What are typical conveyancing prices?

When it comes to property transactions, it’s crucial you get the details right. That’s where conveyancers come in. Your conveyancer will handle all the paperwork, communication, and background checks for you so that you can rest easy knowing it’s all under control. 

Are you wondering how much a conveyancer will cost?

We’ve broken down the indicative price of conveyancing in New Zealand and what factors can influence your quote, so you can be well prepared.  

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer and the completion of a mortgage security. When it comes to buying or selling a house, there is paperwork and legal complexity. Your conveyancer will manage this for you. The services are slightly different depending on if you are buying or selling so let’s explore each in more detail. 

Conveyancing for buyers

When buying a property, your lawyer or conveyancing professional will help with paperwork, communication, and general administration, and translate the legal jargon so you have a clear understanding of what you are signing. Key conveyancing services would include a title search, review of Sale and Purchase Agreement, ensuring that the conditions included in the agreement are acceptable and achievable. Throughout the intervening period from the conditional signing of the agreement to settlement day, your conveyancer will communicate with you, the vendor’s solicitor and your financier supporting you throughout the entire process.

Generally, the Real Estate Agent representing the vendor will prepare the Sale and Purchase Agreement. It is recommended that you have your lawyer review the agreement prior to signing. A first time buyer can often feel pressured to sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement to avoid missing out.

Your conveyancing lawyer will also assist you with the signing of loan documents and in drawing down your KiwiSaver, and/or a Homestart Grant.

A conditional agreement will give you a nominated period of time to attend to what has been agreed upon. This could be selling your current property, a LIM report, a builder report or arranging finance.  When your conditions have been met, your agreement becomes unconditional and you will pay the agreed deposit for the property to the vendor’s agent.

Once unconditional, your lawyer will receive loan instructions and prepare documentation for the registration of the property title and mortgage into your name. On settlement day, once all funds have been received and paid out to the vendor's solicitor, your lawyer will complete the transfer of title and advise the agent or vendor that the house keys can now be released to you and you can move in.

The final obligation for your lawyer is to complete the final reporting. You will receive a statement showing funds received and paid, including conveyancing costs and a copy of your property title.

As required, they will also complete the following for you:

• Property title review
• Bank transfer fees
• Anti-money laundering check
• LIM Report review
• Post-registration search
• Transfer, mortgage registration

Conveyancing for sellers

Selling a home can be just as complicated as buying, so a conveyancing lawyer will streamline the process for you. They will offer advice and guidance throughout the process, ensuring everything runs smoothly and correctly. Key conveyancing services for sellers would include reviewing the sale and purchase agreement and conditions, title search; communication with you confirming the contract is unconditional and receiving the deposit from your agent. They will receive settlement funds from the purchaser's solicitor, discharge your mortgage, release the property title, and clear anything owed with your local authorities. You will then receive a settlement statement showing how the funds have been distributed and the balance owing to be paid out as sale proceeds.

Depending on your requirements, your conveyancer can provide the following:

• Review and advise on contract conditions
• Communicate with your real estate agent and purchaser’s solicitor
• Preparing and signing settlement documentation
• Arranging a discharge of your mortgage
• Repaying your bank

What are conveyancing fees?

The costs associated with conveyancing are broken down into two categories – legal fees and disbursements. 

What are legal fees?

Legal fees recognize your conveyancer or solicitor's experience, expertise and the time spent getting the work done. This includes all the communication with you as a client, and the solicitor on the other side of the transaction as well as financiers, real estate agents, local authorities and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

What are disbursements?

Disbursements are fees for a third-party service incurred on your behalf. Common examples include the following:

• Property title searches and any easements and covenants
• Land Information Memorandum searches (LIM report)
• Anti-money laundering checks
• Transferring ownership
• Bank transfer fees
• GST

How much does conveyancing cost?

To simplify conveyancing fees, we’ve summarised an indicative fee range for each service below. Your conveyancing will typically include most or all of what is listed below. You can add them up for a rough estimate of the total cost.

Fee range for typical conveyancing services when purchasing a property

*These figures are indicative only and vary depending on the type of work involved. Any other work outside of a “normal” sale or purchase will also need to be taken into consideration. 

Fee range for typical conveyancing services when selling a property

*These figures are indicative only and vary depending on the type of work involved. Any other work outside of a “normal” sale or purchase will also need to be taken into consideration. 

What about LegalPath’s fees?

LegalPath’s conveyancing fees start from as little as $595 + GST and our additional fees are incredibly transparent. So if you’d like a low cost but effective solution this may be the perfect solution for you.

Frequently asked questions about conveyancing fees

When do I have to pay my conveyancer?

Sometimes you will need to pay a deposit of up to 10% at the beginning, but usually, you will pay the full amount with the settlement of the property. The payment plan will be laid out in the lawyer's engagement letter. 

What influences conveyancing fees?

As with any service, the cost of conveyancing begins with the time required to complete it. Other factors include the type of property title, the property value, the amount of paperwork urgency, and extra expenses.

Is online conveyancing more affordable?

Yes, online conveyancing can be more affordable because it is based on a lower cost structure. It can also be more convenient. What’s more, you won’t waste time and money travelling to appointments.

Should I choose fixed conveyancing fees?

Yes, opting for fixed fees will protect you from incurring any additional charges during the transaction. These costs could include unforeseen expenses or additional hours spent by your conveyancer. With LegalPath, all you need to do is tell us which services you require and our team can give you an accurate fixed-price quote.

How do I get a conveyancing quote?

At LegalPath we strive for a convenient and hassle-free service, which is why we do pretty much everything online. We can provide you with a full quote for all your conveyancing needs through our portal – just follow these 7 easy steps.

1. Visit our quotes tool
2. Select the services you need
3. Answer each question, adding details wherever possible.
4. Review your answer summary and confirm the details.
5. Add your personal contact information.
6. Submit the request.
7. Wait for the Halliwells team to send you your free, fixed quote.