For a standard purchase, sale or refinance, a licensed conveyancer handles the same core legal work as a property lawyer. Here is how the two compare.
By Lauren Gates, principal of Land and Transfer Limited and a licensed conveyancer
Lauren Gates is the principal of Land and Transfer Limited and a licensed conveyancer. Property is Lauren’s everyday focus. For a standard purchase, sale or refinance, Lauren handles the same core legal work as a property lawyer, with fixed fees and personal service.
You know the agreed cost up front, deal directly with Lauren throughout, and can call whenever you have a question or want to talk something through.
Lauren’s work includes residential and commercial property, business purchases and sales, subdivisions and the issuing of new titles, and mortgage and loan documents.
Do I need a property lawyer to buy or sell a house?
You can choose either a conveyancing practitioner or a property lawyer. Both can handle the legal work involved in buying, selling or refinancing property in New Zealand.
So, what’s the difference?
A conveyancing practitioner specialises in property transactions and related legal work. A property lawyer is a qualified lawyer who works in property law and may also advise on other areas of law, depending on their expertise.
For a property purchase, sale or refinance, the core conveyancing work is the same, from reviewing documents and giving advice through to settlement and registration.
| What matters | Licensed conveyancer | Property lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Specialises in property transactions and related legal work. | A qualified lawyer who may specialise in property while also advising in other areas of law. |
| Standard purchase, sale or refinance | Can manage the core work from document review and advice through to settlement and registration. | Can manage the same core conveyancing work. |
| Property experience | Property is the day-to-day focus. At Land and Transfer, you work directly with Lauren Gates throughout. | Experience depends on the lawyer and how much of their practice is devoted to property. |
| Pricing | Land and Transfer agrees the fee and scope up front, giving you a clear amount to budget for. | Pricing varies by firm. Some offer fixed fees and others charge according to the work required. |
| Broader legal matters | Handles work within the conveyancing practitioner’s scope, such as leases, subdivisions and business sales, and identifies early when a lawyer is needed. | May advise on connected areas of law, depending on the lawyer’s expertise. |
| Best fit | A strong fit when you want a property specialist, direct contact and a clear fixed fee. | A strong fit when the transaction is tied to a broader or complex legal matter requiring a lawyer. |
Can you review the documents and advise me before I sign?
Yes. Lauren reviews your sale and purchase agreement, title, LIM and other relevant property documents, explains what they mean, highlights anything you should be aware of and helps you understand your obligations before you commit.
Once your agreement is signed, Lauren helps you work through its conditions, handles the mortgage documents and organises settlement and registration of the transfer.
Do I need a property lawyer as well as a conveyancer?
No. You can use a conveyancing practitioner for your property purchase, sale or refinance without also engaging a property lawyer. Lauren handles the legal work from reviewing your agreement and advising you through to settlement and registration.
The same applies to the other services Lauren provides within the scope of a conveyancing practitioner. You can come directly to Lauren, and if your matter needs a lawyer’s involvement, Lauren will discuss that with you at the time.
What needs a lawyer?
A conveyancer handles the legal side of property: buying, selling, refinancing, leases, subdivisions and business sales. Some things need a lawyer: wills, court or tribunal disputes, relationship property agreements, and enduring powers of attorney for personal care and welfare. A conveyancer can prepare and witness an enduring power of attorney for property. If your matter needs a lawyer, Lauren will tell you early.
Will my bank accept a conveyancer?
It depends on the lender. ANZ instructs licensed conveyancers directly, so there’s no extra law-firm fee. Some lenders, including Westpac, still need a law firm to sign their mortgage certificate. Where that applies, Lauren arranges it for you and tells you the cost up front.
Lender requirements can change, so Lauren confirms the position for your lender at the start of the matter and explains any extra requirement or cost before work proceeds.
Can you help if I’m outside Auckland?
Yes. Lauren works with clients throughout New Zealand. Meetings and document reviews can be completed by video call, with identity verification handled remotely using Real AML where appropriate.
How do your fixed fees work?
The fee and what it covers are agreed up front, so you know what to budget for. If additional work is needed outside that agreed scope, Lauren will discuss it with you first.
Throughout the transaction, you deal directly with Lauren and receive clear, straightforward advice.
Buying, selling or refinancing? Contact Lauren Gates at Land and Transfer for a fixed-fee quote, or see our conveyancing services and prices.
Written by Lauren Gates. Lauren Gates is the principal of Land and Transfer Limited and a licensed conveyancer. Related: Our services · Prices · Get a quote
Conveyancer or lawyer: quick answers
Can a conveyancer handle my house purchase or sale?
Yes. A licensed conveyancer can handle the legal work for buying, selling or refinancing property in New Zealand, through to settlement and registration.
Do I need a lawyer as well as a conveyancer?
Not for a standard purchase, sale or refinance. Some things need a lawyer, such as wills, court or tribunal disputes, relationship property agreements, and enduring powers of attorney for personal care and welfare. A conveyancer can prepare and witness an enduring power of attorney for property. If your matter needs a lawyer, Lauren will tell you early.
Will my bank accept a conveyancer?
It depends on the lender. ANZ instructs licensed conveyancers directly, so there’s no extra law-firm fee. Some lenders, including Westpac, still need a law firm to sign their mortgage certificate. Where that applies, Lauren arranges it for you and tells you the cost up front.
How much does a conveyancer cost?
Land and Transfer charges one fixed fee plus GST, agreed up front before any work starts, and the initial consultation is free. See the prices page for buying, selling and refinancing.
Sources and further information
- Consumer Protection: working with a lawyer or conveyancer
- New Zealand Society of Conveyancers: about conveyancing practice
- LINZ: Landonline dealings
General information only. The right approach depends on your transaction and lender requirements.