Support property transactions and protect legal interests

As a conveyancer, you prepare the legal documents needed to transfer ownership of property and attend settlement. In addition to residential sales, you also manage land division, easements, encumbrances and caveats. Conveyancers conduct searches with government departments, prepare settlement statements and liaise with financial institutions, councils and other professionals to ensure all legal requirements are met.

The first step in becoming a conveyancer usually requires the completion of an accredited course in Conveyancing. TAFE SA offers an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing.

Still unsure? Then try a short course. TAFE SA offers a wide variety of short courses at various times each year. Check the website for details.

Conveyancers in South Australia may be employed by financial institutions, other conveyancers that operate their own businesses, Law firms and government departments.

Persons may initially work as conveyancing clerks with a view to ultimately becoming a registered conveyancer in South Australia.

Conveyancers acting for the vendor arrange for the removal of any encumbrances (mortgage repayments) on a title, draw up a statement for the purchaser outlining the rates and taxes due on a property, and liaise with purchasers about the transfer of a property.

Conveyancers acting for the purchasers attend to the preparation of title office documents, and initiate searches among relevant departments such as councils, the Water Corporation and the Land Tax department to ensure that all rates and taxes are paid in full at the time of settlement. They also instruct mortgagees about the transfer of property and liaise with the vendor's conveyancer regarding payment requirements. Once all parties to a transaction are ready, the purchaser's conveyancer arranges a time and place for settlement of the property. This usually occurs at the purchaser's financial institution.

The conveyancing profession in South Australia is well established and high standards are expected. Conveyancers often work in a challenging environment. They work to set deadlines and need to keep up to date with changes in the law and procedures relating to land transactions. They must also have excellent communication skills to enable them to deal with a wide range of clients and other professionals.