Conveyancing in New Zealand — Lawyers vs Conveyancers Explained for Tauranga Home Buyers

Buying or selling a home in New Zealand is a big deal — and a lot of that stress comes from the paperwork. That’s where conveyancing comes in. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring a property title from one person to another and making sure every box is ticked before settlement day. Whether you work with a lawyer or a licensed conveyancer, the goal is the same — to protect you and your money while keeping the transaction smooth.

What Conveyancing Actually Covers

From first offer to final settlement, your conveyancing professional manages the legal steps that make a sale official. Typical tasks include:

Reviewing and explaining the sale-and-purchase agreement before you sign.
Running title searches to check for easements, covenants, or outstanding rates.
Ordering and interpreting LIM reports (Land Information Memorandum) from the local council.
Coordinating with your bank or mortgage broker Tauranga wide to get loan documents ready.
Managing KiwiSaver withdrawals for first-home buyers.
Preparing and lodging transfer documents on settlement day.
Ensuring funds and titles change hands safely and on time.

Lawyers vs Licensed Conveyancers — What’s the Difference?

Lawyers (Solicitors)
Lawyers are fully qualified solicitors who can practise across many areas of law. Many specialise in property law and handle conveyancing as part of a wider service. They’re ideal for complex ownership setups, trusts, or when buying through a company.

Licensed Conveyancers
These professionals focus solely on property transactions. Their streamlined service can be faster and more cost-effective — great for straightforward sales or first-home purchases.

How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in 2025?

Costs vary based on property type and complexity:

• Simple sale or purchase: $900–$1,400
• First-home with KiwiSaver: $1,000–$1,600
• Trust or company structure: $1,500–$2,000+

Conveyancers usually offer fixed fees. Lawyers may bill hourly if additional legal advice is needed. Always check what’s included — LIM, title search, and registration costs can add up.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Use a lawyer if you:

Need advice on trusts or relationship property
Have multiple investment properties
Want one legal contact for long-term planning

Use a conveyancer if you:

Have a straightforward purchase or sale
Prefer a clear flat fee and faster turnaround
Are comfortable with mostly online/phone-based service

Legal Matters Often Tied to Conveyancing

Estate planning — Wills, EPA
Joint ownership or trust structures
Relationship property agreements
Asset protection strategies

Licensed conveyancers will refer you to a lawyer if broader advice is needed.

Why Local Experience Matters

Across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Papamoa, council processes and timelines differ. Local professionals understand cross-lease quirks, LIM flags, storm-water overlays, and subdivision delays that often catch out national firms. Working with someone who regularly deals with Tauranga City Council can save days on settlement.

Client Example

A client in Bethlehem sold their family home and bought a new build in Papamoa. They chose a licensed conveyancer for the sale and their lawyer for estate updates. The two worked together smoothly — and the handover settled without delay.

Need a Recommendation?

We help connect clients with trusted lawyers and licensed conveyancers across Tauranga and the Bay. Whether it’s a first-home, upgrade, or investment sale, we’ll make sure the finance and legal steps align properly so settlement runs to plan.

Talk to Best Mortgages

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See our reviews or read more tips for home buyers and sellers.

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What’s the typical cost difference between lawyers and conveyancers in New Zealand?

Lawyers generally charge between $1 000 – $2 000 + GST, depending on complexity and extra legal work like trusts or relationship property.
Registered conveyancers usually work on fixed-fee packages from about $900 – $1 400 + GST for a standard sale or purchase. Always confirm if LIM checks and title registration are included before you commit.

When is it better to use a lawyer instead of a conveyancer?

If your purchase involves a trust, company, relationship property, or estate planning, you’re better off with a property lawyer.
Lawyers can give broader legal advice, while conveyancers handle straightforward title transfers. For most first-home or single-property sales, a licensed conveyancer is perfectly fine.

How can I check if a conveyancer is properly licensed in NZ?

You can search the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers (NZSOC) register online. It lists all licensed professionals and notes if there are disciplinary decisions or complaints.
For lawyers, check the New Zealand Law Society register — both are free to use and updated regularly.

What are good questions to ask before hiring a conveyancer or lawyer?

Ask about:

Their fixed-fee inclusions (LIM, title search, KiwiSaver release).
Their settlement timeframes and who will handle your file day-to-day.
How they’ll communicate — email, calls, or in-person meetings.
Whether they have local Tauranga experience, especially with council LIMs and new-build consents.

Conveyancing in New Zealand — Lawyers vs Conveyancers Explained for Tauranga Home Buyers