Home-based conveyancing practice

Home buyers, sellers and investors, plus referrals from real estate agents, mortgage brokers and financial planners.

A fixed professional fee per sale or purchase, plus the costs of searches and government fees passed on to the client.

• Careful with detail and deadlines
• Clear communication with anxious clients
• Comfortable with contracts and legal paperwork

• Licensing and qualification rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body
• Professional indemnity insurance and trust account rules, which usually apply to this work
• Settlement errors can be costly, so build in checks and keep good records
• Council approval may be needed to run a business from home
• Income depends on the property market and referral relationships, so it can be uneven

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your setup, software and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many settlements you handle and your referral relationships.

Check licensing and qualification rules with your state or territory's licensing body, as they differ. Also check professional indemnity insurance and trust account rules, which usually apply, and whether your council requires approval to run a business from home.

Useful skills include care with detail and deadlines, clear communication with anxious clients, and comfort with contracts and legal paperwork. Time is typically at least 15 hours a week, and income can be uneven because it depends on the property market and referrals.