Electronic conveyancing (eConveyancing) is the digital completion of conveyancing transactions including transferring property ownership from seller to buyer.
NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) has been part of the transition to eConveyancing since 2013. Though transactions were once conducted using manual processes and documents, eConveyancing allows for a property transfer to be recorded on the titles register immediately upon settlement and lodgment.
eConveyancing mandate — Changes from 1 July 2019
The NSW Government has mandated the use of eConveyancing to streamline the conveyancing process for buyers and sellers; lawyers and conveyancers; and financial institutions.
Under the mandate, from 1 July 2019 the following documents must be lodged electronically (alone or in combination):
- Transfers
- Mortgages (including mortgages with justification)
- Discharges of mortgage
- Caveats
- Withdrawals of caveat
- Transmission applications
- All refinancing documents.
As a result, NSW LRS cannot accept these documents for paper lodgment at our Customer Service Counter from 1 July 2019.
Legal framework and conveyancing rules
The Office of the Registrar General is the government agency leading the implementation of the mandate. Its eConveyancing webpage contains useful information about the legal framework for eConveyancing, including the Conveyancing Rules.
Guidelines for electronic lodgment
For parties lodging documents electronically, further information about preparing a transaction for lodgment is available in the Registrar General’s Guidelines.
Conveyancing Rules Exemption Form
Where an exception to electronic lodgment applies, a Conveyancing Rules Exemption Form must be submitted to NSW LRS with the relevant dealings.
You can access the form on our website in the Forms and Fees library (General Forms section): click here to access the Conveyancing Rules Exemption Form.
Using eConveyancing
How can buyers and sellers access eConveyancing?
To conduct an eConveyancing transaction, buyers and sellers must use the service of a lawyer or conveyancer who is registered with an Electronic Lodgment Network Operator (ELNO).
The following institutions can help you to find a lawyer or conveyancer in NSW:
How can lawyers and conveyancers use eConveyancing?
Lawyers and conveyancers must register with an Electronic Lodgement Network Operator (ELNO) to conduct eConveyancing transactions.
Click here for a list of authorised ELNOs in NSW.
For more information about the legal framework for eConveyancing, including the Conveyancing Rules, visit the Office of the Registrar General‘s website.