Property Lawyer Website Launched

27 October 2001

A new website launched today tells people how to avoid the pitfalls of a property transaction and has an on-line search facility to help them local a property lawyer in their area.

The Law Society’s Property Law Section site at www.propertylawyers.org.nz provides comprehensive information to the public, while the section’s 1500 lawyer members can log-on to take part in discussion forums and access up-to-date information about property law issues.

Property Law Section Chair Lindsay Lloyd said the new website, which features easy navigation and an updateable ‘what’s new’ menu, aims to inform the public about the process and what is involved in property transactions, the common pitfalls and risks involved and how people can avoid them. The full text of a new brochure on buying or selling a property is reproduced and this outlines in detail the processes that occur in a property transaction as well as the sorts of checks that need to be done to protect a buyer’s or seller’s interests.

“The site answers some frequently asked questions, lists “dos and don’ts” in a property transaction and explains some commonly used terms. In the “What’s new” section we will be updating people with information on specific property issues.”

Mr Lloyd said the site’s launch coincides with a campaign aimed at ensuring people get objective, independent advice on all aspects of the process as soon as they contemplate a property transaction and certainly before they sign any documents. It also advises how they can stay in control of the process.

“It is important that people know what property transactions involve so that they understand the risks they take if they don’t get proper advice. Too often by the time they get around to contacting their lawyer they are committed to a deal, which may not be in their best interests. The nature of conditions and their timeframes are often overlooked or misunderstood. The site, and other educational resources produced by the Property Law Section are directed at raising public awareness of the need for people planning a property sale or purchase to do the right thing and contact a lawyer at the outset.”

For further information contact:
Rae Mazengarb (04) 474 7837 (021) 334 095

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