Conveyancing is the process of transferring the ownership of property from one person to another. A conveyancer is a licensed and qualified professional who can:

• provide information and advice about the sale or purchase of property
• prepare legal documentation for property transactions
• represent either the vendor or the buyer during the settlement process.

What a conveyancer does

A conveyancer will:

• prepare and clarify legal documents, such as, contract of sale, memorandum of transfer
• conduct research about the property and its certificate of title – eg checking for easements, type of title
• represent you in preparing for and during settlement
• place and hold deposit money in a trust account
• calculate the adjustment of rates and taxes when buying or selling a property
• liaise with the vendor or buyer’s conveyancer over settlement arrangements
• contact you to advise when settlement or subdivision is complete
• contact your financial institution, if applicable, regarding how and when the final payments are to be made and received
• negotiate offers on your behalf with a vendor or their agent
• lodge all necessary documents with the relevant agencies.

While you are not legally obliged to engage the services of either a conveyancer or solicitor if you intend to sell or subdivide a property yourself, you must:

• prepare all legal documentation
• make sure you fully understand all relevant legislation and regulations that apply
• be aware of the requirements of all other agencies that may need to be involved – eg your local council.