Two Regulated, Different Professionals
Both conveyancers and property lawyers are regulated under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, but they aren't interchangeable. A lawyer holds a law degree (a minimum of four years' study) plus further admission requirements, and must hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. A conveyancer completes a two-year polytechnic diploma in conveyancing (or an equivalency assessment after 10 years' experience) and is registered with the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers.
In practice, a conveyancer is licensed only to handle the legal work directly tied to the property transfer itself. A property lawyer can do everything a conveyancer does, plus advise on broader legal matters like trusts, relationship property, estates and business law.
Property Lawyer
Licensed Conveyancer
For most straightforward first-home or single-property transactions, a licensed conveyancer is perfectly capable — and usually cheaper.
When You Probably Need a Lawyer, Not Just a Conveyancer
A few situations push most transactions out of a conveyancer's scope.
Buying through a trust or company
Trust and company structures involve broader legal advice a conveyancer isn't licensed to give.
Relationship property is involved
Separations, blended-family purchases or relationship property agreements need a lawyer.
Estate or inheritance issues
Property coming from a deceased estate usually needs full legal advice.
Boundary or title disputes
Easement negotiations or disputed boundaries fall outside standard conveyancing.
Quick Summary
- Lawyer: broader qualification, can handle complex legal issues beyond the property transfer.
- Conveyancer: focused, usually cheaper, well suited to straightforward transactions.
- Both: regulated under the same Act and can register title transfers through LINZ.