TL;DR

  •       Read the money sections first: price, settlement date, deposit timing, chattels/fixtures, and every condition deadline.
  •       Treat the conditional period as the negotiation window: finance, LIM, building inspection, and valuation conditions are where buyers often try to renegotiate price or terms.
  •       Use an evidence baseline before you counter: recent sold comparables and a local agent’s appraisal help you negotiate calmly.
  •       Official NZ guidance: The Real Estate Authority explains key parts of the agreement and why you should understand it before signing: Real Estate Authority sale and purchase agreement guide (PDF)

 Before you accept or counter, anchor your suburb price range with a free Market Property Report.

Introduction

If you’re selling a home, an offer can feel like the finish line. But the contract is where the deal is actually won or lost, because it controls what happens when, what must be proven, and what the buyer can challenge during the conditional period.

This guide is written for NZ homeowners who want to sell with confidence and avoid common contract traps. You’ll learn how to scan an agreement in 10 minutes, compare offers beyond the headline price, tighten clauses that create renegotiation leverage, and track deadlines so you don’t lose weeks (or bargaining power) after signing.

Along the way, we connect these contract decisions to Price My Property’s core job: helping you understand what your home could sell for, and matching you with strong local agents when you want help negotiating.

Verification of Experience

Mini case study

A homeowner receives two offers:
 Offer A: Higher price, but long finance, LIM, and building report conditions, plus a vague chattels list (heat pump and curtains not clearly included).
 Offer B: Slightly lower price, shorter conditions, clear chattels list, and a settlement date that fits the seller’s onward move.

 Seller action: They confirm a realistic price band using local sales evidence and agent guidance. They counter Offer A by tightening condition deadlines and clarifying chattels (so the buyer can’t reopen the deal later with assumptions).

 Outcome: The buyer proceeds, the contract goes unconditional faster, and the seller avoids a late-stage chattels dispute at final inspection.

What we see in practice

Many price renegotiations occur during the conditional period, before the agreement becomes unconditional. Many disputes are not about the building itself; they’re about unclear chattels/fixtures, missing remotes/manuals, or mismatched expectations at final inspection. Sellers lose leverage when a contract ties up the listing for too long, because other buyers stop competing.

Quick Decision Aid

Offer element What sellers should check Common risk Seller-safe move
Headline price Is it supported by recent local sales? Price looks high, but becomes negotiable Anchor a price band before accepting/countering
Conditions Which conditions + deadlines + evidence standard Renegotiation leverage during the conditional period Tighten timeframes; require evidence for any discount
Settlement date Does it fit your move + onward purchase? Rushed move, storage, and bridging costs Counter to a realistic settlement date
Deposit Amount + when it must be paid Low commitment or late payment stress Confirm timing and process with your lawyer
Chattels & fixtures Every included item is listed clearly Final inspection disputes (I thought it stayed) If in doubt, list it (model/brand if helpful)
Special terms Any extra clauses added by the buyer Hidden obligations or cancellation rights Get a legal review before accepting

Want a quick starting range before you counter? FREE Market Property Report

How much could your house sell for? and sanity-check your offer against recent local sales.

What is a sale and purchase agreement NZ, and what does it legally lock in?

A sale and purchase agreement in New Zealand is a legally binding contract that sets out the purchase price, deal rules, deposit, settlement date, chattels, and any buyer conditions with deadlines (such as finance, LIM, or building inspection). Once both parties have signed and the offer has been accepted, you’re in a legally binding contract (even if it is still conditional), and changes usually require both parties’ written agreement.

Most sellers focus on the number and skim the rest. But the rest controls how long your property is tied up, whether the buyer can renegotiate, and what you must deliver at settlement (including chattels).

A strong-looking offer can become weaker if the contract gives the buyer lots of time and vague reasons to change their mind.

Seller’s 60-second summary test

Before you accept, you should be able to say:

  •       Price is $X.
  •       Settlement is on (date).
  •       The deposit is (amount), paid (when).
  •       Conditions are (finance/LIM/building/valuation) due by (dates).
  •       Chattels included are (key items).
  •       If you can’t summarise it clearly, it’s not ready to sign yet.

Important disclaimer

This article is general information only. For any contract you’re actually signing, get advice from a New Zealand property lawyer or conveyancer.

