What is property law and can it be done online?

Property transactions tend to come with strings attached. Whether you’re buying, leasing, or subdividing, there are several legal steps to take along the way.

Regardless of whether it’s a home, commercial property, or a prospective development, you will need an expert in property law to support you. As property transactions often get complicated, it is vital to have a professional who knows what they are doing.

In this article, we (Halliwells Lawyers Ltd.) explain what residential property law involves and how it can be completed remotely. If you’re interested in a cost-effective, convenient property transaction, find our industry advice below.

What is property law?

Property law refers to any legal work done in relation to a property. It encompasses residential property, rural property, and commercial property and involves processing or facilitating any of the following:

• Sale and purchase agreements

• Tenancies and leases

• Building contracts

• Property title reviews

• Lending and mortgages

• Subdivisions

• Resource Management Act issues

• Water consents

• Fencing and boundary disputes

• Sub-leases

• Rent review disputes and mediation

• Overseas Investment Commission consent applications

• Commercial and industrial subdivisions

When a property is sold, the legal transfer of ownership, also known as conveyancing, must be handled correctly. Conveyancing encompasses many of the legal and contractual processes mentioned above, including title checks, contract reviews, anti-money laundering checks, and fund transfers.

When to hire a property lawyer

Whenever you buy or sell a house or commercial building, you need a property lawyer or conveyancer. Not only will they ensure the process is simple and straightforward, but they’ll also check all legal requirements are fulfilled. To help you decide when to hire a property lawyer, we’ve outlined the core conveyancing services for buying and selling:

Buying a property

When you find a house or commercial building you want to buy, find a reputable property lawyer or conveyancer who can manage the transaction for you. Key services include the following:

• Preparing or checking an agreement for the Sale and Purchase

• Transfer of funds and settlement

• Reviewing the property title

• Making the necessary promises to the vendor's lawyer

• Checking all documentation

• Anti-money laundering (AML) checks including SOW/SOF

• LIM Report reviews

• Completing your financial requirements

• Post-registration searches

• Reporting to you

Selling a property

If you want to sell your house, your property lawyer or conveyancer will advise you throughout the transaction. Key tasks of a seller’s conveyancer include:

• Preparing or checking an agreement for the Sale and Purchase

• Making legally binding promises

• Ensuring mortgages and encumbrances are paid

• Reconciling loans over the property after the sale

• Ordering the local authorities and valuation N.Z. of the sale

• Reporting to you

Local property lawyers vs. online conveyancing

Another question we often get asked is – do I have to use property lawyers near me? In New Zealand, there are three ways to find professional conveyancing services:

• A private law firm

• A private conveyancer

• An online conveyancing service
  

Traditionally, property lawyers are met by appointment(s) in an office. This process can take several weeks and be costly, especially if you have to travel a large distance to each appointment, have to take time off work or your conveyancing needs are time-sensitive.

As technology has developed, conveyancing services can now be done online. This is far more efficient as it cuts down time spent on travel, administrative tasks, and scheduling. This also makes online services far more cost-effective as both you and the lawyers can communicate remotely.

Online property law NZ

Becoming a popular option, online conveyancing services combine the expertise and support of a law firm with convenience and cost savings. Additionally, you can complete the whole process from your own home or your office.

Benefits of online conveyancing

With lower overhead costs, faster turnaround times, and simple communication, online conveyancing services are more accessible, user-friendly, and affordable.

• Legal expertise and experience

• Legal representation

• Competitive prices

• Faster processing times

• Convenient and easy to use
  

LegalPath NZ

The team at Halliwells Lawyers Ltd., via LegalPath, operate online to provide a straightforward, affordable conveyancing service for New Zealanders. Our role is to manage all of the complexities of your property transaction so that you can plan your next steps, trusting us to take care of everything behind the scenes.

A stress-free experience

Our online portal allows you to stay in the loop without having to book an appointment. Our experts also work more efficiently to reduce the delays associated with busy law firms.

Property law experts

Our lawyers, legal executives, and property professionals have the expertise to handle every aspect of your property transaction. You can trust us to work on your behalf and look after your best interests.

Transparency

We will keep you informed and be available to answer any questions you may have as the transaction progresses. Whatever your situation, our team will partner with you to ensure you are satisfied.

Free conveyancing quotes

If you have questions about the process or simply want to get started, our online property lawyers are here to help. To get started, request a quote from our online tool, no strings attached.

The team at Halliwells Lawyers Ltd. via LegalPath provides online residential conveyancing in the following situations:

• Selling a property

• Buying a property

• Buying and selling a property

• Refinancing a mortgage