The role of a conveyancer is constantly evolving. We don’t need to tell you that - you’re living it. The need to keep pace with not just the changing regulatory landscape but also the expectations of the consumer and your team is relentless. We hear from conveyancers daily about the pressure of daily tasks, client demands, and compliance obligations. It is nothing short of overwhelming. But there is one simple way to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. Adopting cloud-based software.

But what does 'cloud-based' mean, and why should your conveyancing business move to the cloud?

What is "Cloud-Based" software?

Firstly, let's clear up a common misconception. Many businesses misunderstand what genuine cloud-based software really is.

True cloud-based software means the application runs entirely online, accessible securely through any web browser, on any device - your laptop, phone, or tablet - without any software installation required. This means if your laptop breaks or you lose your phone, you can buy a new device or jump on a spare and be up and running without installing a single piece of software.

Some platforms claiming to be 'cloud-based' still require you to install and maintain software locally. A genuine cloud solution, like Realtime Conveyancer, gives you the true flexibility to access your data, manage matters, and update workflows anytime, anywhere, from any device with an internet connection.

Whether you're working from the office, from home, or even overseas, you get secure 24/7 access to your business information. This gives your business unprecedented freedom and adaptability, perfectly suited to today's mobile, digital-first workforce.

What are the financial benefits of cloud-based software?

Reduced Ongoing Costs

Cloud-based solutions significantly lower ongoing business expenses by eliminating the need for expensive on-site servers, constant IT support, and regular software updates. Instead, you pay a straightforward subscription (often based on transaction volume or number of user accounts, depending on the software program), drastically reducing your IT spend.

As a result, businesses have no more hefty upfront investments or expensive hardware upgrades every few years. A study by Nucleus Research reports that migrating software to the cloud returned $3.86 for every dollar businesses spent in 2023.

Increased Productivity and Profitability

Besides reducing costs, cloud software vastly improves productivity. For conveyancers, time is money, and every saved minute directly boosts your profitability. Cloud solutions automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks like data entry, document generation, and reconciliation, freeing your team to focus on more critical tasks and client interactions.

According to a time and motion study conducted by Realtime, conveyancing firms using Realtime Conveyancer TMS save up to 50% of their time per matter, translating directly into higher profitability and greater capacity to handle increased workloads.

What are the mental health benefits for you and your team?

Historically, the conveyancing industry has been renowned for long hours, tight deadlines, and stress. Our recent State of Conveyancing report highlighted that 67% of conveyancers felt consistently busy, with 71% believing stress and burnout are significant issues.

Cloud-based software addresses this by enabling remote working and providing greater flexibility. Your team can log in from home, manage client queries while travelling, or quickly address urgent matters without returning to the office.

This flexibility supports a healthier work-life balance, directly reducing stress and preventing burnout. It also aligns with modern workforce expectations. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a July 2022 survey indicated that 88% of Australian workers would like to work from home at least partially, with 60% preferring a hybrid work arrangement that combines days in both the office and at home.

By offering cloud-enabled flexibility, you support your team's wellbeing, improving staff retention and overall happiness in the workplace.

What are the benefits for your clients?

Clients today expect rapid, real-time communication. They're used to digital banking, online shopping, and instant tracking of everything from pizzas to parcels. Conveyancing shouldn't be any different.

With true cloud-based software, you can update clients instantly, share documents securely, and keep them informed at every step of their property transaction. Your clients enjoy seamless communication, faster turnaround times, and greater transparency. Ultimately, this results in a client experience far exceeding traditional conveyancing processes.

Happier clients = more referrals, repeat business, and an enhanced reputation for your conveyancing practice.

How secure is cloud-based software?

The idea of storing sensitive client data online makes some conveyancers nervous. They worry about cybersecurity risks and prefer to keep information on local devices.

However, data stored locally is actually more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Small businesses with on-premises servers or local device storage are prime targets for hackers. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Annual Cyber Threat Report for 2022–23, nearly 94,000 cybercrime reports were made by small businesses over the period, averaging one report every 6 minutes. Local storage and outdated security practices are often to blame.

Cloud-based software, when provided by a reputable provider like Realtime Conveyancer, offers industry-leading security measures, including:

• End-to-end encryption: Ensuring data remains confidential and secure.
• Secure Australian-based servers: Storing your data locally ensures compliance with Australian privacy laws and reduces risk.
• Regular backups and updates: Automatically handled by the cloud provider, so you don’t need to worry about losing data or managing security patches.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): An extra layer of security that further protects your data from unauthorised access.

Cloud software providers like Realtime invest heavily in cybersecurity, far more than most small businesses can manage on their own.

How hard is it to move to the cloud?

In short: much easier than you think. The one thing our clients tell us again and again once they’ve made the switch is that their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner!  Transitioning to cloud-based software may seem daunting, but the benefits significantly outweigh initial concerns. At Realtime, we've supported hundreds of Australian conveyancers making the move, and we've seen firsthand how transformative it is.

Your staff receive comprehensive onboarding, training, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition and confident use of the platform. Before you know it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without the cloud.

Is your business ready for the future?

Ultimately, the decision to move your conveyancing practice to the cloud is about future-proofing your business. True cloud-based software is an essential investment in the longevity, profitability, and overall well-being of your business and team.

Financially, you'll save money, reduce costs, and boost profits.

Mentally, your team will be happier, healthier, and more engaged.

Operationally, you'll be more efficient, agile, and responsive to client demands.

Securely, your data will be better protected against threats.

Ready to make the move?

See how Realtime Conveyancer's true cloud platform can transform your conveyancing practice. Get started by booking a demo today and discover how your business can start working 50% faster and be 100% happier.