If you’re considering buying or selling a property, you will probably quickly realize that you need help navigating the plethora of legal documentation that is required as part of a property transaction. The legal side of buying and selling property can be confusing and stressful and if you’re fortunate enough to have an experienced property conveyancer to guide you it can make things a lot more straightforward. But, is a property conveyancer a lawyer? What is the difference between a property conveyancer and a lawyer?
Many people find the difference between a property conveyancer and a lawyer confusing. After all, they can usually both perform the same role as a property conveyancer assisting client with the legal aspects of real estate transactions, so what is the difference between the two roles, and who should you hire?
The first point to make is that if you’re considering buying or selling property you will need to hire something with experience in property conveyancing to assist you. An experienced property conveyancer, such as Conveyancing Melbourne or Jim’s Property Conveyancing in Brisbane, will assist clients to comply with the legal requirements that are a necessary and complex part of purchasing or selling a property. A property conveyancer will be able to ensure that you’re able to avoid any unnecessary delays or issues that might arise during the settlement period.
What’s the difference between a lawyer and a property conveyancer?
Both lawyers and property conveyancers are qualified to perform real estate conveyancing work, but there are some significant differences between the two roles. A lawyer has broad legal training but is not necessarily specialized in the area of property conveyancing.
A property conveyancer is someone who is specialized in the legal aspects of real estate transactions, but whose legal knowledge is restricted to matters of real estate. A property conveyancer has a narrower, more specialized field of knowledge and would not be qualified to assist a client with legal matters in other fields. By contrast lawyers have full legal qualifications and are more broadly qualified, they are generally able to provide clients with a more extensive range of legal services.
How should I decide whether to hire a property conveyancer or a lawyer?
If you’re buying or selling property and there is nothing unusual about your case, a property conveyancer will probably be the best choice for you to hire. Property conveyancers have a restricted field of know-how, so they are able to offer finely tuned expertise and an efficient, streamlined approach. If your case is a little more out of the ordinary, or if you have other legal issues, a lawyer could be a more useful choice.
Is it cheaper to hire a property conveyancer or a lawyer?
Yes, property conveyancers are almost always considerably less expensive to hire than a lawyer to handle real estate conveyancing work. The cost of property conveyancing can vary considerably depending on the area that your property is located in and its value, but the overall cost of hiring a conveyancer through Jim’s Property Conveyancing in Melbourne or in Conveyancing Brisbane generally ranges between $700 and $1500, with additional charges for disbursements usually ranging between $150-$500.
When do I need to hire a property conveyancer or lawyer to assist with a property transaction?
An experienced and reliable property conveyancer will be able to considerably decrease the stress and strain of the process of real estate transactions. It’s advisable to hire a property conveyancer or lawyer as soon as you begin the process of selling your home, or if you’re the buyer, as soon as your offer has been accepted, but before you have signed a Contract of Sale.
