Property Law

Expert property and conveyancing lawyers in Christchurch

Weston Ward & Lascelles, your expert property conveyancing lawyers in Christchurch, offers comprehensive property law services for both residential and commercial transactions. With decades of local expertise, our team adeptly handles complex property dealings, providing seamless support for everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. We're dedicated to delivering customised solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs of the Christchurch community.



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Buying property

At Weston Ward & Lascelles, our property & conveyancing lawyers in Christchurch expertly guide you through each phase of property acquisition. From conducting thorough legal due diligence to ensure the property’s legal standing is clear, to navigating complex contract negotiations and finalising the deal, we provide tailored assistance. Our goal is to simplify the buying process for both first-time buyers and experienced investors by offering clear, detailed explanations of all legal aspects, ensuring your investment is secure and the transaction meets your specific needs.



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"Very good to deal with, very clear, open and honest"

(Property Client)

Selling property

At Weston Ward & Lascelles, our property lawyers ensure a smooth property selling experience by handling every detail from contract drafting to final settlement. Our comprehensive service meticulously prepares all paperwork and meets legal requirements. We manage negotiations, ensure compliance with property laws, and coordinate with all parties involved. Our goal is to streamline the selling process, making it as straightforward and stress-free as possible for our clients.



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“Made the whole process of purchasing a property easy from the get go”

(Property Client)

Commercial property transactions

Our services for commercial property transactions at Weston Ward & Lascelles are specifically designed to meet the unique demands of commercial clients in Christchurch. We provide expert assistance throughout the process, including meticulous due diligence to ensure every aspect of your investment is sound. Our team handles contract negotiations and addresses any compliance issues, offering strategic advice to optimise and protect your commercial investments. This comprehensive support aims to facilitate successful transactions and enhance the value of your commercial property portfolio.


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Why choose Weston Ward & Lascelles as your property lawyers?

With 140 years in Christchurch, we offer legal expertise for customised solutions to safeguard your assets and future.

Expertise and experience

With a deep understanding of both residential and commercial property law, Weston Ward & Lascelles brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to every transaction, ensuring all legal aspects are handled professionally.

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Client-centric service

Tailored specifically to the unique needs of each client, our services are designed to provide detailed, personalised guidance through the entire property transaction process.

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Comprehensive support

From initial legal diligence to final settlement, our team offers a full range of services including contract negotiation, compliance checks, and strategic investment advice, making them a one-stop-shop for all your property legal needs in Christchurch.

Property Law FAQs

Got a question? Our team of experienced property lawyers based in Christchurch are here to help.

  • What is an unconditional contract?

    An unconditional contract means all conditions have been met and you are legally bound to proceed with the property purchase.

  • What steps follow an unconditional contract?

    Following an unconditional contract, the deposit is typically released to the vendor, mortgage documents are prepared and signed, and any required inspections are completed before settlement.

  • What is the process for handling the deposit?

    The agent often seeks immediate release of the deposit to the vendor unless instructed otherwise in writing.

  • How is the mortgage handled?

    We receive mortgage instructions from your bank and prepare the necessary documents for you to sign.

  • What rights do I have for property inspection before settlement?

    You usually have the right to one property inspection before the settlement. Any issues must be raised with the vendor's solicitors in a timely manner.

  • What happens during settlement?

    We draw down the mortgage advance, arrange payment of the purchase price, and handle the exchange of title documents. The exact timing of settlement day may vary based on the availability of funds and readiness of the vendor’s solicitors.

  • What occurs after settlement?

    Post-settlement, we will provide you with a final reporting letter detailing all financial transactions and ensure that your insurance over the property is cancelled.

  • When should I seek legal advice for a house and land package?

    It’s advisable to consult a property lawyer before signing any agreements to ensure all necessary clauses are included and understand the terms, especially concerning the refundability of deposits.

  • Can I use KiwiSaver for a house and land package?

    Yes, KiwiSaver can be used towards the deposit or settlement for the land section, with specific clauses required in the agreement.

