When you’re buying your first home, you’ll quickly hear the words solicitor and conveyancer thrown around. They both handle the legal side of your purchase — but do you actually need one?
Short answer: Yes. Absolutely.
Here’s why, and how to choose the right one.
1. What a solicitor or conveyancer actually does
Buying a home comes with a surprising amount of paperwork and legal checks.
Your solicitor or conveyancer handles all of that for you, including:
- Reviewing your contract
- Checking the title and property searches
- Making sure the property is legally sound
- Preparing transfer documents
- Managing settlement with your lender and the seller’s legal team
- Making sure you’re protected as the buyer
Think of them as your legal safety net — they make sure nothing gets missed.
2. What’s the difference between the two?
Here’s the simple version:
- Conveyancer — A licensed professional who specialises in property transfers. They handle the day-to-day legal work for buying and selling homes. They’re usually cheaper and perfect for straightforward purchases.
- Solicitor — A qualified lawyer who can provide legal advice beyond standard conveyancing. They’re helpful if the property is complex, unusual, or if legal issues pop up.
For most first-home buyers — especially buying house & land or standard contracts — a conveyancer is more than enough. But both options get the job done.
3. Why you shouldn’t do it yourself
Technically, you can try to handle conveyancing on your own…
But, if you miss one detail — even something small — it can delay settlement, cost money, or put your contract at risk.
A conveyancer or solicitor handles all the things buyers aren’t trained to spot.
It’s one of the most important (and most affordable) professionals you’ll use during your purchase.
4. How we help with conveyancing
We work with experienced conveyancers who understand the build process inside out — from land contracts through to building contracts and settlement.
They’re used to working with our buyers, so they:
- Know how new home builds work
- Communicate clearly and simply
- Help make the legal side straightforward and stress-free
You’re also more than welcome to nominate your own conveyancer or solicitor if you already have someone you trust.
Either way, we’ll work alongside them to help keep your purchase on track and make sure you always know what’s happening and what’s coming next.
