Cheap conveyancing is a competitive market. While we all agree saving a couple of hundred dollars is great, how do these conveyancers afford to do the job so cheap and is there any drawback to these cheaper services?

We are increasingly seeing the rise of cut-price bulk conveyancing firms, some of which operate online only, or employ conveyancers (paralegals) to carry out all their conveyancing requirements with little to no guidance from a Solicitor.

What are the benefits of using a Law Firm and not a Conveyancing firm?

Generally, a bulk conveyancing firms’ only source of income is conveyancing files. To receive bulk conveyancing files, their fees must be low and attractive to price sensitive clients.

To make their fees cheaper, cut price conveyancing firms often put certain protocols in place to make their low fees profitable including:

• Quoting Fixed Fee and removing standard searches to save costs

  Many cut price conveyancing firms will remove the Contaminated Land and the Department of Main Roads search from their quote to reduce prices.

  Warning: If standard searches are excluded and not completed, a Buyer will not be aware of any adverse results and therefore not know to exercise their right to terminate the Contract and/or claim compensation.

• Automated systems

  This essentially means that information collected on a conveyancing file is standardised across the board and does not relate specifically to your conveyance or your needs. This can often be detrimental as generally no two conveyances are the same. In the event that you have unique circumstances or needs (which most people do) it is unlikely you will receive adequate advice to protect your rights or make an informed decision when it comes to your property.

• Hiring multiple conveyancing staff with limited to no support from Solicitors – Bulk conveyancing firms will often hire multiple support staff and not provide adequate support from a Solicitor. The downside for the consumer is that should your file get to a point where you need legal advice, the solicitor is unlikely to have sufficient time to provide you with appropriate support on your conveyance.

Limitations of advice

If you require advice outside the area of conveyancing, it is unlikely that a bulk conveyancer will have the resources to provide you with this advice as they solely practice in the area of conveyancing and will be unable to represent you in Court, should the need to litigate arise.  

Conveyancing is a multifaceted field of law which can require advice on various areas of law  including family law, estate law, powers of attorney, and commercial litigation. Choosing a Law Firm will have you covered if your conveyance is related, or becomes related, to a different area of the law.

check the exclusions

It is important to read the inclusions and exclusions for work done by cut price conveyancers as in many cases, parts of a conveyance that are provided in a standard Law Firm fee are an add-on for a cut price conveyancer.

Choosing a Law Firm provides you with a one stop shop where you can build a relationship with your lawyer and have them assist you with all your legal needs into the future. Having all your matters dealt with at the one location with tailored advice will result in you having a greater depth of understanding of your circumstances and therefore feeling more in control and comfortable with the process.

The price of bulk conveyancing firms is a definite advantage, as no-one ever wants to pay more than they must. That being said, clearly, we think choosing our Firm will be to your benefit if cost is not your main priority.  

By way of unashamed self-promotion:-

• Our conveyancing prices are highly competitive as a Law Firm

• You will receive expert advice from experienced conveyancers

• We will be available to you and deal with you personally

• We will provide a conveyance tailored to your specific needs

• We are local and know the local area

• We will take the time to thoroughly review your contract and advise on special conditions at no extra cost so that you have peace of mind when you sign your contract.

Contact our office and talk with Shannon Harding to find out how the team at Millwater Tyrrell Law will protect your interests and make your conveyance a straightforward and stress-free process.

Millwater Tyrrell Law are an expert Ipswich Law Firm that practice in Conveyancing, Family Law, Commercial Law, Criminal Law and Wills & Estates.