Solicitor vs Conveyancer – What is the Real Difference?

Last updated: 9 July, 2026

KEY TAKE-OUTS

• What is the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer?
• When should you use a solicitor instead of a conveyancer?
• Can a conveyancer help me purchase a property in another state?

Looking to buy or sell, but unsure if you need a conveyancer or a solicitor? Unsure of the difference between the two? You may have already read Melina’s blog; the basics of licensed conveyancers & solicitors where we cover a related topic. In this article, we identify the actual difference between property lawyers & conveyancers. It is important to remember that both solicitors and licensed conveyancers are trained and regulated professionals who are qualified to practice in property law, it isn’t so much a matter of who will do the job better, but who is most suited to meet your property needs.

In 2026, this remains the key point. The difference is not simply about who can complete the conveyancing work, but whether your property transaction also involves broader legal issues, interstate requirements, complex ownership structures, contract concerns, duty questions or other risks that may require advice beyond a standard conveyance.

What is the difference between a Solicitor and Conveyancer?

As Melina’s blog outlines, a licensed conveyancer is a qualified practitioner that can act on your behalf in property transactions. Their role is to assist you with either buying, selling or transferring property, which may include drafting a Contract for Sale, advising on a Contract for a potential purchase and assisting with the steps required to complete settlement.

A solicitor can also act in this same capacity in property-related transactions. The important difference between a conveyancer and solicitor, as we already know, is that a solicitor can act in other areas of law, whereas a conveyancer is licensed to act in property-related transactions.

This can become important where your property matter overlaps with another area of law. For example, a solicitor may be better suited if the transaction involves a deceased estate, a family law property settlement, a caveat or property dispute, a company or trust structure, commercial property, an off-the-plan contract issue, or a broader legal question that sits outside a straightforward sale or purchase.

Another important difference is that a solicitor can act on property transactions Australia wide, not specific to the state that their certificate was received. Conveyancers are only permitted to transact in the state that they are licensed. This is particularly important in the current market, where many buyers are still purchasing investment properties in states outside of NSW.

So, what is the real difference?

When it comes to property, solicitors and conveyancers can both assist with many of the same conveyancing steps. The main difference is the scope of advice they can provide and, in some cases, where the property that is subject to the transaction is located. A conveyancer that is issued with their qualifications in NSW can only transact on NSW properties. An admitted solicitor can transact in all states in Australia.

If you are looking to purchase a property outside of the state you reside in, you are able to engage a solicitor in your state to do so or, alternatively, a conveyancer in the state that the property you are purchasing is in. So for example, if you reside in NSW and are looking at purchasing in QLD, you can engage a solicitor in NSW to assist you with this, or alternatively, you can engage a conveyancer based in QLD. You cannot use an NSW-based conveyancer for a QLD property purchase.

For more information about buying or selling property across state borders, you can also read our page on interstate conveyancing.

What has changed in property transactions?

While the basic difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer has not changed, the way property transactions are completed has continued to evolve. Many conveyancing steps now involve electronic settlement and lodgement systems, and buyers also need to be aware that stamp duty rules, first home buyer concessions and state-based requirements can change over time.

This is why it is important to choose a professional who understands the current property process, the state or territory where the property is located, and any broader legal issues that may affect your transaction.

Which one should I choose?

For a straightforward sale or purchase in NSW, a licensed conveyancer may be able to assist with your transaction. However, if your matter involves another state, a legal dispute, estate issue, family law issue, commercial property, complex contract terms, company or trust ownership, or broader legal advice, a solicitor may be more suitable.

Here at Coutts, we have an in-house team of lawyers that specialise in property law, including purchases, sales and interstate conveyancing. If you are looking to buy or sell property in NSW or in any state outside of NSW, get in touch with us today.