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Help with Buying a House.

Legal support for buying your first home or next property

Buying a home is a big step. We guide you through the legal process so you can move forward with confidence, whether you’re in New Zealand or purchasing from overseas.

Why Legal Advice Matters

Buying a home involves important legal steps. Whether it is your first property, a move to something bigger or an investment, we help you understand your agreement, what is required at each stage and what to expect.

A lawyer protects your interests by checking the contract, identifying legal risks and ensuring the transfer is completed correctly. Getting advice early helps avoid mistakes that could delay settlement or create costly issues later.

Legal Advice for Buying a Home

We help you complete your purchase with confidence by explaining each step clearly and managing all legal requirements efficiently.

How We Help Home Buyers

We assist with:

Reviewing sale and purchase agreements

Checking Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports and property titles

Advising on finance, building and other contract conditions

Helping with KiwiSaver withdrawals and related documentation

Working with your bank, broker and real estate agent

We explain each document and step in plain language so you can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Support for Buyers Overseas

If you are living overseas and buying property in New Zealand, we can assist remotely through secure online communication. We guide you through the transaction, manage documents electronically and keep you updated throughout the process.

Where We Work

Our property lawyers are based in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Masterton. We assist home buyers and investors across New Zealand and overseas.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Buying a Home

What does a lawyer do when you buy a house?

A lawyer reviews the sale and purchase agreement, checks the title and LIM report, ensures any conditions are met and manages the transfer of ownership through Landonline. We also confirm that settlement funds, mortgage and legal documents are correctly prepared.

What is a LIM report and why is it important?

A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report is issued by your local council. It summarises information about the property such as zoning, building consents, drainage and any known issues. Reviewing it helps identify risks or restrictions before you commit to buying.

Can I use KiwiSaver to buy my first home?

Yes, most first-home buyers can withdraw part or all of their KiwiSaver savings if they meet the eligibility criteria. We help you complete the required forms and make sure the timing of your withdrawal aligns with settlement.

What happens on settlement day?

On settlement day, your lawyer transfers payment to the seller’s solicitor, registers the property transfer and confirms that you receive the keys. We check all documents, confirm clear title and ensure settlement is completed smoothly.

Do I need to be in New Zealand to buy a property?

Not necessarily. You can buy remotely through electronic signing and secure communication. However, overseas buyers must comply with any Overseas Investment Office (OIO) requirements if the property is considered sensitive or high value. We explain whether OIO consent applies in your situation and how to manage the process.