Before you sign, when changes are still possible. We explain the conditions, identify concerns, and ensure you understand your obligations.
2
Due Diligence
Title searches, LIM review, building report analysis. We identify issues with unconsented work, easements, boundaries, or outstanding charges, flat plan and lease review.
Title searches and encumbrances
Council LIM review
Building report implications
3
Pre-Settlement
Finance documentation, transfer documents, coordination with your bank, the vendor's lawyer, and all other parties. Making sure everything aligns for settlement day.
4
Settlement Day
Fund transfers, registration confirmation, keys collection.
Welcome home.
The finish line
Know What You are Buying
Freehold, cross-lease, unit titles and leasehold explained
You own the land and buildings outright. We check easements, covenants, and encumbrances that may affect your use.
Cross-Lease
Shared Land
Shared ownership of the underlying land. A 999 year lease of the house.
Unit Title
Body Corporate
Apartments and townhouses. We review body corporate records, levies, and long-term maintenance plans.
Leasehold
Hawke's Bay Heritage
Common in Napier since the 1931 earthquake rebuild. You own the building but lease the land. Ground rent reviews, renewal terms, and freeholding options require expert analysis.
How We Help
Buying
Agreement to Keys
Agreement review, due diligence, finance coordination, and settlement. We handle first homes through to investment properties.
Selling
Preparation to Proceeds
Pre-listing title review, agreement negotiation, requisition handling, mortgage discharge, and prompt settlement proceeds.
Refinancing
Bank Transitions
Switching lenders or restructuring your mortgage. We coordinate between banks to ensure a smooth transition.
Investment Properties
Landlord Considerations
Tenancy agreement review, Healthy Homes compliance, bright-line tax awareness, and ownership structure advice.
Client Observations
What Our Clients Say
"Absolutely happy with our experience at Carlile Dowling. We are so fresh and new to all this legal stuff especially being our 1st home. You made everything easy to do and understand for us."
First home buyer
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Property auctions are unconditional and binding. Understand how auctions work, what you must do before auction day, and the risks involved before you bid.
Reverse mortgages let you access home equity without selling. Understand how they work, the costs involved, and what alternatives exist before you commit.
A family's journey to help adult children buy property while protecting everyone, documenting gifts or loans and co-ownership to reduce risk and disputes.
Most transactions settle four to six weeks after the agreement becomes unconditional.
However, this depends on what buyer and seller agree. Shorter settlements are possible;
longer settlements can accommodate particular circumstances.
We can suggest inspectors we know to be thorough and reliable. However, you should
choose your inspector independently. They work for you, not for us.
Your options depend on your agreement conditions. Usually, you can negotiate with
the vendor (price reduction, repair before settlement), or if the issues are serious
enough, you may be able to withdraw from the purchase. We advise on what the
agreement allows.
That depends on your circumstances. Asset protection needs, relationship status,
lending requirements, and long-term plans all factor in. We discuss the options
and help you decide what's appropriate.
A CCC confirms that building work has been completed in accordance with the building
consent. Properties built or altered since 1991 should have CCCs for that work.
Missing CCCs can indicate unconsented or non-compliant work.
No. We handle settlement on your behalf. You'll need to have signed documents
beforehand and ensured funds are available, but settlement itself is managed
between the lawyers.
Yes. We regularly assist buyers who aren't in Hawke's Bay. Documents can be signed
overseas with appropriate witnessing, and we manage the process remotely. However,
you'll need to consider how you'll arrange property inspections and viewings.
Your property purchase is just the start
Protect your investment with these related services.
