic settlement and notices of acquisition
Our conveyancing fees in Melbourne page sets out exactly what is included in our quotes.
What Is Not Included: Disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs such as title searches, council and water certificates, owners corporation certificates and PEXA fees. They are paid to government bodies or service providers and are normally passed on at cost. Government charges such as land transfer duty and registration fees are also separate. You can check duty rates with the State Revenue Office Victoria.
Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rates
Hourly billing can be suitable for complex disputes, but for standard property transactions it creates uncertainty. A fixed fee aligns your conveyancer’s incentives with yours: completing the job efficiently and accurately. For most residential conveyancing and many commercial conveyancing matters, a fixed fee offers better value.
When Extra Fees May Apply
Reputable conveyancers explain upfront if additional work might be charged – for example, a contract that falls over and is re-signed with a new buyer, a complex subdivision, or a dispute that requires legal advice. Ask for these scenarios to be listed in writing.
How to Compare Fixed Fee Conveyancing Quotes
- Check that the quote includes GST
- Ask for disbursements to be itemised
- Confirm there are no charges for phone calls or settlement changes
- Make sure the conveyancer is licensed and insured
- Read genuine reviews from past clients
Learn more in our guide to affordable conveyancing in Melbourne.
Get a Fixed Fee Conveyancing Quote
Whether you are buying your first home, selling an investment or reviewing a contract with our pre-purchase contract review service, we provide clear fixed fees. We handle property settlements across Victoria. Contact us today for a free quote.
Real-World Example of Fixed Fee Conveyancing
Imagine you are buying a townhouse in Melbourne’s north. With fixed fee conveyancing, you receive a written quote listing the professional fee and estimated disbursements, such as the title search, owners corporation certificate and PEXA fee. During the transaction, the vendor asks to extend settlement by two weeks and your lender needs extra documents. Under an hourly model, those extra calls and emails could increase your bill. Under a fixed fee, your professional fee stays the same.
This certainty is why many buyers and sellers now choose fixed fee conveyancing. It lets you plan your budget, compare quotes on a like-for-like basis and focus on the move rather than the invoice.
Fixed Fee Conveyancing: What to Check in the Fine Print
Not every fixed fee conveyancing quote is the same. Some are genuinely all-inclusive for the professional work, while others add extra charges for common tasks. Before you accept a quote, read the terms and ask these questions:
- Does the fixed fee include the contract review before signing?
- Is PEXA settlement and lodgement included, or charged separately?
- Are there fees for urgent work, extra phone calls or after-hours settlements?
- What happens if settlement is delayed or the contract is varied?
- Are searches and disbursements listed with estimated amounts?
Fixed Fee Conveyancing for Different Transactions
Fixed fees are usually set by transaction type. A standard purchase or sale of an established home is the most common. Off-the-plan purchases, commercial property, transfers between family members and subdivisions may have different fixed fees because they involve extra documents and steps.
| Transaction | Why the fee may differ |
|---|---|
| Established home purchase | Standard review, searches and settlement |
| Sale with Section 32 preparation | Vendor statement and contract drafting |
| Off-the-plan purchase | Longer contract and extended timeline |
| Commercial property | GST, leases and extra due diligence |
| Transfer between family members | Duty exemptions and relationship documents |
Is Fixed Fee Conveyancing Right for You?
For most buyers and sellers, fixed fee conveyancing is the simplest and safest option. You know the cost upfront, can compare providers easily, and avoid surprise invoices at settlement. Combined with online signing and PEXA settlement, it is also one of the most efficient ways to complete a property transaction in Victoria.
See our conveyancing fees in Melbourne for a full breakdown, or read how much a conveyancer costs in Australia. For independent consumer guidance, visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fixed fee conveyancing cheaper?
Not always the cheapest headline price, but it gives certainty and usually better value because there are no surprise charges.
Are disbursements included in a fixed fee?
Usually not. Disbursements are third-party costs passed on at cost and should be itemised separately in your quote.
Does the fixed fee change if settlement is delayed?
For a standard transaction, no. Ask your conveyancer to confirm this in writing.
