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Thanks to the efforts of Lester Dempster, we now have Conveyancing Practitioners operating in New Zealand. Read more >>

Conveyancing Practice in New Zealand

The NZ Society of Conveyancers (NZSoC) is the professional body representing conveyancing practitioners in New Zealand. Its role is to represent, promote and regulate the conveyancing profession.

Conveyancing is the term used to describe the legal work required to transfer the ownership of real estate from one person or entity to another, which also includes the processing of subdivisions, leases and refinancing of mortgages.

When buying or selling real estate, we recommend that you use a member of the NZSoC to manage the legal process of your transaction. Conveyancers specialise in property law and have specific training and skills in all areas relating to the Sale and Purchase of real estate and related transactions, leases, subidvisions and refinances. All registered Conveyancers in NZ must comply with the strict registration requirements that the Society sets, and all practitioners carry Professional Indemnity insurance to protect their clients.

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 came into force on 1 August 2008, which provides the framework for the Conveyancing Profession in New Zealand. The consumer now has a choice for their legal support when buying or selling property by utilizing the expertise and services of a Conveyancing Practitioner.

In New Zealand, we have Conveyancers who are either Conveyancing Practitioners either in a sole practice or working for another legal entity, or Registered Conveyancers who work for a conveyancing firm or another legal entity. 

Conveyancers specialise in the legal process to transfer the ownership of property from one person or entity to another, and have specific training and skills in all areas relating to the sale and purchase of real estate and related transactions.

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 came into force on 1 August 2008. This allowed for the establishment of a new conveyancing profession in New Zealand, where only qualified and skilled persons may apply to the NZ Society of Conveyancers to become registered as a Conveyancer.

Conveyancing Practitioners are governed by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 and the rules and regulations made under that Act. Only a Registered Conveyancer, as approved by the NZ Society of Conveyancers may describe themselves as a Conveyancing Practitioner or Registered Conveyancer.

The following conveyancer registration options are available:

Registered Conveyancer – is a person who has successfully completed the Diploma in Conveyancing or successfully applied through the NZ Society of Conveyancers under an Equivalency Assessment. A Registered Conveyancer may only work under the supervision of another practitioner or firm.

Conveyancing Practitioner – a Registered Conveyancer who successfully applies through the NZ Society of Conveyancers to obtain a Practising Certificate.

Conveyancing Practitioner who practice on their own account – a Conveyancing Practitioner who successfully applies through the NZ Society of Conveyancers to practice on their own account.

The purpose of the NZ Society of Conveyancers is:

1. Regulate conveyancers in the industry

2. Represent the Conveyancing Profession and its members

3. Promote and improve the Conveyancing Profession

4. To promote the Diploma of Conveyancing

5. To encourage principled conduct and the use of best practices throughout the Conveyancing profession.

We trust that you find our website informative and helpful, and welcome any feedback or comments that you may have.