What Conveyancing Actually Costs
Conveyancing fees in NZ typically range from $1,200–$2,500 for a standard property purchase and $1,300–$1,800 for a standard sale, all-inclusive of GST and disbursements when quoted properly. Property lawyers generally charge $1,000–$2,000+GST, while registered conveyancers often work on fixed-fee packages from around $900–$1,400+GST for a straightforward transaction.
Online conveyancing services have pushed prices down further — some quote from around $1,499–$1,799 for buying and selling, and around $1,249 for refinancing, with the fee taken from the settlement funds rather than paid upfront.
Buying
Selling
Refinancing
Always ask for an all-inclusive written quote covering GST and disbursements — the number you're quoted should be the number you pay.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Get clarity on the fee before you commit to a lawyer or conveyancer.
Is this a fixed fee?
Confirm whether the quote is fixed or could increase if the transaction gets complicated.
What's included?
Check if title search, LIM review, bank liaison and registration costs are already in the quote.
What could add extra cost?
Ask what would trigger additional fees — trusts, cross-lease titles, or delayed settlement are common triggers.
When is payment due?
Many conveyancers deduct the fee from settlement funds rather than requiring upfront payment.
Quick Summary
- Buying: typically $1,400–$2,500 all-inclusive.
- Selling: typically $1,300–$1,800 all-inclusive.
- Get it in writing: always confirm a fixed, all-inclusive fee before engaging anyone.