buying or selling a house? What to expect!

Whether you're buying your first home or selling up to move on, the legal process can feel overwhelming. The good news: it's very manageable once you understand what's happening and why. Here's a straightforward rundown of what to expect.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is simply the legal work involved in transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. A lawyer handles this on your behalf — checking the title, reviewing the sale and purchase agreement, dealing with the bank, and making sure the money and keys change hands correctly on settlement day.

In New Zealand, you don't legally have to use a lawyer for a property transaction — but it's strongly advised. The risks of getting it wrong are significant, and the cost of a lawyer is small compared to the value of the property involved.

Buying a home — step by step

1. Get your finances sorted first. Talk to a mortgage broker or your bank before you start making offers. Knowing your budget saves a lot of heartache.

2. Find a property and make an offer. This usually means signing a sale and purchase agreement — a legally binding contract. Talk to your lawyer before you sign if you can.

3. Include the right conditions. Most agreements include conditions like getting finance approved, or getting a building inspection done. These give you a way out if something goes wrong before the deal becomes unconditional.

4. Your lawyer checks the title. Once an offer is accepted, your lawyer looks into the legal ownership of the property, checks for any issues (like easements, caveats, or covenants), and explains what they mean for you.

5. Go unconditional. Once your conditions are satisfied, the deal becomes unconditional — you're committed. Settlement is typically a few weeks away.

6. Settlement day. Your lawyer coordinates with the seller's lawyer and your bank to transfer the money and register the title in your name. You get the keys.