What should a seller expect to see in a NZ property contract?

A NZ property sale contract usually sets out the parties, the property, the purchase price, deposit details, settlement/possession date, a chattels list, buyer conditions (finance, LIM, building inspection, valuation), and any special terms. Because different versions of agreements are used in NZ, sellers should review the specific clauses applicable to them and seek legal advice before signing.

For an official plain-English breakdown for sellers, see Settled. govt.nz: Understanding the sale and purchase agreement when selling.

When sellers feel overwhelmed, it helps to think of the agreement as six buckets. If each bucket is clear, you’re usually safe.

Bucket 1: Parties and property details

  •       The seller names match the legal owners (or the trust/company details if applicable).
  •       The property address is correct (including unit number if relevant).
  •       If the agreement references title type (freehold, cross-lease, unit title), ask your lawyer if anything looks unfamiliar.

Bucket 2: Price and effective value

The price is not just a number; it’s also what you’re giving up.

  •       Are there any inclusions (appliances/furniture) that reduce your net outcome?
  •       Are there any credits or allowances written into special terms?
  •       Is there anything that sounds like a repair obligation disguised as standard?

Bucket 3: Deposit and payment mechanics

  •       How much is the deposit?
  •       When is it due (on signing vs going unconditional)?
  •       What happens if it’s late?
  •       Who holds it and how is it received?

Bucket 4: Settlement and possession

  •       Can you move out and hand over keys on time?
  •       Do you need a longer settlement period due to your onward purchase?
  •       If you accept a short settlement, what’s your backup plan if something slips?

Bucket 5: Chattels and fixtures

This is where many surprise disputes happen.

  •       Seller-safe rule: if you think a buyer might assume something stays, list it.
  •       Common items sellers forget: heat pump remotes, curtains/blinds and tracks, TV mounts and wall brackets, garage door openers, security system components, shed contents (if included) vs the shed itself.

Bucket 6: Conditions and special terms

  •       Does each condition have a clear deadline?
  •       Does it say what satisfied means?
  •       Are there extra buyer-added clauses that shift risk to you?

What’s the fastest 10-minute scan for a Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ before accepting?

The fastest seller scan is to review five sections first: purchase price, settlement date, deposit timing, chattels/fixtures list, and every buyer condition with its deadline and satisfaction standard. These areas drive most seller pain, renegotiation, delays, and disputes, so if you only read a few pages carefully, read these first.

Think of this as your triage scan. You’re not trying to read everything perfectly; you’re trying to catch the clauses that can change the outcome.

Step 1: Confirm price and any hidden concessions

  •       Inclusions that cost you money (furniture/appliances).
  •       Early settlement or early access requests.
  •       Any wording that requires the seller to remedy something without a clear scope

Step 2: Check the settlement date is realistic for your life

A date that doesn’t fit your move can create expensive decisions later.

  •       Can I vacate the home and meet this date comfortably?
  •       Does it clash with my onward purchase, tenancy end, travel, or school timing?
  •       If I need to counter, what date would actually work?

Step 3: Review deposit timing and commitment

  •       Amount
  •       Due date
  •       Trust handling process
  •       Remedy if late

Step 4: Read the chattels list as if you’re the buyer

If you were buying your home, what would you assume stays?

  •       Heat pumps (units + remotes)
  •       Curtains/blinds
  •       Dishwasher/oven
  •       Garage shelving
  •       Garden shed
  •       Spa pool accessories (if included)

Step 5: Write down every condition deadline immediately

If you miss a deadline or forget a condition, you lose leverage.

  •       Finance due ___
  •       LIM due ___
  •       Building due ___
  •       Valuation due ___
  •       Settlement date ___

What do conditional and unconditional mean in a Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ?

A conditional contract means the buyer must satisfy the listed conditions (commonly finance, LIM, building inspection, valuation) by set deadlines. If a condition is not satisfied, the buyer may be able to cancel under that condition’s terms, or request renegotiation by mutual agreement. Unconditional means the conditions are satisfied or waived, locking in the deal for settlement and giving the seller greater certainty.

Here’s the deal: the conditional period is when your sale price is most exposed, because the buyer can use new information to request changes while your listing is effectively on hold.