  • How do I apply for the Kainga Ora Home Start Grant?

    Check your eligibility and apply for pre-approval on Kainga Ora’s website before signing a Sale and Purchase Agreement.

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Property & conveyancing legal news

Home for the holidays: How to navigate conveyancing at Christmas

Home for the holidays: How to navigate conveyancing at Christmas

12 Nov, 2024
Explore essential tips & insights at Weston Ward & Lascelles law firm for a stress-free journey to making your homecoming dreams a reality this Christmas.
A man is pointing at another man while sitting at a table.

Love thy neighbour: property disputes and how to tackle them

10 Nov, 2024
In an ideal world, neighbours live side by side in perfect harmony, sharing a mutual respect for boundaries, both physical and personal. However, the reality is often far from this ideal. Property disputes between neighbours are common, ranging from minor inconveniences to full-blown legal battles. These disputes can disrupt not only your peace of mind but also the value of your property and your relationship with the community. If you're facing a property dispute, it’s essential to understand the nature of these conflicts and how to resolve them effectively. In New Zealand, the law provides various avenues for resolving these issues, but navigating the legalities can be complex. That’s where Weston Ward and Lascelles come in—providing quality property law advice to guide you through to a solution. Common property disputes in New Zealand Property disputes between neighbours arise from a variety of situations, each requiring a different solution. It’s important to understand the nature and history of your issue to identify the best way to approach it; court and civil litigation is very rarely the first course of action. Boundary disputes Boundary disputes are perhaps the most common and unpleasant type of neighbour conflict. These disputes arise when the physical boundaries between properties are unclear or contested. There is a common myth that neighbours must pay 50% of the costs of a new boundary fence or share the costs of repairs to an existing boundary fence which often fuels misunderstandings. It’s advisable to seek legal advice early before the dispute escalates out of control, as these cases often do. Weston Ward and Lascelles’ property lawyers will help you understand the property titles, plans, legal boundaries and any other legal entity that impacts your property. It is very easy to get into a dispute with your neighbour if you (or they) don’t fully understand the legal position and have follow the incorrect procedures. Once the boundaries are confirmed, your property lawyer can give you tailored legal advice on how best to proceed. 
A man is giving a red house to a woman.

Should a lawyer review the Sale and Purchase Agreement? Buyer beware!

10 Nov, 2024
It’s second nature for those involved in business to engage a lawyer experienced in business and commercial law for business advisory services. Whether it’s for a startup or an established organisation, contract reviews are a valued and expected expense to ensure the terms and conditions are fair, accurate and aligned with the client’s best interests. Yet, this same level of diligence and self-protection is often neglected in personal matters, including buying a property. With rising property prices, unstable mortgage rates and unemployment rates expected to hit 5% by the end of the year, spending more money to complete a house purchase is likely the last thing you want to think about. However, and this is a huge however, engaging a Christchurch property lawyer to review the Sale and Purchase Agreement before signing is a wise investment; it is a strategic move that can save you from significant future complications. Weston Ward and Lascelles are leading property and conveyancing lawyers in Christchurch who help clients buy properties. From first home buyers to clients with multiple properties, our advice is always the same: do not sign on the dotted line until the Sale and Purchase Agreement has been reviewed, and here’s why: Entering into a Sale and Purchase Agreement is legally binding, it’s a contract. A major principle of property law is caveat emptor or “buyer beware”. The onus is on you to protect your property, assets and finances, and a Sale and Purchase Agreement contact review does just that.  Ensures a smooth conveyancing process compliant to laws and regulations The key role of a property lawyer is to oversee the conveyancing process and keep the schedule on track . Invariably this means liaising with real estate agents, the vendors’ lawyers, local councils and other stakeholders. Aside from collating and reviewing information, conveyancers ensure the legal obligations are adhered to.

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Unlock your property potential in Christchurch, reach out to our skilled property lawyers for expert advice and seamless solutions.

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