What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
A conveyancer is a professional who is specifically trained to handle the transfer of property from one person to another. Their legal advice strictly covers property conveyancing and title transfers. They conduct all the necessary legal work for you to ensure your purchase or sale is completed hassle free. To conduct property conveyancing in Victoria, they require a minimum qualification of a year-long diploma and conveyancing licence.
A solicitor is a more general legal practitioner, with qualifications in several areas of law but also including property conveyancing. For this reason some of them also call themselves conveyancers, so it is important to confirm their qualifications first. Solicitors possess a practising certificate for law, and are qualified to handle your property conveyancing plus any other legal disputes that may arise during the sale.
What additional knowledge do I get with a solicitor?
Because solicitors have a broader legal knowledge, they are the best equipped Melbourne property lawyers to handle disputes that arise outside of property conveyancing. For example, if the property settlement is a result of a divorce, your solicitor can provide expertise in divorce law. Or if the property purchased is a high-value home with high risk and requires tax assessment, your solicitor can provide it for you.
Conveyancers on the other hand are restricted to offering expertise in property conveyancing and cannot aid you in external disputes. If you are purchasing a property with low risk and fewer personal affairs attached, it is a good idea to go through a conveyancer.
What are the costs of a solicitor over a conveyancer?
Though solicitors tend to charge more than conveyancers, you are also paying for their additional legal expertise and services. So if you’re on a budget, consider all the factors attached to your property purchase or sale before making a decision.
Additionally, solicitors provide greater security over confidential information for their higher costs. They are more accustomed to working with all kinds of sensitive documents and have protections in place for them. These are not required responsibilities for conveyancers and they do not have provisions to hold sensitive documents with them.
Most people might have worked previously with a solicitor on a different legal matter, and may want to maintain that relationship. Often your solicitor would already hold your original title of property, so if you choose to sell it, it’s a good idea to consult with them.
Find the right option for you at P&B Melbourne Property Lawyers
Ultimately, your choice between a solicitor and a conveyancer depends on your budget, personal preferences, and the legal complications attached to your transaction. Both are excellent legal professionals who will cut out the hassles and sort out the paperwork for you when buying or selling property.
If you’re ready to make a transaction, it’s best to consult our expert Melbourne property lawyers and find the right advice for you. Make an appointment with P&B Lawyers today for all your property conveyancing needs.