Breaking Down Gold Coast Conveyancing Costs

Buying or selling property on the Gold Coast is an exciting venture, but the legal aspects can often feel unclear. Conveyancing is the process that ensures everything is handled properly, safeguarding you from any unpleasant surprises after you sign a contract.

This guide explains what conveyancing involves, what it costs, and a few Gold Coast‑specific issues to watch out for, in plain English.

Important note: All fees and search costs listed below are accurate as at the date of this article. Government and search provider fees can change over time.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal work required to transfer property ownership from one person to another. It includes:

• reviewing the contract

• ordering the right searches

• dealing with banks and real estate agents

• organising settlement

• registering the property after settlement

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In Queensland, conveyancing is legal work and must be done by a law firm. Queensland does not have independent licensed conveyancers like some other states.

Our conveyancing fee

For a standard Gold Coast property transaction, our professional fee is:

$800 + GST ($880 including GST)

This covers our legal work from start to finish. Searches and external charges are additional and are set out below.

Gold Coast conveyancing searches and exact costs

The following searches are commonly required on Gold Coast transactions.

Search	What it’s for	Exact cost
Land title search	Confirms ownership and registered interests (mortgage, easements etc.)	$24.69 (no GST)
Gold Coast Rating Information Report (with water meter read)	Confirms council rates, water charges and includes an actual water meter reading for settlement	$175.00
Land tax search (Queensland)	Checks whether any unpaid land tax is attached to the property	$88.42
Body corporate information certificate (units/townhouses only)	Confirms levies, insurance and key scheme details for settlement	$121.21
Comprehensive body corporate records report (optional)	Detailed review of minutes, finances, disputes and future costs	$421.61 – $498.33

A quick note about title searches (good news for buyers)

Queensland law now requires sellers to give buyers a Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) before the contract is signed. This usually includes the title search and registered plan, meaning buyers often do not need to pay separately for those searches anymore.

Why some buyers choose a comprehensive body corporate report

A basic body corporate certificate is required for settlement, but a comprehensive report gives deeper insight. Buyers often choose this report when:

• the building is older

• the complex is large

• they want to know if major repairs are planned

• they want to check past disputes or special levies

This report can help buyers understand the true ongoing cost of owning a unit or townhouse before committing.

Local Law 17 - What You Need to Know

If a property is on or near water — canals, rivers, lakes, or some stormwater areas — Gold Coast Local Law 17 may apply.

This law can affect properties that:

• have or benefit from a pontoon, jetty, or retaining wall

• are close to a waterway, even if the structure is not physically on the property

Why this matters

Under this local law:

• owners can be responsible for maintaining these structures

• repairs can be costly

• the responsibility can apply even if it’s not obvious when you inspect the property

The contract should contain a special disclosure clause, but missing disclosure does not automatically allow buyers to terminate, which is why this is something we carefully review.

Why using a solicitor matters in Queensland

In Queensland, contracts are often signed before legal advice is obtained. Once signed, they are legally binding.

Using a solicitor means:

• risks are explained clearly before you commit

• important clauses can be added early

• you’re protected if something unusual arises

This is especially important for:

• waterfront properties

• units and body corporate purchases

• contracts with non‑standard terms

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Typical Gold Coast conveyancing

• Conveyancing fee: $800 + GST

• Council rates & water search: $175

• Land tax search: $88.42

• Body corporate searches (if applicable): $121 – $498

We always confirm exact costs with you before ordering any searches so there are no surprises.

Final word

Buying or selling property doesn’t need to feel confusing or overwhelming. Our goal is to explain things clearly, protect your interests, and help your transaction run smoothly.

If you have a contract you’d like reviewed or you’re thinking about buying or selling on the Gold Coast, we’re happy to help.