How much is cheap conveyancing in NZ?

If you are in the process of transferring legal ownership of a property or refinancing, you need conveyancing services — but how much can you expect to pay?

Fortunately, there are affordable conveyancing services available in New Zealand. In this article, we explain what influences conveyancing fees and how much they are so that you can find one that meets your needs.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing includes the formal transfer of property ownership and relevant funds from one person to another. This is a legal process, which is why you need to have an experienced conveyancing expert conducting it for you.

To ensure the purchase is valid, your conveyancing lawyer will ensure everything is organised by:

• Completing all administrative tasks.

• Communicating with the buyer, seller, solicitors, and lenders.

• Ensuring all the relevant promises are fulfilled.

• Submitting all documentation.
  

When it comes to a transaction as important as this, your provider should make certain the entire process is straightforward and stress-free.

What influences conveyancing fees?

While the conveyancing process is a crucial part of buying or selling a property, not all services are the same. As with most services, conveyancing fees are determined by the time required to complete it. Several factors can influence the price, so let’s take a look:

Type of property title

Some property titles are more complicated than others and will require more time and legal expertise. A leasehold property impacts more people such as the landlord and perhaps other tenants and requires more time for communication and documentation. Your conveyancer will communicate with each of the affected parties on your behalf.

On top of that, these unit titles and titles with easements and covenants can be legally complex, so your conveyancer will need to draw from their legal knowledge more heavily. It is also worth noting that residential properties and commercial properties will be quoted differently.

Conveyancing qualification

When looking for someone to handle your conveyancing needs, you have two options — a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. The quality of service is the same but their training and qualifications are different. Solicitors must hold a minimum 4-year law degree while Registered Conveyancers either study for a two-year diploma or apply for registration after five years of industry experience. For this reason, registered conveyancers are likely to charge lower rates.

Property value

Your conveyancing costs could be influenced by the sale price of your property. However, some providers only charge a standard flat fee so this may not apply.

Online or offline

Depending on your location, lifestyle, and personal preferences, you can choose between an online and in-person conveyancing service. Online conveyancing is typically less expensive because of its efficiency and convenience. Additionally, it will save you time and money travelling to appointments.

Paperwork and financial administration

Managing the appropriate paperwork is one of the core duties of a conveyancing lawyer and the amount of time they spend on it can drive the fees up. This often includes processing, titles, LIM reports, building reports, Sales and Purchase Agreements, KiwiSaver applications, mortgages, Homestart grants, and guarantors. For example, a LIM report can cost as much as $400 to $500 more. Any disbursement costs, such as from transferring funds from a trust, will also be included in the fees.

Extra costs

As with any service, additional fees can arise during the process. With complex conveyancing cases, these charges are more common, including EQC claims, relationship dissolution, OIA consent, and ownership claims. To help you prepare for unforeseen expenses, your conveyancing professional can prepare an estimate including any potential hidden costs. However, keep in mind that these are variable and can only be evaluated on an individual basis.

How much is conveyancing in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, conveyancing services can range between $595 and $2,000. To determine where on that spectrum your fees will fall, discuss your circumstances with our team today.

Fees per conveyancing service

Essentially, each additional service you require will increase the costs. While these are variable depending on your provider, the following guidelines are a good starting point for affordable New Zealand providers (all plus GST and disbursements):

• Sales and Purchase Agreement – $150 to $350

• Residential subdivision – $400 to $600

• A new mortgage – $400 to $800

• Mortgage variations – $600 to $800

• Change of name or title correction – $300 to $500

• Tenant or bond transfer – $100 to $200
  

For example, if you require a simple title check, title transfer, and standard settlement with no mortgage, you might expect to pay as little as $595 + GST. For a purchase of a trust-owned leasehold property, involving an EQC claim and a new mortgage, the price is likely to be closer to $1,500.

At LegalPath, we offer fixed conveyancing fees. All you need to do is tell us the services you require and our team will let you know the total cost. These do vary depending on each situation so we are happy to discuss them further with you.

If you believe your property transfer is complex and involves additional work beyond a standard transaction, please contact us. With more detail provided in advance, we can quote more accurately.

How to get an online conveyancing quote

Based online, LegalPath is a portal for the law firm Halliwells, in business continuously since 1896 which strives to provide a convenient and hassle-free service. To get a free, fixed quote, let us guide you through a few simple steps:

1. Click here to get started.

2. Select your required services — are you buying, selling, buying and selling, or refinancing?

3. Answer each question, adding specifics wherever possible.

4. Review your answer summary and confirm the details are correct.

5. Add your personal contact information.

6. Submit the request.

7. The Halliwells team will get back to you with a free, customised quote.
   

Once you have your quote and know what to expect, we can start processing your conveyancing needs. One of the benefits of online conveyancing is transparency — you can stay up-to-date at all times. We will guide you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed of all updates.

For more information on conveyancing fees, online services, and customised quotes, talk to our friendly team at Halliwells via LegalPath. We will help to simplify the process and make sure it all goes to plan.

If you are ready for a free quote, you can get started with our online quote tool right away.