E-Conveyancing in Tasmania

In the past, property transactions in Tasmania were conducted only using paper forms. This required physical documents to be posted, signatures in ‘wet ink’ and bank cheques to be obtained and handed over on the date of settlement. However, with the advancement of technology, e-conveyancing has emerged as a game-changing solution across Australia, simplifying property transactions for buyers, sellers, banks and legal professionals. 

E-Conveyancing for most transactions went live on 24 February 2025, so what is e-conveyancing and how does it change conveyancing?  

What is E-Conveyancing? 

E-conveyancing refers to the use of electronic platforms to complete the legal processes associated with buying and selling property. It replaces the traditional paper-based system with a digital process, making the entire conveyancing journey faster, more secure, and more efficient. 

E-conveyancing allows property buyers, sellers, and their legal representatives to complete the transfer of property ownership using an electronic system. This includes the lodgement of documents, transfer of funds, and registration of the property transaction. 

In Tasmania, e-conveyancing is enabled through the PEXA platform (the ‘Property Exchange Australia’), which is the only legally recognized electronic conveyancing platform in the state. PEXA allows all parties involved to complete all requirements and monitor each transaction online which reduces the possibility that settlements will fall over as there are no surprises when all parties get to settlement day. 

Why E-Conveyancing is Beneficial in Tasmania 

Speed and Efficiency: Traditional conveyancing can be slow, with transactions taking weeks to complete. E-conveyancing significantly reduces the time required to finalize a property transaction, particularly where a bank is involved, as it reduces the need to post documents between states. 

Accuracy: Paper documents are prone to errors and loss. With e-conveyancing, everything is securely stored electronically, with built-in checks against government records to ensure accuracy. Digital signatures and the secure exchange of documents safeguards the transaction, reducing the risk of fraud. 

Security: While people are cautious of security in relation to online transactions, e-conveyancing has been in use in other states in Australia for more than 10 years and the system has many security features. The eventual removal of paper titles also reduces the chance that titles can be lost or stolen which is an advantage. 

Convenience: One of the main advantages of e-conveyancing is the convenience it offers. Clients are less likely to need to run around posting documents or attending the office of their lawyer or conveyancer. For legal representatives, it reduces the need to have staff spend hours out of the office obtaining cheques and attending settlements, ultimately reducing costs for clients.  

Environmentally Friendly: While it’s not something people often think about with professional services, going digital means less reliance on paper documents, making it a more sustainable choice for property transactions.  

How Does E-Conveyancing Work in Tasmania? 

For e-conveyancing to be used in Tasmania, both the buyer and seller must engage legal professionals (solicitors or licensed conveyancers) who are registered to use the PEXA platform. We expect that e-conveyancing will become the norm by 2026.  

Here’s a simplified overview of the process: 

Contract: Once the buyer and seller have entered into a contract with the real estate agent, their legal representatives will prepare necessary documents for the transaction in the PEXA platform. Your legal representative will obtain all required information from you so that they can take charge of this process 

Title Search and Verification: The legal representatives conduct a title search ensuring the property’s title is clear and free of any encumbrances. Any necessary adjustments, such as the payment of outstanding rates, strata or land tax are organised prior to settlement. 

Digital Signing: Once everything is in order, the required documents are signed digitally by the parties involved. Your legal representative has gone through a stringent process to get registered so that they can meet the security requirements to digitally sign documents on your behalf.  

Settlement: On the day of settlement, funds are transferred electronically between the parties.  

Registration: Once the settlement is complete, the transaction is registered with the Land Titles Office electronically, and the property ownership is officially transferred. 

Conclusion 

E-conveyancing represents a significant shift in the way property transactions are carried out in Tasmania. The benefits make it an attractive option for property buyers, sellers, banks and legal professionals alike. As the state continues to embrace digital transformation, e-conveyancing is set to become the standard for property transactions, bringing efficiency and ease to what was once a complex process. 

If you’re planning to buy or sell property in Tasmania, working with a legal professional who is experienced with e-conveyancing will ensure a smooth, hassle-free transaction.