The best conveyancing lawyers in Canberra

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Andrew Satsias and Peter Romano

Velocity Conveyancing directors Andrew Satsias and Peter Romano, one of Canberra’s most recommended conveyancing firms. Photo: Thomas Lucraft

Buying or selling a property can be complex and stressful. There’s a lot involved, including listing, open homes, auctioning, and settling. You’ll want it right given that property is such a huge investment.

It pays to be across the detail at all stages—buying, selling and transferring. That’s were a quality conveyancing lawyer can help. Conveyancing lawyers specialise in real estate law. They’ll guide you through the process and look after your best interests.

It’s important to remember that not all conveyancers are lawyers. Only conveyancing lawyers can provide the full scope of services.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a conveyancing lawyer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great conveyancing lawyer?

A great conveyancing lawyer takes the stress out of every stage of your property sale. The provide reassurance that all the boxes will be ticked off.

  • Effective communication. You’ll want a conveyancing lawyer who is a clear communicator. That’s someone who keeps you in the loop and explains complex requirements in easy-to-understand terms. Great conveyancing lawyers will answer all your questions. They’ll also return emails and phone messages promptly.
  • Experience and qualifications. Choose a conveyancing lawyer with heaps of experience. Also ask about experience in the type of property you’re dealing with. After all, a first-home purchase is different than a bulk land purchase. Check their qualifications too.
  • Organisation skills. Quality conveyancing lawyers are detailed and highly organised, which is important because conveyancing requirements are complex. They also meet deadlines and deal with changes and shifts that can occur with property deals.
  • Fee structure. You’ll find variances in what conveyancing lawyers charge and won’t want to overpay. You should remember, however, that sometimes you get what you pay for, so the cheapest conveyancer isn’t necessarily the best. Ask about fees and get details in writing.
  • Reviews and recommendations. Check online for reviews and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from previous clients.

The best conveyancing lawyers in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Velocity Conveyancing

Velocity Conveyancing are Canberra’s largest provider of residential conveyancing services and are one of its most respected legal practices. Established in 1968, they know the local property market and are well placed to advise and protect clients.

Velocity Conveyancing offer reliable, fixed-price conveyancing services across seven offices in Canberra and the surrounding region. They offer $0 upfront making it easier for clients to list their properties for sale and can review up to three auction contracts for the one contract review fee.

Their team of lawyers and conveyancers have developed an easy-to-follow flow chart to explain the process simply, and they offer a no obligation quote with a guaranteed fair price.

As Riotact commenter Cara Matthews says, "Velocity Conveyancing – highly recommend Sandra Forrest – she has helped us buy 2 properties & has a wealth of knowledge & many years of experience. She is attentive, communicates well & explains everything in detail. I wouldn’t use anyone else!"

BAL Lawyers

If you appreciate clear, honest communication and a stress-free conveyancing experience, BAL Lawyers is ready to help. Its team has earned high praise for providing prompt and effective solutions to both residential and commercial conveyancing clients.

BAL Lawyers offers advice on loan and mortgage documents, provides contract advice for building new homes and can draw up or review sales contracts to put your mind at ease while buying your home. Other specialty areas include off the plan purchases, retirement village purchases, title transfers and providing guarantor advice.

Reviewers Neroli and Simon wrote on Google, "We have now purchased two homes with Bradley Allen Love Lawyers and will do so again if the opportunity arises. The team were very professional, communicative and prompt. Our meetings never seemed rushed. The process and costs were clearly explained and the fees were very reasonable. The team were always happy to answer any question and were very happy to go into as much details as we wanted."

Baker Deane & Nutt

Baker Deane & Nutt has specialised in conveyancing law for more than 150 years, providing expert advice with a personal touch. Minimising risk in real estate transactions isn’t just a job for its team members - it's their mission, in both the ACT and NSW.

Conveyancing is a complex task including various legal, financial and administrative steps, which the experienced team at Baker Deane & Nutt helps with.

The firm’s conveyancing lawyers support clients with contract preparation, exchange of contracts and settlement of transactions. They work for those selling a property and those buying a property. They also support clients who are subdividing land and updating a title.

BDN partners group photo outside

Baker Deane & Nutt partners Lorraine White, Richard Baker and Tanya Nadin. Photo: Baker Deane & Nutt.

Baker Deane & Nutt protects client interests and are precise and accurate with contracts and calculating money involved. Special areas of interest include home purchases and sales in the ACT and NSW, subdivisions, property developments, advice on mortgage and loan documents and property transfers.

