PROPERTY LAW · FIRST HOME BUYERS
Buying your first home? Get the legal side right before you commit.
Clear conditions. Fewer surprises. A smoother path to settlement.
Canterbury Legal helps first-home buyers understand the agreement, protect their position and move from offer to settlement with clear legal guidance at each step.
Talk to us before you sign
The best time to involve your lawyer is before the agreement becomes unconditional. That gives us room to review the contract, explain the conditions and identify anything that could affect your purchase.
Early advice can protect your deposit, your finance and your options.
Before committing, we can help you…
- understand the sale and purchase agreement
- check finance, LIM, building report and lawyer-approval conditions
- identify title, easement and covenant issues
- coordinate KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal requirements where applicable
- understand ownership options before settlement
How we help first-home buyers.
Agreement review
Due diligence
Finance & KiwiSaver
Ownership structure
Conditions & deadlines
Settlement & keys
People who can help.
Talk directly with people experienced in residential conveyancing and first-home purchases.
Grant Smith
Callum McPetrie
Angela Ingrosso
What happens next.
- Send us the agreement before signing where possible.
- We review the legal position and explain any issues or conditions.
- You complete due diligence with finance, LIM and building information as required.
- Conditions are confirmed only when you are comfortable proceeding.
- We prepare for settlement and complete the legal transfer of ownership.
Related property services
Residential conveyancing
Buying or selling beyond your first home.
Building & construction issues
Advice where defects, contracts or building issues arise.
EQC & insurance claims
Property-related natural hazard and insurance advice.
Useful insights for first-home buyers
Practical guidance on agreements, finance, due diligence and buying your first home.
Buying property in Canterbury: Why legal due diligence should start before you sign
Christchurch First Home Buyer Update | Property Watch October 2025
Property Watch – August 2025
First offer. Smart advice. Strong start.
If you are preparing to make an offer or already have an agreement, speak with our team before the next deadline narrows your options.
Phone: +64 3 377 0792
Send enquiry.
Frequently asked questions.
Ideally before signing an agreement. Early advice gives you the best chance to adjust conditions and understand the legal risks before you are committed.
Yes. Where you are eligible, we can help with the solicitor-side requirements and coordinate the withdrawal process in time for settlement.
Common conditions include finance, LIM, building report and lawyer approval. The right conditions depend on the property and your circumstances.
We prepare the legal transfer, coordinate with your lender, confirm settlement figures and complete settlement on the agreed date.
A building inspection is often an important part of due diligence. We can explain how a building-report condition fits into the agreement and what legal options may exist if issues are identified.