Whether you’re buying a house, splitting from a partner, or just trying to figure out if that contract actually says what you think it says, professional services are one of those areas where most Australians don’t really know what to expect to pay until the invoice lands in their inbox. This category covers the cost of hiring qualified professionals across law, property, finance, and inspections.
What Falls Under Professional Services?
Think of this as the category for the people you call when the stakes are high. Lawyers, conveyancers, mortgage brokers, building inspectors, these are the professionals who sit between you and a major life decision. Getting a sense of their fees upfront can save you from an uncomfortable surprise, and honestly, it can help you budget properly instead of just hoping for the best.
Costs vary a lot depending on who you hire, where you live, and how complex your situation is. A straightforward conveyancing job in regional Queensland looks very different from a contested property settlement in Sydney. That said, there are some useful ballpark figures worth knowing. Conveyancers typically charge between $800 and $2,500 for a standard property transaction. Building inspections usually run $300 to $600, though combined pest and building inspections push closer to $500 to $900. If you’re going through a divorce, legal fees can start around $5,000 for a simple uncontested matter and climb well past $50,000 for anything disputed.
Lawyer and Broker Fees in Australia
General legal advice isn’t cheap either. Most solicitors bill somewhere between $200 and $550 per hour depending on their seniority and location, so even a couple of hours of advice adds up fast. It’s worth knowing your rights around fee disclosure too, the ACCC has guidance on fair pricing and consumer rights that’s worth a quick read before signing anything.
Mortgage brokers are a different story. Most don’t charge you directly at all, they’re typically paid a commission by the lender, which sits around 0.5% to 0.6% of the loan amount. That said, some brokers do charge upfront fees, so it pays to ask. The ASIC MoneySmart guide on mortgage brokers breaks this down clearly if you want the full picture.
Who’s Searching This Stuff?
Mostly people going through a property transaction, a relationship breakdown, or a legal dispute, sometimes all three at once, which is rough. First home buyers trying to understand conveyancing costs are a big chunk of it, along with people who’ve just been quoted a lawyer’s fee and want a sanity check.
Browse the full list of cost guides in this category below.