The Law Shop

28/10/2026

🏡 What Actually Happens on Settlement Day?

This is a common question, so I thought I would explain the process of a typical purchase settlement transaction from our perspective.

Every transaction is different and things can sometimes go awry, but this is the most common process for the day of settlement.

Settlement day is the day you pay for the property and the day you get possession and the keys. What many people don't realise is that settlement can happen at any time during the day depending on several factors.

Process:
• Your bank draws down your loan and transfers the funds to our trust account – timing of this may vary.
• We finalise your Statement to ensure we have enough funds to complete the purchase. You may have had to pay extra in towards settlement.
• We then wait for the vendor's solicitor to provide their settlement undertakings. These confirm that they can transfer ownership to you and that they have enough funds to repay any mortgage registered against the property. The vendor's solicitor must wait for a repayment figure from the bank before they can provide these undertakings.
• Once everything is in order, we send the settlement funds to the vendor's solicitor via a same day cleared fund payment. This can take up to an hour to process through the banking system. We then provide this proof and our undertaking to the vendor’s solicitor.
• The vendor's solicitor must then release the title documents so ownership can be registered into your name and authorises the release of the keys, usually through the real estate agent.
• Once we receive that confirmation this has been completed, we will let you know that you can collect the keys and move into your new home. 🎉

After settlement, we will usually:
 Pay out any surplus funds owing back to you.
 Deduct our invoice as authorised.
 Send you post-settlement reporting and provide a copy of the updated title showing you as the registered owner

🔑 Congratulations in advance to everyone preparing to settle on their new home. It is an exciting day and one of the best phone calls we get to make.

22/09/2026

Exciting milestone for the firm 💛🖤

15/07/2026

🏡⚖️ Fact or Myth? Property Law Edition ⚖️🏡

"If my offer is conditional, I can cancel the agreement for any reason."

❌ Myth!
Conditional clauses aren't a "get out of jail free" card. Buyers must make genuine and reasonable efforts to satisfy their conditions, such as obtaining finance, a builder's report, or legal approval. Whether you can cancel depends on the wording of the condition and the circumstances.

✅ Understanding your conditions before signing can help avoid costly misunderstandings later.

Did you know this?
👍 = I thought it was a fact
❤️ = I knew it was a myth

Thinking about buying or selling a property? We're here to help you understand your rights and obligations before you sign. 🏡

17/06/2026

🏡 First-home buyers - this one’s for you:
If you are thinking about buying your first home or just not sure where to start, this upcoming Westpac seminar is well worth attending.

I will be there providing conveyancing insight and helping answer your questions alongside Westpac’s home lending experts.

Here’s what will be covered:
* Local property market insights;
* Tips to help you build your deposit;
* Alternative pathways onto the property ladder;
* What lenders are looking for;
* The home-buying process and application steps.

It’s a great opportunity to get practical advice, ask questions, and gain a clearer picture of your next steps.

📅 RSVP by: 23 June 2026
📍 Location: Westpac Terrace End, 312–318 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North
⏱️ Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm
👉 Reserve your spot here:
https://au.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=100248732
📞 Questions? Contact Anna Irwin
021 612 894 | [email protected]

11/06/2026

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Getting a deal to unconditional is never a solo effort - it is all about collaboration behind the scenes. From the agent keeping everything moving, to the lawyer ensuring every detail is covered, to the broker making the finance happen. It takes a strong, dedicated team to bring it all together.

When everyone is aligned, communicating clearly and working toward the same goal, that’s when the magic happens ✨

Grateful to work alongside such incredible professionals who go the extra mile to help our clients succeed. 🏡✅

08/06/2026

Monday Motivation 🏡
A new week brings fresh opportunities - new beginnings, new keys handed over and new dreams taking shape.
In conveyancing, every file represents more than a transaction. It is a first home, a growing family, an investment in the future. It is trust placed in us to guide the journey from contract to completion with care and precision.
This week, we are focused on what we do best:
✔️ Clear communication
✔️ Attention to detail
✔️ Making the process smooth and stress-free
Lets make it a productive, positive week ahead. 💼✨

20/05/2026

Such a lovely way to spend a Wednesday evening 💕

We were lucky enough to attend the Pink Ribbon event hosted by the lovely Property Brokers ladies in support of breast cancer awareness.

The atmosphere was amazing and the speaker was absolutely incredible 🙌🌸 Such a meaningful and memorable event.
Property Brokers Palmerston NorthLOCAL - Licensed Cafe & Eatery Nina at Property Brokers Anna Peka Real Estate

02/04/2026

🐰Happy Easter everyone! 🐰

We are pressing pause for the long weekend — think hot cross buns, chocolate overload, and a well-earned recharge.

Our office will be closed over Easter and we will be back on deck Wednesday, refreshed and ready to go!

Stay safe and enjoy the break with loved ones.

See you next week! 💛

26/03/2026

We recommend carrying out your inspection at least two working days before settlement. This gives time to address any issues before the settlement day.

The pre-settlement inspection is your final piece of due diligence and a powerful tool for ensuring a smooth handover.

During the inspection, you should look for:
• New damage since signing the contract (e.g. broken windows, storm damage);
• Chattels that are missing or not working (e.g. heat pumps, lights, oven);
• Agreed repairs or maintenance have been completed as agreed;
• That no rubbish or belongings will be left at the property;
• Keys, remotes, and alarm codes are accounted for.
If you spot anything concerning, take photos or videos.

A pre-settlement inspection is not an opportunity to renegotiate. You cannot:
• Require fixes for issues that existed before signing the contract;
• Demand upgrades or cosmetic improvements;
• Vendors are not required to clean the house to a certain standard or mow the lawns before settlement unless specified in the contract.

If issues are identified, contact us immediately. Depending on the issue, we may:
1. Ask the Vendor to remedy the issue before settlement at their cost; or
2. Ask to reduce the purchase price to enable you to remedy the issues after settlement yourself; or
3. Negotiate an agreed amount to be retained on settlement until the issues have been resolved.

Contact our friendly team today for expert, down-to-earth legal advice.

📞 Phone: 06 3569 869
📧 Email: [email protected]

19/03/2026