Specialist or generalist
A specialist conveyancing practice may focus on repeat property transactions. A generalist law firm may also handle trusts, estates, business, relationship-property, rural, or other work. Neither label guarantees a better fit; ask who will do the work and whether they handle your property and ownership structure.
Fee models are not universal
A firm may quote a fixed fee, hourly rates, a fee for reviewing each offer, or a completion-only model. Completion-only pricing is not offered by every firm and may have conditions. Ask when the fee is triggered, whether GST is included, and what happens if an offer is withdrawn or a purchase does not settle.
What a headline fee may exclude
A low or free offer-review headline may exclude disbursements, urgent work, negotiation, complex advice, auctions, trusts, unit titles, multiple offers, non-standard documents, failed transactions, or extra lender work. Read the engagement terms rather than comparing headline prices alone.
Typical property work
Ask whether the quoted scope includes title and LIM review, sale-and-purchase agreement advice, conditions and deadlines, KiwiSaver coordination, mortgage and lender documents, settlement, registration, and communication with the other professionals. The exact scope depends on the transaction.
Questions before engaging
Ask: What is the fee trigger? Is GST included? Which disbursements are extra? Is an offer review charged if the purchase fails? What changes for a trust, company, unit title, multiple titles, auction, or urgent deadline? Who will be available before signing and at settlement? Will you confirm the scope in writing?
Before you sign
Confirm the engagement terms in writing and obtain independent legal advice about the agreement and conditions before signing. MoreGage can help you organise questions and cost categories, but it cannot recommend a lawyer, interpret your contract, or decide whether an offer is suitable.
Evidence categories to organise
- Practice type and person doing the work
- Fixed, hourly, per-offer, or completion-only model
- Fee trigger and GST
- Disbursements and exclusions
- Failed offer or failed settlement charges
- Trust, company, unit-title, or multiple-title experience
- Auction and urgent-work arrangements
- Written engagement terms
This guide is general information only. MoreGage does not provide regulated financial advice, a lending assessment, approval, or an offer.