How high are realtors’ and lawyers’ fees in New Zealand? What about other property purchase costs?

How difficult is the property purchase process in New Zealand?

Non-residents are allowed to buy a house in New Zealand. It should be noted, however, that the purchase of property does not give the buyer any right to live permanently in New Zealand.

If the investment involves less than NZ$10 million, no official clearance is needed; otherwise, authorization from the Overseas Investment Office is required if a non-resident wants to acquire sensitive areas such as agricultural land exceeding 5 hectares in area, or exceeding NZ$10 million in value. Authorization is also needed for the acquisition of islands, or land containing or adjoining reserves or heritage areas, and foreshores or lakes in excess of 0.4 hectares.

When buying property, the following steps should be followed:

1. The seller must obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from the local authorities, which provides information on the legality of the building to be acquired such as special land features, stormwater and sewerage, rates owing on the land, future plans to the area where the property is found such as zoning plans, and use of the land. Securing a LIM may take as much as 10 days.
2. The seller must register the title through Land Information New Zealand. The seller has two options: submit the title online (with the conveyancer/lawyer acting as the registrar), or through manual registration by submitting the title and needed documentation one of the Land Titles Office.
3. The conveyancer must then double-check all the documents before registering. Documentation includes personal identification for both parties, written authority for the conveyancer to register the property, and the signed transfer of property.

Footnotes to Transaction Costs Table

The round trip transaction costs include all costs of buying and then re-selling a property – lawyers’ fees, notaries’ fees, registration fees, taxes, agents’ fees, etc.

Registration Fee:
Land Title Lodgement Fee is NZ$21 via electronic lodgement and NZ$50 via postal or drop box lodgment. Fee for new titles is at NZ$106.

Lawyer's Fee:
A lawyer or conveyancer certifies that documents are correct and in order for registration. Conveyancer's or lawyer's fee is negotiable, usually ranging from NZ$600 to NZ$2,000. It is typical that the buyer and the seller hire their own lawyers.

Real Estate Agent's Fee:
The real estate agent's commission is negotiable, ranging from 3.5% to 4%, plus 12.5% GST of purchase price. It is typically paid by the seller.