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Residential Property and Conveyancing

We advise on property purchases, sales, refinancing, title issues, subdivisions, leasing, contract negotiations, body corporate matters and compliance.

Our Team and Expertise

What we do

Whether you are buying your first home, investing in a unit title, or are a property owner looking to sell or explore development options, our residential property and conveyancing team brings a wealth of experience to assist you with all matters related to buying, selling and developing residential property.

How we can help you

We offer a comprehensive service, including contract drafting and review, title reviews, registering easements, covenants and other title encumbrances, refinancing mortgages and completing subdivisions.

Buying and selling residential property

We can assist you in all matters relating to the sale and purchase of residential property. Whether you are negotiating an agreement, already have an agreement in-hand, or you are an experienced property investor looking for a clean and efficient settlement.

Easements, covenants and other property encumbrances

Every piece of land is unique and it is common to discover that one or more legal encumbrances, such as easements, covenants, caveats and other interests, have been registered against the title to the land. These can can either restrict or enhance the land's potential uses. We can advise on all aspects of land interests, including reviewing titles, explaining the effect of land interests, removing restrictive encumbrances and crafting land interests in accordance with your objectives.

Mortgage Refinancing

Refinancing is important because it can offer borrowers lower interest rates, access to home equity, opportunities to consolidate debt and improvements in overall financial stability. We can advise you on proposed refinancing, register refinances, or offer solutions to better suit your financing circumstances.

Subdivisions

Our firm specialises in subdivision-related services, advising on the full spectrum of subdivision related matters, from boundary adjustments and simple easements to major subdivision projects. We also advise and represent builders and property developers in subdivision-related agreements and transactions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to property development.

Unit titles and cross-leases

Owning a unit title or a share in fee simple title, that is a cross lease, comes with certain rights and obligations, of which we can offer legal advice and assistance. Our guidance aligns with recent legislative developments and we can also provide legal advice to body corporates and other property governance structures, such as incorporated societies. For cross leases, we can advise you on your rights and obligations under the lease and indicate any potential issues that may arise for you as an owner or as a prospective purchaser.

Other property matters

We provide advice on most aspects of property law, including:

  • financing for residential construction projects;

  • motel leases and other residential leases;

  • Occupation Right Agreements;

  • conveyancing of farms and/or forestry rights;

  • overseas investment consent applications;

  • KiwiSaver, Kāinga Ora grants, family loans and gifts;

  • reviewing and advising on LIM (Land Information Memorandum) and building reports;

  • providing guidance on relationship property and asset planning; and

  • non-litigatory property disputes.

If you provide a summary of the work you need assistance with, then we will be transparent about whether we are the right fit for your needs.

Can’t find see what you are looking for? Reach out to one of our team or contact us.

What people say about the team...

"We have used Macalister Mazengarb for the purchase of our first property so when it came to purchasing a holiday home we naturally went back. They were fantastic, enthusiastic and very helpful. Would happily recommend to anyone"
Dave
"I have had the pleasure of working with Macalister Mazengarb in the past and have always been impressed by their professionalism and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Their extensive experience in real estate law, coupled with their attention to detail and proactive approach, make them the ideal people to guide others through the complexities of the selling process."
Gary
"My partner and I just purchased our 1st home and Macalister Mazengarb provided us with 5 star service, couldn't recommend highly enough!!"
Sam

Key Contacts

residential property and conveyancing

Richard Allen

Partner
Richard leads the firm’s property and private client teams. He has previously run his own practice and worked for one of the largest firms in New Zealand. Richard’s specialises in trusts, asset protection, and life planning. Richard’s clients appreciate the fact that he is approachable and down-to-earth, delivering pragmatic solutions to his client’s legal problems. More about Richard Allen

Tom Pivac

Consultant
Tom has been in the practice for well over 40 years. The focus of his practice is residential property, family property and small businesses. Tom is well known in Wellington, the Kapi-Mana area and the Kapiti Coast and has served these areas for almost the entire time he has practiced. Tom’s clients enjoy his straightforward, no-nonsense style of communication.
Supported by Valerie Maher
More about Tom Pivac

Robyn Karam

Senior Associate
Robyn has experience in both the residential and commercial property teams. She has become the “go to” specialist for complex land matters including major residential developments, subdivisions and all matters of title. Robyn’s clients benefit from the clear advice and attention to detail that she pays to each transaction.
Supported by Elaine Mackay
More about Robyn Karam

Shannon McEwen

Associate
Shannon joined the firm in 2018 having previously worked for a well-respected firm in Lower Hutt. Shannon’s areas of expertise are residential property, relationship property, and asset protection. Shannon’s clients appreciate the timely and effective manner in which he responds to client needs. More about Shannon McEwen

William Swan

Solicitor
Born and raised in the deep south, William recently joined our property team, where he brings a breadth of rural insight and city know-how to his legal practice. He assists clients in a range of areas, including residential and small business conveyancing, trust administration, estates, financing and relationship property. More about William Swan