PEXA And eConveyancing: What You Need To Know
- Feb 27, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Last Updated: 11 Februry 2026
Buying or selling property involves many moving parts. Traditionally, settlement has been one of the most stressful stages of the process, with missed details, delayed cheques and last-minute rescheduling long being accepted as "just part of conveyancing." But it doesn’t have to be that way.
PEXA and e-conveyancing represent a major shift in how property transactions are completed in Queensland. By replacing paper-based settlements with a secure online system, PEXA allows solicitors, conveyancers and financial institutions to work together in real time, reducing delays, minimising errors and providing greater certainty at settlement.
In This Article:
What Is PEXA And E-Conveyancing?
PEXA stands for Property Exchange Australia. It's an online electronic lodgement network which enables solicitors and conveyancers to conduct e-conveyancing via an online portal.
E-Conveyancing minimises the manual processes and paperwork associated with property settlement by enabling solicitors, conveyancers and financial institutions to transact together online in real time for a seamless transaction.
Most firms in Queensland are still conducting property settlements by way of 'paper settlements'. A paper settlement is a physical settlement in which firms engage settlement agents to meet with financial institutions at a specified time and location, usually after 2:00 pm to around 4:30 pm AEST daily, to conduct settlement. This is done by exchanging documents and cheques.
The downside of paper settlements is that there is a large margin for error, creating delays and subsequent penalties as a result of typing errors, miscommunication and banking errors.
Imagine a stack of dominoes. These dominoes are set up in a line with each 'domino' having a particular role to play in the transaction. For example, the second domino inadvertently drew an incorrect cheque due to simple human error. The result? Settlement would be delayed and/or rescheduled, and the remaining dominoes all begin to fall.
Conveyancers spend a considerable amount of time rescheduling settlements by phone and email due to small errors that could otherwise be avoided. But this has changed due to the introduction of PEXA, which enables all parties to a transaction to have transparent access to a 'workspace' that allows all parties to review, submit and amend matter details electronically.
It also allows for quicker clearance of money (12-24 hours, although often within a matter of mere hours) and almost immediate transfer of ownership (approximately 20 minutes).
Many States and Territories have already deemed participation in PEXA as mandatory, and we suspect that Queensland is not far behind.
UPDATE: The eConveyancing mandate commenced on 20 February 2023 and requires land title instruments to be lodged electronically, unless a valid exemption applies. Introduced under the Land Title Regulation 2022, the mandate applies to all industry professionals and corporate entities lodging required instruments in relation to freehold land.
Cost Comparison: Paper Settlements vs. eConveyancing
Let's look at the cost of paper settlements to the client versus the cost of PEXA.
NOTE: These costs were last updated on 11 February 2026. For the most recent pricing, please visit the PEXA website.
Paper:
Sale
Settlement agent $150.00*
Banking fees of say $22.00* per cheque
$172.00+, based on the assumption that we are only depositing one cheque.
Purchase
Settlement agent $150.00*
Priority notice** (if required) $55.00*
Check title search $36.20*
Bank cheque fees of approximately $10.00* per cheque
$251.20+ based on a very conservative estimate.
PEXA:
Sale
One flat fee of $140.58
$140.58 Total
This does not vary at all, no matter how many cheques you have or deposits required, and a settlement agent is not needed.
Benefit: all funds are immediately disbursed and will be credited within 12-24 hours to your nominated account, often much quicker.
Purchase
One flat fee of $140.58
$11.11 for a priority notice (if required, these are often not required)
$151.69 Total
This does not change, and it is not dependent on bank cheques and includes a check title search required before settlement, and a settlement agent is not needed.
Benefit: the property will transfer into your name within 20 minutes; this usually can take days or weeks with a Paper Settlement.
*Estimation only depends on the Settlement Agent and the Search Databases used.
**For a detailed explanation of Priority Notices, follow this link: https://www.pexa.com.au/priority-notices or read our in-depth article by clicking here.
What This Means For You
For us to act on your behalf using PEXA, you will first need to complete a Client Authorisation Form, which authorises RHC Solicitors to transact electronically for your property matter. The Client Authorisation Form is provided to you as part of our standard engagement documents, so there are no additional steps required.
You will also need to complete a Verification of Identity (VOI). This is a standard requirement for electronic conveyancing and can be completed either at our office, online or at a participating Australia Post outlet, whichever is more convenient for you.
Once we have received the completed authorisation and your identity has been verified, we will create your matter in PEXA.
If you have any questions about PEXA or would like to discuss whether electronic settlement is right for your sale or purchase, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
Disclaimer: This publication is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice. We are unable to ensure the information is current and there is no guarantee in relation to accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content of this publication. The views and/or opinions expressed in this publication is that of the author and may not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of RHC Solicitors.
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