From Signature to Settlement
Conveyancing follows a fairly predictable sequence once you've found a property. It begins the moment the sale and purchase agreement is signed and runs through to the day ownership legally changes hands.
Your lawyer or conveyancer is working in the background at every stage — even when it doesn't feel like much is happening, they're checking the title, liaising with the other side, and preparing the paperwork LINZ needs to register the transfer.
The Conveyancing Process, Step by Step
The same broad sequence applies whether you're buying or selling.
1. Agreement signed
The sale and purchase agreement sets the price, deposit, settlement date and any conditions.
2. Conditional period
Your lawyer orders a title search, LIM report and helps arrange finance and building reports.
3. Going unconditional
Once satisfied, your lawyer confirms to the other side that all conditions are met.
4. Pre-settlement preparation
Lawyers finalise the settlement statement and your bank prepares to release mortgage funds.
5. Settlement day
Funds are exchanged and the title transfer is registered electronically through LINZ.
Settlement is completed almost entirely electronically — lawyers exchange funds and register the transfer through LINZ's Landonline system, not in person.
As a Buyer
As a Seller
Quick Summary
- Step 1: sign the sale and purchase agreement.
- Step 2: use the conditional period for due diligence.
- Step 3: go unconditional, then settle and register via LINZ.