How e-conveyancing can overcome COVID-19 complications and will continue to play an important role into the future

By Tracy Pratt, Associate at Hillhouse Legal Partners
| 3 min. read
property & projects

Key takeaways

  • The property sale process can now be undertaken completely online and is not affected by COVID-19, thanks to modern technology which makes it possible for lawyers and conveyancers to use an online conveyancing portal.
  • Documents can be lodged and funds dispersed automatically and immediately on completion of the electronic settlement.

Not too many years ago, the social distancing and lockdowns associated with COVID-19 would have made many aspects of conveyancing difficult, if not impossible.

But, fortunately, the property sale process can now be undertaken solely online, thanks to modern technology which makes it possible for lawyers and conveyancers to use an online conveyancing portal.

Although it would appear the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, e-conveyancing still has a major role to play and will continue to be a valuable tool into the future.

Using e-conveyancing means your real estate agent can email your lawyer or conveyancer the sales advice, the lawyer or conveyancer then emails you with the link to check your ID online, and the contract is prepared completely online, including a special condition saying everyone will agree to all the parties signing the contract electronically.

The agent then emails it to you using a special electronic signing program, which asks you to sign and then automatically emails it back to the lawyer or conveyancer. The contract can then be exchanged either by email, or over the phone and by post. All from the safety of your home.

Your lawyer can even advise you of the contract over the phone.

Other benefits of e-conveyancing include:

  • Errors can be corrected and documents can be added or removed from an electronic workspace quickly and easily as a transaction evolves, often without the need for documents to be physically printed and signed.
  • Documents are lodged and funds are dispersed automatically and immediately on completion of the electronic settlement.
  • Co-ordinating multiple settlements in different locations, where each is conditional on the other, is simplified as the process is automated, with settlements completing instantly and automatically only if and when each other “linked” settlement is also ready to complete.

If you would like advice of the benefits of e-conveyancing at any time, and particularly during COVID-19, or help with any conveyancing matters, call me on 07-32286133 or send me an email at tracy@hillhouse.com.au.

The information in this blog is intended only to provide a general overview and has not been prepared with a view to any particular situation or set of circumstances. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. While we attempt to ensure the information is current and accurate we do not guarantee its currency and accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information in this blog as it may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances.