Bumper ride for conveyancers under promised 1.2 million new homes

WITH her all-female conveyancing business sitting astride the NSW and Victorian border, Peta Stewart is perfectly positioned to read the property market in both states.

“The market is still unpredictable,” says the successful Albury-Wodonga based businesswoman. 

“While a rate cut might bring a temporary lift in buyer confidence, affordability and supply remain critical issues. 

“The looming Federal Election could also impact consumer confidence particularly regarding housing supply and development approvals. Conveyancers need to stay agile and informed to navigate these fluctuations.”

Peta, 45, says if the current government builds the promised 1.2million new homes over the next five years under the Housing Accord, conveyancers countrywide can expect a bumper ride.

“If that level of development is realised,” she says, “conveyancers will be essential in managing transactions smoothly and efficiently. I can see my business further expanding in land development transactions, solidifying our position as specialists in this field.”

Peta, whose book Beyond the Craft promises to give business owners the “untaught skills” to achieve success, has created a model for her own business which supports women starting out in conveyancing – and it’s paying dividends.

“One of our big successes has been creating a business model that consistently supports a female trainee conveyancer – funding her studies while she gains hands-on experience,” she says.

“This initiative has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the business.” 

Peta believes International Women’s Day is an important day on the calendar especially as women in conveyancing “still face challenges around recognition and pay equity”.

“Despite the high percentage of women in the industry, there’s still a perception issue,” she explains. “Conveyancing is often undervalued compared to property lawyers, leading to lower fees and tighter margins. Many women in the industry also juggle caregiving responsibilities which can impact their ability to scale their businesses or take on leadership roles.”

Yet, Peta and her team at Peta Stewart Property Conveyancers are flourishing.

“One of my greatest achievements has been building a thriving business with a strong, capable all-female team,” says the CEO and founder. “Transitioning to a fully digital, paperless system has also been a game-changer, significantly improving efficiency.”

Peta believes there are some interesting challenges facing the Australian conveyancing industry in the near future.

“Compliance is becoming increasingly complex with more stringent regulations and expectations around fraud prevention, anti-money laundering measures and digital security,” she says. “Technology is both a challenge and an opportunity – businesses that don’t invest in the right tools will struggle to keep up. 

“AI is reshaping the industry from automation to drafting tools. While this presents efficiency gains, it also raises concerns around job displacement and the need for professionals to up-skill. 

“AI should be seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human expertise – clients still value the personal touch, especially in such a high-stakes transaction.

“Property transactions can be complex and I enjoy making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for clients.”