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 to get loan documents ready.
• Managing KiwiSaver withdrawals and First Home Grant applications if you’re a first-home buyer.
• Preparing and lodging transfer documents on settlement day.
• Ensuring funds and titles change hands safely and on time.

Essentially, they make sure nothing slips through the cracks so ownership transfers cleanly.

Lawyers vs licensed conveyancers — what’s the difference?

Lawyers (solicitors)

Lawyers are fully qualified solicitors who can practise across many areas of law and hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. Many specialise in property law and handle conveyancing as part of a wider service. Because they’re trained beyond property transactions, they can also help with connected issues like:

• Buying through a trust or company structure.
• Relationship property agreements.
• Wills, estate planning, and enduring powers of attorney.
• Tax and asset-protection strategies.

This makes lawyers a good fit for buyers or investors with complex ownership set-ups or long-term planning needs.

Licensed conveyancers

Licensed conveyancers focus solely on property transactions. To qualify, they complete a two-year diploma in conveyancing or gain five years’ supervised experience before registration. They’re regulated by the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers (NZSOC) and follow its code of conduct. Because their work is more specialised, conveyancers often run leaner operations and may charge a lower flat fee than law firms. They’re ideal for straightforward residential purchases or sales where you don’t need broader legal advice.

How much does conveyancing cost in 2025?

Fees depend on complexity, location, and the level of service you want. As a guide:

Transaction Type	Average Cost (NZD, + GST)
Simple sale or purchase	$900 – $1,400
First-home purchase with KiwiSaver & Grant	$1,000 – $1,600
Complex trust or company purchase	$1,500 – $2,000+

Conveyancers usually quote fixed fees, while lawyers may bill hourly if extra legal advice is needed. Always ask what’s included in the quote — LIM reviews, title searches, and registration costs can add up.

Which option is right for you?

Choose a lawyer if you:

• Need advice on trusts, relationship property, or estate planning.
• Have a company structure or multiple investment properties.
• Want a single legal contact for future transactions.

Choose a licensed conveyancer if you:

• Have a straightforward buy or sell with no extra legal layers.
• Prefer a clear fixed fee and quick turnaround.
• Are comfortable working mostly online or by phone.

The key is trust and communication — you should always feel clear on who handles what and when.

Common legal matters linked to conveyancing

• Estate planning — deciding what happens to your home in your Will.
• Joint ownership structures — for partners or investors.
• Trust transfers — moving a property into a family trust for asset protection.
• Enduring power of attorney (EPA) — allowing someone to act on your behalf if you can’t.

A lawyer can handle these directly; a conveyancer will refer you to a law specialist if needed.

Tauranga perspective — why local experience matters

Across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Papamoa, council processes and settlement timelines can differ slightly from other regions. Local lawyers and conveyancers understand these nuances — things like storm-water easements, new-build code compliance, and cross-lease titles are common here. Working with someone who regularly deals with Tauranga City Council can save days when documents need re-checking before settlement.

Client example

One of my clients in Bethlehem recently sold their home and upgraded to a new build in Papamoa. They chose a licensed conveyancer to keep costs down but still looped in their lawyer for trust and EPA updates. Because the two professionals worked together from day one, the settlement ran without a hitch and everything was registered on time — a good example of how collaboration can work well in the Bay of Plenty.

Ready to get started?

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling an investment, having the right legal support is essential. I can help you connect with trusted lawyers and licensed conveyancers throughout Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, and make sure your finance side lines up with your settlement date. Book a free chat today to compare options and see what will work best for your property transaction.