"We were quoted a flat rate before the first meeting. No surprises at settlement, no hidden disbursements. That alone made us switch solicitors mid-transaction."
"They broke down every line item in plain language. I finally understood what I was paying for and why stamp duty calculations differed from the estimate my agent gave me."
Quick reference
- Practising since 2011 in ACT property law
- Over 1,400 residential settlements completed
- Fixed-fee conveyancing from $880 + GST
- Free 20-minute cost-clarity call
- Registered with the ACT Law Society
Real-estate law priced without mystery
We believe you deserve to know exactly what every dollar covers before you sign an engagement letter. Below we explain our pricing philosophy, the variables that affect your bill, and the specific tasks each fee component funds — so you can compare us honestly with any other firm.
How we calculate your fee
We do not sell packages or tiers. Every engagement is scoped individually because no two property transactions carry identical risk. Instead, we publish the building blocks of our pricing so you can anticipate costs before we even speak.
Each engagement combines a base professional fee with variable components that depend on the complexity of your matter. The table below shows the most common components for residential and commercial work in the ACT.
| Component | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Base conveyancing | $880 – $1,450 | Contract review, requisitions, settlement coordination, trust accounting |
| Title search and certificates | $180 – $320 | Land title search, rates certificate, building compliance, planning certificate |
| Mortgage or finance liaison | $220 – $380 | Lender requirements, discharge authority, security registration |
| Lease review or drafting | $650 – $2,200 | Commercial lease negotiation, option clauses, make-good provisions |
| Strata or community title | $280 – $550 | By-law review, common-property issues, strata report analysis |
| Complex due diligence | $400 – $1,800 | Contamination, easement disputes, heritage overlay, subdivision consent |
All figures are exclusive of GST and government charges such as stamp duty, registration fees, and lodgement costs. Exact quotes are provided in writing before engagement.
Why no packages?
Pre-set packages force you to pay for services you may not need — or leave gaps that surface as surprise invoices later. Our itemised approach means you only pay for the work your transaction actually requires.
After your initial call, we send a written scope-and-fee letter within one business day. If the scope changes, we notify you before any additional cost is incurred.
Payment options
We accept direct transfer, BPAY, and credit card. For matters over $3,000, we offer a staged billing arrangement aligned to transaction milestones — no interest, no fees.
Capability map — what we actually do
Rather than listing vague practice areas, here is a concrete map of the tasks we perform and the outcomes we deliver across different property scenarios.
Residential purchase
Contract review, cooling-off advice, special conditions drafting, pre-settlement inspection coordination, PEXA settlement, and post-settlement registration confirmation.
Typical turnaround: 4–6 weeksResidential sale
Section 17 certificate preparation, vendor disclosure, contract of sale drafting, deposit release, adjustments calculation, and discharge of existing mortgage.
Typical turnaround: 3–5 weeksOff-the-plan contracts
Sunset clause analysis, developer obligation review, staged payment structuring, defect liability advice, and registration of plan of subdivision monitoring.
Ongoing until registrationCommercial leasing
Heads of agreement negotiation, lease drafting or review, rent review mechanisms, assignment and sub-lease clauses, make-good obligations, and option exercise notices.
Scope-dependent timelineProperty disputes
Boundary and easement disputes, encroachment claims, caveat preparation and removal, ACAT representation, and negotiated resolution before litigation.
Resolution focus from day oneSubdivision and development
Development application support, community title scheme establishment, infrastructure agreements, covenant drafting, and compliance with the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT).
Multi-stage advisoryDecision guide
Choosing a property lawyer is not just about price. Use this editorial guide to understand the key decision points that separate a smooth settlement from a stressful one, and how our approach addresses each.
When should you engage a solicitor?
Ideally, before you sign anything. In the ACT, once you sign a contract of sale you have a five-business-day cooling-off period for residential property — but exercising it costs 0.25% of the purchase price. Engaging us before you sign lets us negotiate protective conditions at zero penalty risk.
What if your agent recommends a conveyancer?
Agents sometimes refer conveyancers who prioritise speed over your protection. A solicitor can do everything a conveyancer does, plus advise on legal risks, represent you in disputes, and handle complex structures like trusts or self-managed super fund purchases. We encourage you to compare, and we publish our fees precisely so the comparison is fair.
Fixed fee versus hourly billing
We default to fixed fees for standard conveyancing because it removes billing anxiety. For complex matters — disputes, development advisory, multi-party negotiations — we may propose capped hourly billing with a hard ceiling you approve in advance. You will never receive an invoice higher than the agreed cap without prior written consent.
Understanding disbursements
Disbursements are third-party costs we pay on your behalf: title searches, certificate fees, PEXA lodgement charges, and government registration fees. These are passed through at cost with no markup. We itemise every disbursement in your initial quote so you can verify each one independently.
The role of trust accounting
All client funds — deposits, settlement monies, and prepaid disbursements — are held in a statutory trust account audited annually under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). Your money is never co-mingled with our operating funds.
Ready for a transparent quote?
Call us for a free 20-minute cost-clarity conversation — no obligation, no sales pitch.
+61 3 5408 2160Common questions about property law costs
Yes. Stamp duty is a government charge separate from legal fees. In the ACT, stamp duty is calculated on the property value and must be paid within 14 days of settlement. We calculate the exact amount for you and include it in your pre-settlement statement, but it is not part of our professional fee.
Absolutely. After a brief conversation about your transaction, we send a written fixed-fee quote within one business day. The quote lists every component — professional fee, anticipated disbursements, and government charges — so you can budget with confidence.
We notify you immediately and provide a revised scope-and-fee letter before performing any additional work. You must approve the revised fee in writing. If you decline, we complete only the originally scoped work and you owe nothing extra.
Yes. Self-managed super fund acquisitions require a bare trust structure and specific compliance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act. We draft the bare trust deed, coordinate with your SMSF administrator, and ensure the contract satisfies the sole-purpose test. This is priced as an add-on to the base conveyancing fee.
Most residential settlements in the ACT occur between 30 and 42 days from exchange, though the parties can agree on a shorter or longer period. We manage the timeline proactively, sending you milestone updates at contract exchange, finance approval, pre-settlement search, and settlement day.
Start with a conversation
Whether you are buying your first home, negotiating a commercial lease, or resolving a boundary dispute, the first step is always a clear understanding of costs and scope. Reach out and we will respond within four business hours.
Visit us: 80 Zoe Knoll, Ryanfurt, ACT 9902, Australia
Call: +61 3 5408 2160
Email: [email protected]
Quick enquiry
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By using this website you agree to these terms. The content on estatelegalgurus.cyou is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No solicitor-client relationship is formed until a written engagement letter is signed by both parties. We endeavour to keep information current but make no warranty of accuracy. Links to external websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Liability for any loss arising from reliance on website content is excluded to the maximum extent permitted by Australian law. These terms are governed by the laws of the Australian Capital Territory. Last updated 1 January 2026.
The fee ranges, timelines, and procedural descriptions on this website are indicative only and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your matter. Government charges such as stamp duty and registration fees are set by the ACT Revenue Office and may change without notice. Past outcomes described in testimonials do not guarantee future results. All liability arising from use of this website or reliance on its content is disclaimed to the fullest extent permitted by law. For advice specific to your situation, please contact us directly.