Quick answer
In New Zealand, property lawyers typically charge $300 – $600 per hour (most residential conveyancing is fixed-fee rather than hourly). Common fixed-fee work is shown below.
Typical property law fees
| Service | Typical NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $300 – $600/hr (most residential conveyancing is fixed-fee rather than hourly) |
| Residential purchase (standard) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Residential sale (standard) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Sale and purchase together | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal usually added to the purchase fee | $300 – $600 |
| Refinance only | $800 – $1,500 |
Ranges reflect typical NZ market pricing observed across published firm fee guides and Ministry of Justice / NZ Law Society published rates (e.g. court filing fees). Individual firms vary widely. Always get a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Conduct & Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.
What drives the cost
- • Cross-lease vs fee simple title (cross-lease adds work)
- • Trust ownership structure
- • Subdivision or unit-title complexities
- • LIM report review and compliance issues
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a property lawyer cost in NZ? ▾
Residential conveyancing is usually fixed-fee. A standard purchase runs $1,200 – $2,500; a sale $1,000 – $2,000. LINZ registration ($55.20) and title-search fees ($5) are additional disbursements.
Are property lawyer fees included in settlement costs? ▾
No. Lawyer fees are billed separately from LINZ registration, title-search fees and bank fees. Most lawyers invoice at or just before settlement.
Can I do my own conveyancing? ▾
Banks typically require a lawyer to handle mortgage documentation, so for any financed purchase you will need a lawyer. Even for cash purchases, DIY conveyancing carries title and compliance risk that usually outweighs the fee saving.
Deeper guide: Read the full property law cost breakdown for worked examples, regional variation and pricing-question scripts to use when calling a lawyer.
Related
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Always obtain a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.