How we select conveyancers

The short version

Every firm on Top 10 Conveyancing is allowed to do conveyancing in its state, has a strong record of real client reviews, and does residential conveyancing as a core part of its work. We rank on those things. No firm pays to be listed or to move up.

Step 1: Build a long list

For each city we start with the conveyancers and property law firms that come up in Google Maps searches across the city and its suburbs, plus industry member lists, so smaller local firms aren't missed behind the big advertisers.

Step 2: Check who can act

The rules differ by state. Licensed conveyancers are checked against their state's public register where the register can be searched. In Queensland only solicitors can do conveyancing, so every Queensland listing is a law practice. In Western Australia the work is mostly done by licensed settlement agents. For law firms, we confirm the principal solicitor and check the practising register where it's publicly searchable.

Step 3: Check reputation

We look at each firm's Google rating, how many reviews it has, and how recent they are. A high rating from a handful of reviews counts for less than a strong rating built over years.

Step 4: Read their own details

What each firm handles, how it charges (fixed fee or quoted per matter) and where it works all come from the firm's own website. Where a site is unclear, we leave the detail out rather than guess. We never publish a firm's prices, because they change and they depend on the property.

Step 5: Rank the list

The order weighs reputation, focus on residential conveyancing, years of experience and how clearly each firm explains its fees. Each listing says why it made the list, so you can judge the fit for your own purchase or sale.

What doesn't affect ranking

• Payment. No firm pays to be listed or ranked. See how we make money.
• Firm size or advertising spend. A two-person local practice can outrank a national brand.

Keeping lists current

Each city page shows when it was last reviewed. We recheck licences, ratings and contact details at every review, and remove firms that no longer meet the standard.