A conveyancer is not your typical attorney. In South Africa, they play a specialised and crucial role in property transactions. Here are some of the main aspects that set conveyancers apart from other attorneys:

1. Specialisation in Property Law:

A conveyancer is an attorney who specialises in property law. To become one, they must have qualified and be admitted as an attorney first, and then in addition, they must pass a specialised conveyancing exam set by the Law Society of South Africa.

2. High Court Admission:

A conveyancer is formally admitted as such by the High Court of South Africa.

3. Exclusive Deeds Office Access:

Only qualified conveyancers have the authority to register property transactions in the Deeds Office, ensuring the legality and authenticity of land and property dealings.

4. Property Experts:

Given the importance of property as an asset, it’s essential to have a specialist like a conveyancer handle all aspects of your rights to land, including ownership, use, and transfer.

5. Legal Documentation:

All property-related transactions and agreements must be documented in writing, registered, and stored at the relevant South African Deeds Office branch; a task exclusively handled by conveyancers.

6. Limited Interactions:

Most individuals encounter conveyancers primarily when buying or selling their homes. However, these specialists also deal with various property-related tasks beyond home transactions.

7. Diverse Responsibilities:

Conveyancing attorneys can handle tasks such as property transfer, mortgage bond registration, and bond cancellation. They prepare the necessary legal documents, affidavits, and applications while ensuring compliance with legislation and deeds office procedures.

8. Collaboration with Financial Institutions:

When financing is involved, a conveyancer on a financial institution’s panel acts as an agent for that financial institution. They prepare loan documents and the mortgage bond for the purchaser’s signature. Similarly, when an existing bond must be cancelled, conveyancers attend to this on behalf of the financial institutions.

In summary, a conveyancer is a highly specialised attorney focused on property law. They ensure the legalities of property transactions and play a pivotal role in safeguarding your property rights. While they might not be a part of your life every day, they are indispensable when it comes to significant property dealings.