COVID-19: New options for executing NSW paper land dealings and instruments during the pandemic
Restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 have made it difficult to prepare, sign and witness paper land dealings.
From 27 April 2020, changes to the Conveyancing Rules temporarily allow paper land dealings, plans and Section 88B instruments to be signed electronically. These documents may also be witnessed electronically using an audio visual link during the COVID-19 restriction, under section 14G of the Electronic Transactions Act 2000.
These temporary changes do not alter any existing requirements for execution and certification, verification of identity or establishing the right to deal.
Please refer to the following publications for more information about signing and witnessing documents, and for general information about how we are responding to COVID-19:
- Conveyancing Rules – (COVID-19 Pandemic) Amendment (Version 2) – September 2020
- Guidance Note: executing NSW paper land dealings during COVID-19 restrictions
- Guidance Note: executing NSW plans during COVID-19 restrictions
- Office of the Registrar General's coronavirus update
Temporary electronic signing and witnessing provisions for land dealings and plans apply until 31 March 2021, unless repealed earlier (see Conveyancing Rules – (COVID-19 Pandemic) Amendment (Version 2) – September 2020).
Temporary remote witnessing provisions apply until 31 December 2021, unless repealed earlier (see section 14K of the Electronic Transactions Act 2000).
Last update: 13 November 2020, to note extensions to temporary changes.