You have found a property you like. The open home went well, the numbers seem to work and you are thinking about making an offer.
So when should you contact a conveyancer?
Ideally, before you sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
Many buyers assume the conveyancer only becomes involved once an offer has been accepted. In reality, getting advice earlier can help you understand what you are agreeing to and identify potential problems before you become legally committed.
Why Talk to a Conveyancer Before Making an Offer?
A Sale and Purchase Agreement is a legally binding document once it has been signed by the buyer and seller, subject to any conditions it contains.
It is therefore worth understanding the agreement before putting your name on it.
Your conveyancer can review the agreement, explain its terms and identify anything that may need further consideration.
They can also discuss conditions that may be appropriate for your circumstances.
These could involve:
Finance
A LIM report
Building inspection
Title review
Due diligence
The sale of another property
The appropriate conditions will depend on your circumstances and the property you are buying.
What Can a Conveyancer Check Before You Sign?
The Sale and Purchase Agreement is only part of the picture.
Depending on the property and the information available, there may be other issues worth investigating.
For example, the property title could contain easements, covenants, access rights or restrictions that affect how you can use the property.
There could also be questions involving previous building work, council information or other aspects of the property.
At Conveyancing Plus, we look out for the potential “fish hooks” and explain what they could mean for your plans.
Finding an issue does not necessarily mean the property is wrong for you. It means you can make your decision knowing more about what you are buying.
What if the Real Estate Agent Gives Me the Agreement?
You can ask for a copy of the proposed Sale and Purchase Agreement to send to your conveyancer before signing.
You do not need to wait until your offer is accepted to seek advice.
Having the agreement reviewed beforehand can give you an opportunity to ask questions and understand its terms before you commit.
What if I Have Already Signed?
Don't wait.
If you have signed a conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement, contact your conveyancer as soon as possible.
The agreement may contain conditions that need to be satisfied within particular timeframes.
Your conveyancer can review the agreement, explain those conditions and help you understand what needs to happen next.
Timing matters because your options may depend on the exact wording of the agreement and whether the relevant condition deadlines have passed.
When Should First-Home Buyers Contact a Conveyancer?
Early advice can be particularly valuable when you are buying your first home.
There are likely to be terms, documents and processes you have never dealt with before.
Along with the Sale and Purchase Agreement itself, you may need to consider:
Finance approval
Your deposit
KiwiSaver withdrawal requirements
LIM information
A building report
Property title information
Settlement arrangements
You do not need to understand all of this before contacting a conveyancer. Helping you understand it is part of their job.
At Conveyancing Plus, we explain the process in plain English and help first-home buyers understand what is happening and what comes next.
Should I Contact a Conveyancer Before Going to an Auction?
An auction is different from making a conditional offer.
If you are considering bidding at auction, it is particularly important to obtain the appropriate advice and complete the necessary checks beforehand.
You should not assume you will have an opportunity to investigate everything after winning an auction.
Speak with your conveyancer early enough to review the relevant documents and discuss the property before auction day.
When Should I Contact My Bank or Mortgage Adviser?
It is also worth talking to your bank or mortgage adviser early in the process.
Your conveyancer, lender and mortgage adviser have different roles, but each may need information from the others as your purchase progresses.
Having the right people involved early can make it easier to understand what needs to happen and avoid unnecessary last-minute pressure.
What Happens Once My Offer Is Accepted?
If your offer is accepted subject to conditions, your conveyancer helps manage the legal side of the process.
Depending on your agreement, this could involve reviewing property information, managing conditions and communicating with the seller's conveyancer.
Once the agreement becomes unconditional, preparations for settlement begin.
Your conveyancer will work through the required documents, liaise with your lender and arrange the legal transfer of the property.
The Earlier, the Better
You don't need to wait until you have bought a house to contact a conveyancer.
In fact, having a conversation earlier can put you in a much better position when the right property appears.
You can understand the process, know who to contact and be better prepared to move when you are ready.
Thinking About Buying?
Conveyancing Plus helps buyers across Waiuku, Pukekohe, Franklin, South Auckland and beyond navigate property purchases with clear, practical advice.
Learn more about Buying a Property →
If you have found a property or have an agreement you are considering signing, talk to Conveyancing Plus about your next step.
