What is a Conveyancer? (And why you’ll be glad you hired one)

If it’s been a while since you last bought or sold a property (or perhaps, you’re in the market for your first home), you’re not alone in wondering: What exactly is a conveyancer? Maybe you vaguely recall last time signing paperwork and someone updating you just before settlement… but everything in between felt like a blur.

In our very first blog, I want to break it down (with no jargon, no legal fluff), just a clear look at what a conveyancer (or “settlement agent”) does, and why choosing the right one matters more than ever.

First things first: How does a Conveyancer differ from a Settlement Agent?

A lot of friends & family have asked me since launching North Shore Conveyancing how a conveyancer is different from a settlement agent.

Short answer: They are actually exactly the same.

In Western Australia, the term “settlement agent” is often used interchangeably with “conveyancer.” Both refer to a licensed professional who handles the legal and administrative side of transferring property ownership. Whether someone calls themselves a Perth settlement agent or a Joondalup conveyancer, they’re doing the same job - and hopefully doing it well.

What happens after you’ve signed the offer?

Once you’ve signed your offer (or accepted one if you’re the seller), the contract your conveyancer steps in. From that point on, your conveyancer will:

Review Your Contract

Before anything else, your conveyancer will carefully review your Offer and Acceptance to ensure the conditions are clear and achievable. If something looks off or needs clarification, they’ll raise it quickly.  

In fact, you can actually reach out to your chosen conveyancer before signing the offer to get them to review it before you sign your life away. Most offer a contract review service to ensure buyers and sellers understand what they’re entering into.

Liaise with all the various parties

Think of your conveyancer as your behind-the-scenes coordinator. They’ll communicate with the real estate agent, your bank and finance broker, the other party’s settlement agent, and government departments like Landgate and RevenueWA. You shouldn’t need to chase anyone - that’s our job.

We keep on top of all the moving parts so that you can just focus on moving!

Conduct title and property checks

As part of your settlement, your conveyancer will make a whole heap of enquiries about the property. From the title search and plan, to any easements or encumbrances, as well as unapproved structures the council may have flagged and more. If something unusual comes up, you’ll be the first to know.

Part of this also includes requesting information on the council & water rates applicable to the property, as well as water consumption, strata levies and land tax to ensure that each party pays their relevant share.

Prepare and lodge the legal documents

Traditionally, transferring ownership involved a mountain of paperwork, but if you’re working with North Shore Conveyancing, that mountain becomes a few digital taps. We use DocuSign to make signing fast and secure - no printing, no scanning, no waiting for the post.

Arrange the settlement

Your conveyancer will schedule settlement with all parties, make sure the money is where it needs to be, and ensure everything lines up for the official handover day. On settlement day, they’ll let you know the good news once it’s all gone through, and yes, you can pop the champagne!

So, what makes a good Perth settlement agent?

Anyone can process paperwork. But a great conveyancer will keep you informed, reduce your stress, and give you confidence every step of the way.

At North Shore Conveyancing, we’re a boutique agency based in Kallaroo, working predominantly with clients across Perth’s northern suburbs - from Joondalup, Mullaloo and Hillarys, through to Craigie, Beldon, Padbury and Duncraig.

We focus on clear communication and a seamless digital experience. We’re proud to say that every one of our clients gets free access to the Pathway to Settlement app, which allows you to:

• Track your settlement progress in real time

• Get updates straight to your phone

• Securely share bank details or documents

• Access a helpful glossary of common settlement terms

It’s private, secure, and incredibly easy to use (even if you’re not tech-savvy).

Tell me more about privacy and security…

We get it - you’re sharing some of your most sensitive personal information during a property transaction. That’s why we’ve partnered with Realtime Conveyancer, an award-winning Australian software platform and Scantek, a leading Australian provider of ID verification to keep all of your data and your ID documents secure and onshore.

Not tech-savvy? Don’t like e-signing? We’ve got you!

While most of our clients love the ease of signing documents digitally and tracking everything from their phones, we know that sometimes a face-to-face chat is still the best option.

If digital tools aren’t your thing, we’re happy to tailor our service. Whether that means meeting you at your kitchen bench over a coffee, or talking you through each step over the phone, we’re here to make the process work for you. Just let Katelyn know what you prefer.

Why it pays to choose the right conveyancer

Property settlements involve a lot of money, a lot of moving parts, and very real deadlines. Mistakes, delays, or poor communication can cost you not just time but financial and emotional consequences too.

That’s why choosing a professional, responsive conveyancer (who knows the Perth and Joondalup markets inside out) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.  Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just starting fresh, Katelyn and North Shore Conveyancing will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Ready to chat?

If you're buying or selling in Kallaroo, Mullaloo, Hillarys or surrounds, and you're looking for a Perth settlement agent who speaks your language and keeps things stress-free, I’d love to hear from you. At North Shore Conveyancing, I’m here to handle the hard stuff, and keep you in the loop, every step of the way.  I can’t wait to chat!