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  4. Job Profile: Conveyancer

Conveyancer

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Job Prospects
There were 17,800 Conveyancers and Legal Executives in 2020. The number of workers grew very strongly over the past 5 years and is expected to stay about the same over the next five years. It is likely to reach 18,200 by 2025.
Salary
Full-time workers on an adult wage earn around $1,249 per week (below the average of $1,460). Earnings tend to be lower when starting out and higher as experience grows.
Source
www.joboutlook.com.au 2022
Brief
Buying or selling property must rate as one of life's more important financial decisions. It stands to reason, therefore, that these transactions be settled properly. Conveyancers prepare the documentation required for the purchase and sale of real estate.

Most Conveyancers and Legal Executives work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services; and Public Administration and Safety. Many work full-time (62%, similar to the average of 66%). 82% of workers are female with the average age of 35 years.

TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Conveyancer

Accredited (Award)

  • Introduction

    Most people associate conveyancers with preparing the legal documents necessary to facilitate the transfer of ownership for residential property and to finalise that task by attending to the settlement for the property. However, conveyancers undertake a much wider variety of tasks. These include undertaking searches from government departments, preparing settlement statements and preparing documents that relate to different interests in land. For example, this could relate to land division, easements, encumbrances and caveats. Conveyancers liaise with government departments, financial institutions, conveyancers and other professionals.

    Clerical and AdministrativeInfluencing and Personal Contact

  • Education Requirements

    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.

  • Career Path

    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.

  • Nature of the Job

    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.

  • Typical Physical Working Environment

    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.

  • Typical Occupational Example

    'Meeting a myriad of people, the clients, and dealing with their different needs and requirements is one of the aspects of my work that I particularly enjoy. A first-time buyer has to be treated differently to someone who has bought many times before,' says Wayne Reynolds. Koo has reasons of her own that help illustrate why she enjoys what she does. 'In December last year, I managed to save two of my clients a significant amount of money in one week after I resolved some issues before settlement. I get job satisfaction from doing my job well and in this instance, saving my clients' money due to my level of expertise. 'Although generally self employed, conveyancers may also be employed by other conveyancers, banks, finance companies, solicitors, building societies and government departments. In Western Australia, conveyancers focus mainly on residential conveyancing, although they may also undertake business settlements where they are licensed to do so.

    Further information:

    Australian Institute of Conveyancers - SA Division
    Phone: (08) 8359 2090
    Email: assist@aicsa.com.au
    Website: www.aicsa.com.au