A Small Team Behind Every Settlement
Settlement can feel opaque because so much of it happens behind the scenes between professionals — but only a handful of parties are actually involved, and each has a clearly defined role. Understanding who does what helps explain why settlement sometimes takes longer than you'd expect, and who to actually ask when you have a question.
Your Lawyer / Conveyancer
Seller's Lawyer
Your Bank / Lender
Real Estate Agent
LINZ (Land Information New Zealand)
How the Handoffs Work
Lawyers exchange documents
Both lawyers prepare and cross-check the transfer instrument and settlement statement in advance.
Bank confirms funds are available
Your lender releases mortgage funds to your lawyer's trust account for settlement morning.
Funds and title exchange through LINZ
Both lawyers submit the transaction to Landonline simultaneously so funds and title move together.
Agent notified to release keys
Once your lawyer confirms registration, the agent is cleared to hand over keys.
Your lawyer is your single point of contact for settlement questions — the bank and agent generally only act once your lawyer confirms things are ready, so most delays trace back to a lawyer-to-lawyer or bank-to-lawyer step.
Quick Summary
- Five parties are typically involved: your lawyer, the seller's lawyer, your bank, the agent, and LINZ.
- Your lawyer coordinates everything — they're the right first point of contact for questions.
- Settlement is legally complete the moment LINZ registers the ownership change.