Conveyancing lawyers pride themselves on being accessible, responsive and innovative. The firm has invested in technology, systems and staff training so clients receive fast and effective legal services.

Baker Deane & Nutt has offices in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

On Google Tim Gronow wrote, “In the past year, Tanya and Corrina of Baker, Deane & Nutt have assisted my wife and I, in selling our home and buying our new home. I can only speak positively about the experience … Communication throughout was first class and we never had to chase for information. Highly recommend!”

Snedden Hall & Gallop

As one of Canberra’s most prestigious law firms, Snedden Hall & Gallop have built an enviable reputation that spans over six decades. Their experienced, personal, and dependable property team are exemplary legal practitioners who have it covered.

Specialising in both residential and commercial property their team can help navigate all key steps, from dealing with banks, through to contract advice, negotiations, concessions and exemptions, exchange, and settlement.

For those in the residential market, Snedden Hall & Gallop's property team can assist anyone looking to enter the market; existing homeowners looking to buy or sell; along with all manner of investors. They are also well versed in complex financial arrangements, for any properties held within estates or trusts.

For those in the commercial market, the team's sound knowledge of the local market and unique leasehold and planning system is an absolute advantage. Their strong relationships with property developers, investors, and landlords throughout region make them a force to be reckoned with.

For clear, well considered, and smooth conveyancing services look to Snedden Hall & Gallop's property law team.

Michel Tremblant wrote on Google, “I have nothing but good things to say about this highly professional law firm ... My lawyer was passionate about her work, provided sound advice and she took a genuine personal interest in my case ... I would highly recommend Sneddon Hall & Gallop to anyone."

MV Law

When it comes to navigating the daunting process of buying and selling property, MV Law's conveyancing specialists have the experience to make the process as seamless as possible. With a range of specialists on staff, MV Law is equipped to assist property purchases at any level, whether you’re a seasoned investor or you're looking to buy your first home.

The team’s stellar qualifications speak for themselves – four of MV Law’s expert lawyers have recently been recognised amongst the best in the country, named in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2021 List. Rest assured that not only are you in extremely capable and professional hands at MV Law, but that you are also receiving the best service in the country.

Julian Bahamon wrote on Google, “Great company. Would recommend to anyone looking for a solicitor in Canberra.”

If you’re looking for more information on other legal services in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best law firms, best bankruptcy lawyers and advisers, best business lawyers, best commercial lawyers and best wills and estates lawyers Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with conveyancing lawyers in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the conveyancing lawyers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process, of transferring property from one owner to another.

What is a conveyancer?

A conveyancer is a licensed professional who specialises in the legal aspects of buying and selling real property. They advise and inform clients throughout the whole process, helping with the settlement and title transfer by ensuring all legal obligations are met and that their client's rights are protected during this transaction.

What happens during the conveyancing process?

There are three key stages to conveyancing - pre-contract, exchange, and settlement.

Pre-contract involves receiving sales instructions from the selling agent, conducting the necessary inspections of the property and preparing the contract for sale.

Exchange involves the approval of the contract for sale from both parties.

Settlement is the point where the buyer moves in.

In each of these stages the professional and qualified advice of a conveyancing lawyer will prove extremely useful as you navigate the intricacies of conveyancing and contracts.

How long does the conveyancing process take?

In most cases, the conveyancing for the purchase of a home will take between 10 and 12 weeks. This may vary depending on circumstances such as mortgage offers, surveys, and issues with titles. Having a qualified conveyancing lawyer on your side will help you navigate these issues and reach the desired outcome efficiently.

What are conveyancing searches?

Conveyancing searches provide you with up-to-date information on the property that may not be included in the contract, and some information that is obligatory for the sale to be completed. Some information to be gained from the searches includes building and development codes, neighbourly disputes, and information about the land such as the likelihood of flood or fire.

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Would not recommend UNited Legal in Fyshwick. Very expensive and did not do the work requested. They have started to advertise and no wonder. They say they have 3 solicitors on every case, I think they meant to say, that they charge for 3 solicitors. The old guy there is very grumpy and quite rude. Paralegals (uni students) seem to do all the work. Unreliable.

Hi there,
I need some advice. So and my husband are thinking to settle in googong it will be our first home. So I wander how everyone manage the loan repayment while constructing. Also we are looking for a good solicitor to act on our behalf and who will be here.

It was good year, though the next will be even better 🙂 Please See http://www.enactconveyancingsydney.com.au

Hi Jacqui,

How did you go ?

