What is conveyancing?
In law, Conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of property from one party to another legal entity.
Conveyancing is the legal process involved in transferring ownership of property from one person or entity to another. This typically occurs during the sale or purchase of a property, or when securing a loan (mortgage) against the property.
In New Zealand, conveyancing is often handled by a conveyancing lawyer. While it’s technically possible for buyers or sellers to complete this process themselves, it’s strongly discouraged due to the complexity and legal nuances involved.
Key tasks in conveyancing include:
- Title search: Verifying the property’s ownership history
Contract preparation: Drafting and reviewing sale or purchase agreements - Settlement: Overseeing the transfer of funds and property title
- Registration: Ensuring the new ownership is recorded with the relevant authorities
By hiring a conveyancing lawyer, you can benefit from their expertise and avoid potential legal pitfalls, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free property transaction.
Common conveyancing services to be provided by Property lawyers are:
Many sale and purchase agreements contain conditions that may need to be fulfilled before the transaction can proceed. It is important that these contractual conditions are expressed clearly.
- Preparing, Receiving and perusing the sale and purchase agreement;
- Searching and checking the certificate of title;
- Liaising with other solicitor for confirmation of any condition of the agreement;
- Preparing notices of sale for Local Authority;
- Liaising with the other solicitor in relation to e-dealing matter;
- Preparing and checking the settlement statement;
- Preparing loan documentation from your financial institution;
- Liaising with your financial institution for completing mortgage application;
- Obtaining a guaranteed search of the title;
- Preparing for completing the settlement;
- Completing registration of the transfer of the property and the mortgage;
Examples of common conditions in sale and purchase agreements are:
One of the advantages of engaging Convey Law is that we are qualified to advise in all aspects of the law which may need to be dealt with as part of the overall conveyancing transaction – for example making a will, setting up a trust and taxation implications.
- Finance Condition : The purchaser securing suitable finance to complete the purchase;
- Building inspection: Receipt of a satisfactory building report or valuer’s report on the property;
- Land information memorandum (LIM): Receipt of a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from the local authority;
- Title review: The purchaser’s lawyer searching and approving the title;
- Valuation report: This condition allows the buyer to get a valuation of the property to make sure it’s worth the price they’re paying.
- Toxicology report: This report detects whether the property has been contaminated by the preparation, manufacture or use of drugs, including methamphetamine.