The essential role of final title searches in property transactions

The essential role of final title searches in property transactions For property lawyers and conveyancers, the property settlement process is complex, requiring careful management to protect clients from potential legal and financial risks. A recent New South Wales Supreme Court case has underscored the critical need for conducting final title searches, which serve as a […]

Streamlining legal operations: Thompson Geer’s success story with SettleIT

Streamlining legal operations: Thompson Geer’s success story with SettleIT In the world of corporate law, efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. For Thompson Geer, one of Australia’s leading independent corporate law firms, these principles form the foundation of their operations. Specialising in the commercial and legal interests of companies, governments, and institutions, Thompson Geer boasts […]

The importance of ethical conduct in conveyancing: best practices for conveyancers

Man holding wooden blocks with words "Code of Conduct"

The importance of ethical conduct in conveyancing: best practices for conveyancers In the realm of conveyancing, where transactions involving real estate are conducted, the importance of ethical conduct cannot be overstated. Conveyancers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transfer of property ownership, and their ethical behaviour is not just a legal obligation but […]

Why conveyancing should be a key offering of your law firm

Why conveyancing should be a key offering of your law firm With the move to a national eConveyancing mandate, and subsequent changes in processes, general law firms are considering whether they should continue servicing clients in the property space. This is largely due to the hurdles of learning new e-settlement systems, implementing new processes and […]

New Queensland settlement law reform plays catch up

New Queensland settlement law reform plays catch up SettleIT General Manager, Daniel Petrucci, says “the announced reforms to Queensland property law are a welcome relief for home buyers but finally plays catch up with most other Australian states”.  The reform, set to come into effect in January 2022, has been introduced to stop home buyers becoming penniless if settlement delays arise by giving Queensland buyers an extra five business days to complete settlement.  “Purchasing a home is […]

Three levels of Certificate of Title (CT) usage in Australia

Three levels of Certificate of Title (CT) usage in Australia With the recent removal of Certificates of Title (CT) in New South Wales, and a consultation period taking place in Victoria, it is a timely reminder to take note of where each State and Territory currently stands with CTs. Across Australia, the States and Territories […]

How to manage tight settlement deadlines

How to manage tight settlement deadlines Even at the best of times, managing a settlement can be challenging. Between delays, adjustments, difficulty contacting banks, councils, and more, there are many opportunities for time to slip away. On top of this, for your client, the settlement process is usually the last hurdle before they legally take […]

How to add a layer of legitimacy to your identity verification process to reduce identity fraud

How to add a layer of legitimacy to your identity verification process to reduce identity fraud This is the second part of the SettleIT education series supporting practitioners to navigate the e-settlements and e-conveyancing landscape. See part one here. This article does not constitute legal advice. It is for general information purposes only.   There is the notion that introducing technology into […]

3 key influences that drive uptake of e-settlements

3 key influences that drive uptake of eSettlements When e-settlements first came into the Australian legal and conveyancing scene in 2010, there was initially some resistance to their uptake. At the time, with no mandates in place, the appetite for change was understandably low because of the need to learn new systems, upskill resources and transition away […]

3 things instructing practitioners must know when engaging an eLodgment Subscriber

3 things instructing practitioners must know when engaging an e-lodgment Subscriber

3 things instructing practitioners must know when engaging an e-lodgment Subscriber This is the first part of the SettleIT education series supporting practitioners to navigate the e-settlements and e-conveyancing landscape. This Article does not constitute legal advice. It is for general information purposes only.   Instructing practitioners are responsible for briefing e-lodgment Subscribers to prepare ELNO workspaces, create and digitally sign electronic […]