Jacqui_Anderson11:01 pm 20 Aug 12

Thank you all so much for your recommendations! I really appreciate all your help and will keep you posted 🙂

dtc said :

HenryBG said :

Use a Solicitor in Queanbeyan. You may then stand a chance of getting one who knows what s/he is doing and does it at a fair price..

Yes, its well known that people are unable to be competent at two things at once, like understanding ACT conveyancing law AND understanding NSW conveyancing law.

Correct. Although the Queanbeyan firms I mentioned will do a perfectly good job of an ACT conveyance as well.

HenryBG said :

Use a Solicitor in Queanbeyan. You may then stand a chance of getting one who knows what s/he is doing and does it at a fair price..

Yes, its well known that people are unable to be competent at two things at once, like understanding ACT conveyancing law AND understanding NSW conveyancing law.

I have had a good experience with Baker, Deane and Nutt. Very smooth transaction. Short story, use them, they’re good. If you wanna know why, keep reading.

By the time I was ready for my second purchase, they’d put their prices up and I decided to shop around and ended up using another queanbeyan based firm. (I’m not going to name names, because slagging off at lawyers, even incompetent ones, is unlikely to end well for me) They were significantly cheaper than Baker, Deane and Nutt, but the solictor I dealt with was so totally clueless that she gave me the contract of sale with a reccomendation to sign immediately, and failed to notice that it included a clause stating that the house had no development approval, certificate of occupancy or any local government documentation whatsoever. At best, that would mean the house was uninsurable, at worst it could mean that the council could have the place knocked down should it suit them at some point.

Conclusion: Baker Deane and Nutt = good in my experience. Another firm based within 500m of them in Queanbeyan = not so good. Take care.

I did a couple of NSW transactions using Elrington Boardman Allport in Queanbeyan, and they were very good.

HenryBG said :

Use a Solicitor in Queanbeyan. You may then stand a chance of getting one who knows what s/he is doing and does it at a fair price.

Elringtons has been around for a while, as have Baker Deane and Nutt.
I’ve dealt with both over the years and I have no unpleasant recollections of either.

ACT conveyancing is essentially an exercise in form-filling and box-ticking, so ACT solicitors just have very junior clerks doing it as there is very little to do and almost no risk of anything going wrong (until somebody finally decides to sue somebody on acount of the captive Sellers’ building reports…very tempted to do so myself last time I bought a house in the ACT, usual dodgy builders; report in the contract representing failure to disclose if not an actual attempt to deceive.)

In NSW a lot can go wrong. There are a lot of unconnected State Govt authorities to do searches at – EPA, Electricity, water, roads to name just a few. Use a NSW solicitor.

What he said.

Use a Solicitor in Queanbeyan. You may then stand a chance of getting one who knows what s/he is doing and does it at a fair price.

Elringtons has been around for a while, as have Baker Deane and Nutt.
I’ve dealt with both over the years and I have no unpleasant recollections of either.

ACT conveyancing is essentially an exercise in form-filling and box-ticking, so ACT solicitors just have very junior clerks doing it as there is very little to do and almost no risk of anything going wrong (until somebody finally decides to sue somebody on acount of the captive Sellers’ building reports…very tempted to do so myself last time I bought a house in the ACT, usual dodgy builders; report in the contract representing failure to disclose if not an actual attempt to deceive.)

In NSW a lot can go wrong. There are a lot of unconnected State Govt authorities to do searches at – EPA, Electricity, water, roads to name just a few. Use a NSW solicitor.

Holden Caulfield10:07 pm 18 Aug 12

Mark Tigwell from Tetlow Tigwell Watch: http://www.ttwlaw.com.au/

Doesn’t take any s*** from developer/builder types and was excellent for us as first home buyers 13-odd years ago. Have used him a couple of times since for good results too.

Just Law at Erindale could be worth a shot. The Principal hails from Bungendore, so should certainly be all over NSW conveyancing.

Clinton Jones at Priority Legal. He’s based in Watson but does NSW as well and pretty much specialises in conveyancing. We’ve used him a couple of times now and he’s prompt and thorough and rates were very reasonable. He works from a home office so you’re not paying for an inner city premises or new BMW tax write-off .

The good ones probably won’t be able to help you because they are 6 foot under.

Can heartily recommend Jane Lally at O’Connor Harris in Civic – or Ruth Harris there as well.

Hi Jacqui,
When my partner and I moved from the ACT to Yass a few years ago and bought out first property we used Elizabeth Pullé at Endeavour Legal. http://www.endeavourlegal.com.au/ She was great: lots of communication, didn’t mind answering hundreds of questions, called back when she said she would – fantastic.
Good luck with the purchase!

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