PEXA vs E-Signatures for Australian Property

People regularly ask whether they should use PEXA or an e-signature tool for Australian property. The answer is usually: both, for different parts of the transaction. Here is how each fits and when to use which.

Two Different Jobs

E-signature tools handle the commercial contract layer — contracts of sale, residential and commercial leases, listing agreements, off-the-plan contracts, management agreements. Both parties sign via browser. Audit trail logs IP, timestamp, verified email.

PEXA handles the title and settlement layer — lodging the transfer with the state land registry, registering mortgages and caveats, settling financial obligations. Used by licensed conveyancers and solicitors, not by consumers directly.

The Property Transaction in Order

1. Listing agreement (agent and vendor): Signed via e-signature tool.
2. Contract of sale (vendor and purchaser): Signed via e-signature tool.
3. Cooling-off period: Timer based on contract signing (3-10 business days depending on state and type).
4. Finance approval: Between purchaser and lender, typically signed via e-signature.
5. Pre-settlement (final inspection, adjustments): Agreement via email; paperwork via e-signature if needed.
6. Settlement: PEXA handles the financial exchange and title lodgment.
7. Post-settlement (keys, notifications): No signing needed.

PEXA enters the picture at step 6. Steps 1, 2, 4, and 5 are standard e-signature territory.

PEXA Client Authorisation Form

To use PEXA, conveyancers obtain a Client Authorisation Form (CAF) from their client. This is the document authorising the conveyancer to act on the client's behalf in the PEXA transaction. The CAF itself can be signed electronically via an e-signature tool — this is a common use case for SignBolt with AU conveyancers.

When People Say "Signed via PEXA"

Typically this means one of three things:

• The conveyancer signed the Transfer of Land on PEXA on the client's behalf, authorised via the CAF.
• The lender signed the Mortgage instrument on PEXA.
• The vendor, purchaser, or their representatives digitally signed a PEXA workspace document.

None of these are the signing of the contract of sale itself — that happens in a separate e-signature tool before PEXA involvement.

E-Signature Tools the CAF Supports

Most major e-signature tools including SignBolt, DocuSign, Annature, Adobe Sign, and Dropbox Sign produce signed CAFs acceptable to PEXA subscribers. What matters is the audit trail and compliance with ETA 1999 (and relevant state acts). SignBolt satisfies both.

For Consumers — What You Actually Sign

As a buyer or seller of AU property, you will sign:

• Contract of sale (via e-signature tool, pre-settlement).
• Client Authorisation Form (via e-signature tool, to authorise your conveyancer).
• Finance contract with lender (via e-signature tool, if financing).
• You do NOT sign inside PEXA directly.

For Conveyancers — What PEXA Does

Conveyancers use PEXA to:

• Lodge Transfer of Land with the state land registry.
• Lodge Mortgage or Discharge of Mortgage instruments.
• Register caveats, priority notices, and similar interests.
• Settle funds between buyer, seller, lenders, and incoming mortgagees.
• Coordinate multi-party settlements where multiple transactions settle simultaneously.

Summary Decision Rule

Use an e-signature tool (like SignBolt) for: contracts of sale, leases, listing agreements, CAFs, and any commercial property document. Use PEXA (via your conveyancer) for: settlement, title transfer, and mortgage registration.

Related Reading

See NSW property e-signing, VIC property e-signing, property management e-signature.

Frequently Asked Questions