The way property transactions are handled in Tasmania is changing. The Land Titles Office is moving away from paper-based processes and towards electronic conveyancing (often called e-conveyancing). In simple terms, this means less paperwork, faster settlements, and more secure transactions.
What is changing?
In the past, buying or selling a property meant dealing with paper Certificates of Title and attending a physical settlement, often in a solicitor’s office or bank. Now, Tasmania is introducing digital platforms that allow these steps to happen online.
This means:
- Paper Certificates of Title will eventually disappear.
- Settlements and lodgements will take place securely online.
- Ownership records will be updated instantly after settlement.
Tasmania is rolling this out gradually, with more types of property dealings moving online over time.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers?
For buyers, the new system means fewer delays, no risk of lost paperwork, and almost immediate confirmation that the property is in your name once settlement is complete. You’ll need to go through a simple identity check with your solicitor to meet the new requirements.
For sellers, the process should feel smoother too. However, it’s important to make sure that mortgages, caveats, or other issues on the title are sorted out before settlement so they don’t hold things up when everything is lodged electronically.
Are there any risks?
While the benefits are clear, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Identity checks are compulsory, and the Land Titles Office monitors them closely to protect against fraud.
- Platform fees may apply, depending on the system being used.
- Older or more complex titles may still require extra steps before they can be processed electronically.
These aren’t major hurdles, but they do make it even more important to have the right legal advice when you’re buying or selling property.
How Simmons Wolfhagen can help
Our Property and Conveyancing Team is fully equipped to guide clients through both traditional and digital settlements. We can:
- Carry out the required identity checks.
- Ensure your title is ready for electronic lodgement.
- Handle settlement securely through the new platforms.
- Explain any fees, timelines, or unique aspects of your transaction in plain English.
The bottom line
The move to digital conveyancing is an important step forward for Tasmania’s property market. For buyers and sellers, it means faster, safer, and more efficient transactions — provided the right preparation is in place.
If you’re buying or selling in Tasmania and want to know how these changes may affect you, contact our Property and Conveyancing Team at Simmons Wolfhagen for expert legal advice.