In Victoria, your conveyancing cost is made up of three separate things, and it pays to keep them apart — because only one of them is actually your lawyer’s fee:
1. Professional fee
What your lawyer or conveyancer charges for the legal work. Usually a fixed fee. This is the part you’re comparing when you shop around.
2. Disbursements
Third-party costs — title searches, council & water certificates, and the PEXA settlement fee. Passed on at cost. Around $300–$700.
3. Stamp duty
Land transfer duty paid to the State Revenue Office. Usually the biggest cost by far — often tens of thousands. Buyers only.
Professional fees in Victoria — the 2026 range
For a standard residential transaction, professional (legal) fees in Victoria in 2026 typically look like this:
| Service | Typical range | ORLA Settle (fixed, incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Buying an established home | $900 – $1,500 | $1,090 |
| Selling (Section 32 + Contract) | $800 – $1,300 | $980 |
| Off-the-plan purchase | $1,100 – $1,800 | $1,300 |
| Title transfer (e.g. related party) | $700 – $1,100 | $770 |
Cheaper isn’t always better: the lowest quotes ($770–$900) are usually licensed conveyancers, not lawyers. ORLA Settle sits mid-market because your matter is handled by an admitted Victorian lawyer (with professional-indemnity insurance and a regulated trust account) — the protection of a law firm, still at a fixed price.
Disbursements — what they are
Disbursements are out-of-pocket costs your lawyer pays on your behalf and passes on at cost, never marked up. On a standard matter expect roughly:
- Title and plan searches — ~$40–$120
- Council, water and owners-corporation certificates — ~$150–$400
- PEXA electronic settlement fee — ~$110–$130
- Land Registry transfer registration fee — scales with property value
Total disbursements usually land between $300 and $700 for a standard purchase.
Stamp duty — usually the biggest number
Land transfer duty (stamp duty) is paid by buyers to the State Revenue Office and dwarfs the other two costs. It runs on a sliding scale, with big concessions for first home buyers and owner-occupiers. On a $750,000 home a first home buyer pays around $40,070, while an investor pays the same standard rate. The fastest way to see your number is our calculator:
Work out your stamp duty in seconds
See your land transfer duty and total upfront cost, including our fixed fee.
Try the stamp duty calculator →So what will I actually pay?
All-in for a standard purchase in Victoria in 2026, most buyers pay somewhere between $1,200 and $2,200 for the professional fee plus disbursements — and then stamp duty on top. With ORLA Settle the professional fee is fixed at $1,090 incl GST, disbursements are at cost, and you always know the number up front.
Frequently asked questions
How much does conveyancing cost in Victoria in 2026?
Professional (legal) fees for a standard residential transaction are typically $900–$1,500 to buy and $800–$1,300 to sell, plus disbursements of about $300–$700. Stamp duty is separate and paid by buyers. ORLA Settle charges a fixed $1,090 incl GST to buy and $980 to sell.
Is a conveyancer cheaper than a lawyer?
Licensed conveyancers often quote a little less ($770–$900) but cannot give legal advice beyond the conveyance. A law firm like ORLA Settle can, and carries professional-indemnity insurance and a regulated trust account — for a fixed price that is still mid-market.
Are disbursements included in a fixed fee?
No. "Fixed fee" refers to the professional fee. Disbursements (searches, certificates, PEXA) are third-party costs passed on at cost, usually $300–$700. ORLA Settle never marks them up.
Do I pay stamp duty as well?
Buyers pay land transfer duty (stamp duty) to the State Revenue Office on top of legal fees and disbursements. It is usually the largest cost. Use our VIC stamp duty calculator for your figure.