Conveyancing

Your buyer protection.

Standard vendor warranties are built into every NZ property sale. Know what the seller is promising and what protection you have.

See All Warranties ↓

Standard Protections

Five key warranties.

The Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate includes these warranties from the vendor. They protect you from hidden issues.

No Undisclosed Notices

The vendor guarantees no undisclosed notices or demands affect the property.

Council notices and compliance issues
Resource Management Act orders
Fencing contribution requests

Building Compliance

All work done on the property complies with relevant building laws.

Building consents obtained
Code compliance certificates issued
Work meets safety standards

Chattels & Fixtures

All chattels included in the sale are in working order and unencumbered.

Appliances in reasonable working order
Free of finance claims
Not subject to hire purchase

Rates & Charges Paid

All rates, taxes and charges are paid up to settlement date.

Council rates
Water rates
Body corporate levies

No Third-Party Rights

No undisclosed third-party rights affect the property.

No undisclosed leases
No hidden permissions
No access agreements

Most Common Issue: Unconsented Work

Unconsented building work is one of the most common issues in property transactions. The vendor must inform you about non-compliant work. Failure to do so can result in you inheriting costly repairs or council enforcement action.

If Something Goes Wrong

When warranties are breached.

Your remedies depend on when you discover the breach.

Before Settlement

Negotiate a price reduction

Require vendor to fix the issue

In serious cases, cancel the agreement

Maximum options available

After Settlement

Claim for damages against vendor

Time limits apply - act promptly

Seek legal advice immediately

Options more limited

Key Takeaways

Vendor warranties are standard protections built into the sale agreement.

The vendor must disclose notices, demands, and third-party rights affecting the property.

Building work must have proper consents and code compliance certificates.

Due diligence helps verify these warranties before you commit to purchase.

Related Guide

Follow our step-by-step guide through the property purchase process.

Read the First Home Buyer's Guide