Solicitor vs Conveyancer – What is the Real Difference?

Last updated: 20 August, 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 practical difference between property lawyers and conveyancers.

Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers are trained and regulated professionals who can carry out conveyancing work within their authorised scope. It isn’t necessarily a matter of who will do the job better, but which professional is most suited to the particular property transaction and any broader legal issues involved.

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 standard conveyancing.

What is the difference between a Solicitor and Conveyancer?

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

A solicitor can also undertake conveyancing work. The important difference is that a solicitor is qualified to provide legal services across a much broader range of law, whereas a licensed conveyancer’s authorised work is focused on conveyancing and legal work connected with property transactions.

This becomes important where a property matter overlaps with another area of law. For example, a solicitor may be more suitable if the transaction involves a deceased estate, a family law property settlement, a caveat or property dispute, company or trust structuring advice, a complex commercial property matter, an off-the-plan issue extending beyond routine conveyancing, or another legal question that falls outside the scope of standard conveyancing work.

What about interstate property transactions?

Interstate property transactions are another area where the distinction can become important.

An Australian legal practitioner holding a current practising certificate can generally practise Australian law in another Australian state or territory without obtaining an additional practising certificate, although local laws, professional requirements and the practitioner’s experience in the relevant jurisdiction still need to be considered.

For licensed conveyancers, the position depends on the licensing and mutual-recognition arrangements applying in the state or territory where the work is being carried out. Eligible conveyancers may be able to work across some state borders under Automatic Mutual Recognition or other mutual-recognition arrangements, subject to local notification, insurance, licensing and regulatory requirements.

This means it should not simply be assumed that a NSW conveyancer is automatically authorised to handle a property transaction in every other Australian jurisdiction. If you are buying or selling interstate, it is important to confirm that the practitioner acting for you is authorised and experienced in the requirements of the state or territory where the property is located.

If you are buying or selling property across state borders, Coutts also provides interstate conveyancing services to help manage the legal and conveyancing requirements of your transaction.

So, what is the real difference?

For a straightforward NSW property purchase, sale or transfer, a licensed conveyancer can generally manage the conveyancing work involved in the transaction. This can include reviewing or preparing contracts, carrying out searches, preparing documents, dealing with transfer duty and managing the matter through to settlement.

A solicitor can undertake the same conveyancing work but can also provide broader legal advice and representation where the property matter extends beyond the scope of conveyancing.

This distinction can become particularly important if a transaction develops into a dispute, involves another area of law, requires broader legal structuring advice or presents legal issues beyond the usual purchase, sale or transfer process.

What has changed in property transactions?

While the basic distinction between a solicitor and a conveyancer remains, the way property transactions are completed has continued to evolve. Most NSW property transactions now involve electronic conveyancing and settlement, while transfer duty rules, first home buyer concessions and other state-based property requirements can also change over time.

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

Which one should I choose?

For a straightforward purchase, sale or property transfer in NSW, a licensed conveyancer will often be well placed to assist with the transaction.

If you are buying or selling property in Sydney, our Sydney conveyancers can assist with contract reviews, property transfers, electronic conveyancing and settlement from start to finish.

If your transaction involves property in another state, Coutts can also assist with interstate conveyancing, helping you navigate the conveyancing requirements that apply to the relevant jurisdiction.

Where the matter involves a property dispute, estate issue, family law issue, complex commercial property matter, company or trust structuring, complex contractual issues or broader legal advice, a property lawyer or solicitor may be more appropriate.

One advantage of Coutts is that we have both licensed conveyancers and experienced property lawyers. This means straightforward conveyancing matters can be managed by our conveyancing team, while broader legal support is available if the transaction becomes more complex or crosses into another area of law.

If you are buying or selling property in NSW or interstate and are unsure which type of professional you need, get in touch with us today.