Best Real Estate Lawyers in Christchurch

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Godfreys Law
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1870
50 people in their team
Māori
English
We’ve proudly been helping Cantabrians like you for almost 150 years.Our aim is to make your life easier.We’re real people, providing real legal solutions.You might have seen our building as you drive down Moorhouse Ave, opposite the Ara Polytech buildings. Just off Washington Way, you will...
Malley & Co Lawyers
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
Working with us is easy and understandable.Information Gathering The first step is to understand the challenge that you're facing, what's important to you and what you'd like to achieve as your desired outcome.Analysis We will then consider all of the information you have provided to us,...
Darcy Thomson Law Ltd
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
At D’arcy Thomson Law we provide a high level of specialist property advice on all aspects of property transactions including commercial property, residential subdivisions and unit titles, but we are especially proud of our residential conveyance practice. Being able to come to our property based...
Duncan Cotterill
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1857
500 people in their team
Māori
English
Duncan Cotterill has grown to become one of the leading law firms in New Zealand. We have achieved this because as a firm we are very clear about where we are heading and what we want to achieve. We have a strong set of values and we are totally committed to working alongside our clients to help...

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
We are a team of experienced and approachable lawyers who deal with a variety of legal matters including property & business sale and purchases (conveyancing), building contracts, wills, trusts, estates, relationship property agreements, enduring powers of attorney and notary services, through...
Wynn Williams
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1859
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Wynn Williams is a full-service law firm, with an impressive team of experienced and talented lawyers delivering results for corporates, businesses, institutions and individuals, here in New Zealand and further afield. For more than 163 years, we've been known for our technical excellence,...
Saunders & Co Lawyers
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1922
200 people in their team
Māori
English
SAUNDERS & CO IS A FIRM OF CHRISTCHURCH LAWYERS EXPERIENCED IN COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE MATTERS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, LITIGATION, IMMIGRATION, FAMILY, CRIMINAL , TAX, RESOURCE MANGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW.Our Christchurch law firm office is divided into teams.The...
Kannangara Thomson
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2007
10 people in their team
Māori
English
We are guided by the values that form the cornerstone of our approach to work, and how we treat our clients and one another.Our values include integrity, confidentiality, honesty, diversity, reliability and inclusivity. As one team, we support all our clients across the breadth of legal services....
Cavell Leitch
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1923
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Cavell Leitch is a Christchurch based law firm that is here to help our clients, not make it harder. Since the firm was founded in 1923, the firm’s guiding values have remained the same: we provide our clients with clear advice and great service.As we head into our second century in business,...
Lawhub - Law Firm
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
Lawhub is a boutique law firm which specialises in immigration, criminal, family, matrimonial, property, employment, and estate law. With offices in Christchurch and Hamilton, our team have been providing quality legal advice since 2017.‍At the heart of everything we do is genuine care for...
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About Real Estate Law in Christchurch, New Zealand

Real estate law in Christchurch, New Zealand, governs the rights and interests in real estate and real property, both commercial and residential. These laws serve to regulate matters such as property purchases, leasing, property developments, financing, and conveyancing. In Christchurch, the real estate market is known for its steady growth and strong demand, thereby increasing the importance of understanding the legal aspects of owning, buying, and selling property here.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer can be helpful in a myriad of situations in real estate. If you are buying or selling property, a lawyer can guide you through the legal processes ensuring that all contract terms are understood, and obligations are met. When involved in property disputes or complex dealings such as commercial property transactions or lease agreements, a lawyer becomes indispensable. Additionally, if you're dealing with legal issues involving property law, like boundary disputes, property inheritance, deed issues or zoning disputes, having a lawyer can help you navigate these complex problems efficiently.

Local Laws Overview

Christchurch operates under the New Zealand property law framework. The principal legislation includes the Property Law Act 2007, Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and the Resource Management Act 1991. It’s noteworthy that the Resource Management Act plays a significant role in dictating the use of land for building and development in Christchurch, especially following the earthquake rebuild. Furthermore, there are stringent rules pertaining to overseas investment in residential property established by the Overseas Investment Act 2005. The Council also has specific bylaws encompassing property maintenance and use in Christchurch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does conveyancing involve?

Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person or entity to another. It involves preparing, executing, verifying and lodging the necessary legal documents.

Can foreigners buy property in Christchurch?

There have been some restrictions on overseas individuals buying residential land in New Zealand to curb foreign speculation. Under the Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018, only New Zealand citizens, residents and Australian or Singaporean nationals can buy a home without consent from the Overseas Investment Office.

What is a LIM report and why is it important?

A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report, provided by local councils, contains existing information about a property such as land features, utilities, licenses, consents and legal restrictions. It’s often recommended to get a LIM before purchasing property to understand potential issues.

What’s involved in a commercial lease agreement?

Commercial lease agreements are complex contracts involving terms regarding rent, lease period, rights and obligations of tenant and landlord, renewals, rental reviews and potential outgoings. Having legal advice can help understand and negotiate these terms.

Do I need insurance when buying a property in Christchurch?

It's advisable to get insurance when buying property. Specifically in Christchurch, due to its seismic activity, it’s essential to have coverage for natural disasters. Always check if the property is insurable before finalizing a purchase.

Additional Resources

For additional resources, the New Zealand Law Society and Community Law Canterbury offer free or low-cost legal advice. The Real Estate Authority (REA) and the Overseas Investment Office also provide valuable information regarding real estate transactions and overseas investment respectively.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in real estate, it’s highly recommended to engage a local law firm or practitioner specializing in real estate law in Christchurch. They will offer personalized advice factoring in your specific situation and help you navigate through the real estate law intricacies. Do ensure that the lawyer is registered with the New Zealand Law Society.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Christchurch through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Real Estate, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Christchurch, New Zealand - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.