Conveyancing · Melbourne, VIC
Verified Australian conveyancers practising in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Practising certificates checked against the VIC register. Fees published. Methodology transparent.
Conveyancing in Australia is state-administered — each state has its own land titles registry, stamp duty regime, and standard contract for sale. Settlement is now predominantly electronic via the PEXA platform. Costs vary materially by state and by transaction type (established residential, off-the-plan, commercial, rural).
Melbourne is the second-largest legal market in Australia with substantial commercial and equity practices. The Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court (Melbourne Registry), and Federal Circuit and Family Court (Melbourne Registry) all sit here. The Law Institute of Victoria regulates solicitors; the Victorian Bar regulates barristers.
Regulators: Law Institute of Victoria (liv.asn.au) and the Victorian Bar (vicbar.com.au)
Land Use Victoria administers titles. Section 32 vendor statement is mandatory pre-contract under the Sale of Land Act 1962 (VIC). State Revenue Office Victoria handles land transfer duty.
Indicative fees drawn from our 2026 practitioner survey and published cost data. Confirm in writing with any firm before engaging — written costs disclosure is mandatory under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
| Pathway / matter type | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard residential | $1,650 median | $1,150–$2,400 range |
| Off-the-plan | $2,200–$3,400 | |
| Pre-auction review | $650–$1,100 | |
| Total disbursements | ~$720 | Includes title insurance, common in VIC |
For the full conveyancing cost breakdown across Australia, see our Conveyancing cost guide.
Matter types we see most often in our intake from Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
Contract review, exchange, pre-settlement searches, settlement via PEXA. NSW standard settlement is 42 days after exchange; VIC standard is 30–60 days; QLD typically 30 days. Median professional fee Sydney metro $1,820; Melbourne $1,650.
Apartment or house not yet built. Contract review focused on sunset clauses, build-quality provisions, and developer warranty terms. Significantly more complex than established — budget 30–50% higher professional fee.
Contract preparation, disclosure compliance (s32 vendor statement in VIC; vendor warranties in other states), responding to buyer requisitions, settlement coordination.
Office, retail, industrial. Due diligence on leases, GST treatment, environmental and planning matters. Fees typically 0.1–0.3% of purchase price.
Spouse transfer, family transfer, change of mortgagee. Often duty-exempt where between spouses. Fixed fee in most firms.
Buyers need contract reviewed before bidding. Once you bid at auction there is no cooling-off period — the contract is binding. Reputable conveyancers will turn this around in 48–72 hours for $500–$850.
Five questions that determine whether the lawyer in front of you is the right fit for your matter.
3 verified conveyancers matched to Melbourne. Updated weekly. Editorial rankings are independent; sponsored placements are labelled.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
James E McIntyre is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Daniel M Robinson is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers East. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through List G Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Peter B Murdoch KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1972. Engaged through Young'S List.
Same practice · other cities
Other practice areas in Melbourne
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