Short answer
PEXA is an online platform used to settle property purchases in NSW. Since 11 October 2021, almost all NSW land title dealings must be lodged electronically.
Your solicitor and the other parties prepare everything in a shared online workspace. On settlement day the money moves and the transfer is lodged at the same time.
You do not need to attend. Settlement itself usually takes minutes once everyone is ready.
Current as at 2 November 2026What does PEXA settlement mean?
PEXA is an electronic platform where the buyer's and seller's representatives and the banks complete settlement, without anyone attending in person.
Paper certificates of title were cancelled in NSW on 11 October 2021.
Most Australian banks use PEXA, and more than 10,000 lawyers and conveyancers.
How a PEXA settlement works, step by step
- After exchange, the seller's representative creates the electronic workspace, as the standard NSW contract requires.
- We join the workspace for you, and your lender joins for your loan.
- You sign a client authorisation, which lets us sign and lodge the documents for you.
- We prepare the transfer and complete the settlement figures: the price, the adjustments for rates and water, stamp duty and fees.
- Your funds and your loan funds are made ready in the workspace before the day.
- On settlement day, the documents are lodged with NSW Land Registry Services and the money is paid out together.
- You are told when settlement is complete, and the agent releases the keys.
How long does a PEXA settlement take?
The settlement itself usually takes minutes once all parties are ready.
The work before it takes weeks. The standard NSW contract settles 42 days after the contract date unless the contract says otherwise.
Cut-off times on the day vary by institution.
How much is a PEXA fee?
PEXA's NSW prices from 1 July 2026, including GST:
- Transfer of a single title: $146.30.
- Mortgage with financial settlement: $73.04.
- Discharge of the seller's mortgage with financial settlement: $54.01.
- Caveat on a single title: $20.57.
These are separate from the NSW Land Registry Services fees to register the transfer and mortgage, which are $182.73 each.
Who pays PEXA fees on settlement?
The standard NSW contract says each party must pay the fees it owes to the electronic settlement platform and the Land Registry.
We tell you in writing which fees are yours before settlement.
Know your settlement figures
Stamp duty is paid through settlement. Enter the price to see it on the 2026-27 rates.
Do I have to do anything on settlement day?
- Make sure your funds are in place when we ask, not on the day.
- Do the final inspection of the property before settlement.
- Arrange insurance from the date you are at risk under the contract.
- Wait for our call. Do not move money because of an email. Confirm any change to bank details with us by phone.
If settlement is delayed
Settlement can be delayed if a party is not ready, funds do not arrive in time, or a banking system goes down.
If settlement does not happen on the agreed date, what follows depends on the contract. If a party does not complete on the date, the other party can serve a notice to complete if it is entitled to do so under the contract. Read what happens if the buyer does not settle on time.
Where buyers get caught
Funds not ready
Your deposit, savings and loan must be in place before the day.
Payment scams
Never change where you send money because of an email. Call us first.
No insurance
Check from what date the property is at your risk under the contract.
Late identity check
We must verify your identity before we can sign and lodge documents for you.
Common questions
How long does a PEXA settlement take?
Settlement itself usually takes minutes once all parties are ready. The preparation before it takes weeks, usually up to the settlement date in the contract.
What does PEXA settlement mean?
It means settlement is completed online through the PEXA platform. The money is paid and the transfer is lodged with NSW Land Registry Services at the same time.
Who pays PEXA fees on settlement?
The standard NSW contract says each party must pay the fees it owes to the electronic settlement platform and the Land Registry. We tell you in writing which fees are yours.
How much is a PEXA fee in NSW?
From 1 July 2026, $146.30 including GST for the transfer of a single title, and $73.04 for a mortgage with financial settlement.
Do I need to attend settlement?
No. Settlement is electronic. We complete it for you and tell you when it is done.
Buying in NSW? Send us the contract before you sign. We run the purchase through to electronic settlement.
Fred Kalouche, Principal Solicitor, Fred Kalouche & Associates
A solicitor for over 16 years. Acts for buyers across NSW. 6 Russell Street, Granville NSW 2142.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice for your situation.