Embracing the past, present and the electronic future – 50 years of the AICSA

The electronic age has had a significant impact on many professions, and over the past two years, conveyancing has changed so dramatically that 95 per cent of all land sold or bought in South Australia is now transacted online.

To mark 50 years since the conveyancing profession came together to create the Australian Institute of Conveyancers SA (AICSA), the past, present and the future will be discussed at its annual conference this weekend, including discussions on how the changes which reshaped the industry in 2020 are continuing to impact the industry.

AICSA Chief Executive Carmel Noon said conveyancing – the little-known profession which essentially legalised the sale of a property and ensured all transactions were lodged and certified – had its genesis in South Australia in 1841, when the state established a world-first office for the registration of deeds.

“We can thank Sir Robert Torrens for conveyancing, as he introduced the Real Property Act in 1857 and went on to create the Torrens Title system for registering land titles, which is now used throughout the world,” Ms Noon said.

“By founding the Torrens Title system, Sir Robert also enabled the transfer of land to be undertaken by specialist brokers or conveyancers, rather than just solicitors, marking the early days of a profession which is the essential cog in a property’s legal wheel.”

Over the 50 years since the AICSA (formerly Land Brokers Society SA) was established, the profession has undergone significant change. However, none of those has been had more of an impact than through the implementation and mandating of electronic transactions in August, 2020.

Conveyancers now process more than 95 per cent of transactions through an online system, which ensures only qualified conveyancers or solicitors are able to lodge and certify the transfer of land.

“The industry is transforming at a rapid pace, and while there’s no longer a need to meet banks face-to-face or to lodge documents in-person at the Lands Title Office, it’s still a profession which needs a great understanding of property law,” Ms Noon said.

“Having said that, it’s an ideal profession for people who are looking for a career change, for those wanting to work remotely, for parents of young children, school leavers, those who want to start their own business who have an interest in property or legal affairs.

“While there might be less personal interaction when lodging documents these days, it’s a profession built on relationships between people making the most significant purchase of their lives, their real estate agents and their bank – which is tied together by their trusted conveyancer.”

Ms Noon said conveyancers were the unsung heroes of the property industry as a sale could not proceed without their involvement. Conveyancers were pivotal to the South Australian economy, and it was time more people know how important a role they played.

“Conveyancers are passionate about their role and provide information and advice about the sale or purchase of property, prepared legal documentation for property transactions, and represent either the vendor or the buyer during the settlement process,” she said.

“Buying or selling a property is one thing most people will do in their lifetime, and without an astute conveyancer, the property transaction could be put in jeopardy. People should consider getting in touch with a conveyancer at the start of their buying or selling journey, enabling them to provide support throughout the process.”

The conference, which is being held at U City Adelaide, will also induct 15 Life Members to the AICSA, including founding conveyancers of the association.