Does a Wellington business cover the Hutt and Kapiti?
Many do, but the further ends of the region carry travel time and it shows in the quote. NovaPay asks businesses covering your end first — the Kapiti Coast in particular is served by its own trades rather than by the city.
Why do Wellington quotes ask about access and steps?
Because they are most of the labour. Carrying materials up sixty steps or working off a boundary with no parking is genuinely a different job to the same work on a flat Hamilton section, and a quote that ignores it is the one that gets revised on the day.
How much does conveyancing cost in NZ?
Firms differ, and most quote a fixed fee for a straightforward purchase plus disbursements such as LINZ registration. Ask for the fee and the disbursements separately so you are comparing the same thing.
Can I get a fixed fee instead of hourly?
For defined work like conveyancing, a will or a simple contract review, usually yes. For disputes, less often, because nobody can see how long it will run. Ask for an estimate and a limit you have to approve before it is exceeded.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in New Zealand?
In practice yes. The transfer has to be certified and lodged electronically by a lawyer or conveyancer, so you cannot complete a purchase without one.
What is a letter of engagement?
The written terms your lawyer must give you before starting, covering fees, scope and who is doing the work. Read it, and ask about anything in it you do not follow.