During the conditional window, you often pause active marketing, other buyers move on, and the buyer may request a discount or additional terms based on reports, financing constraints, or timing.

The time is the leverage rule

Longer conditional periods often increase the chance of renegotiation. Shorter, clearer timeframes often increase the chance you settle at the agreed price.

Seller’s condition deadline tracker (copy/paste)

  •       Finance: deadline ___ / evidence required ___
  •       LIM: deadline ___ / evidence required ___
  •       Building inspection: deadline ___ / evidence required ___
  •       Valuation: deadline ___ / evidence required ___
  •       Any special condition: deadline ___ / evidence required ___

How to handle extension requests (without sounding hostile)

If the buyer wants more time, ask two questions:

(1) Why is the extension needed?

(2) What exact new deadline are you proposing?

Then decide whether an extension helps you (for example, if there are no other buyers) or harms you (if your property is tied up and interest is cooling).

Which clauses most often cost sellers money, even when the price is good?

For NZ sellers, the biggest money leaks are usually hidden in the terms, not the headline price: long or vague conditions, unclear chattels lists, unrealistic settlement dates, and buyer-added special terms. These clauses create renegotiation leverage during the conditional period or disputes at final inspection, which can reduce your final outcome or delay settlement.

If you want to protect your sale price, read this section carefully.

1) Long conditional periods

A high offer with a long conditional window can result in a lower sale price when the buyer has weeks to negotiate.

  •       Prefer shorter finance/LIM/building/valuation timeframes where realistic.
  •       Be cautious about open-ended extensions.
  •       Ask your agent/lawyer what a normal timeframe looks like for your area and buyer type.

2) Vague condition standards

If the agreement doesn’t define what satisfied means, the buyer may claim dissatisfaction with minimal evidence.

  •       Ask for condition wording that clarifies what evidence is required, and what objective threshold (where possible) is being applied.

3) Chattels/fixtures ambiguity (a common final inspection trigger)

  •       Common pain points: I thought the heat pump stayed. Those curtains were included. Where are the remotes and manuals? Is the TV bracket included?
  •       Seller-safe move: list major items explicitly and include small items that matter (remotes, keys, garage openers, alarm codes as agreed, manuals/warranties if available).

4) Settlement date pressure and hidden costs

  •       Storage, temporary accommodation, bridging or rushed logistics, last-minute cleaning/repairs.
  •       Seller-safe move: counter to a date you can actually meet, even if the price is attractive.

5) Buyer-added special terms that shift risk to you

  •       Red flags: extra cancellation rights, remedy obligations without scope, early access/possession without clear rules, rolling condition delays.
  •       Seller-safe move: treat every special term as negotiable and ask your lawyer to explain it in plain English before signing.

How do finance, LIM, building, and valuation conditions work—and how should sellers respond?

Finance, LIM, building inspection, and valuation conditions are common in New Zealand because they allow buyers to confirm lending and property risks within a set timeframe. For sellers, these clauses also create a renegotiation period. The safest approach is to keep deadlines tight, request written evidence for any discount request, and document every extension or variation clearly.

This section is where sellers either protect their price or slowly lose it.

Finance condition

What it usually means: the buyer needs bank approval. This is normal, but it shouldn’t be unlimited.

  •       Seller-safe checks: clear deadline; buyer must take reasonable steps promptly; extensions only by mutual agreement.
  •       If the buyer requests a discount, ask what has changed (approval amount, rate, lending conditions) and what evidence supports it.

LIM condition

What it usually means: the buyer wants to review council records. Some issues matter; many entries are informational.

  •       If the buyer claims a LIM problem: request the exact page/entry, ask what remedy they want (price reduction vs specific fix), and avoid agreeing to vague remediation without scope.

Building inspection condition

What it usually means: a builder’s report identifies defects and maintenance issues, some major, many minor.

  •       Seller-safe response: ask for the relevant excerpt; clarify repair vs price change; respond with a costed option; keep any variation written and specific.
  •       Common mistake: agreeing to fix everything without a scope.

Valuation condition

What it usually means: sometimes the lender requires a valuation; sometimes the buyer wants extra certainty.

  •       Seller-safe questions: who ordered it and when; what is the valuation figure; does the contract allow a price change or only cancellation/renegotiation by agreement.
  •       Edge case: valuations can come in low due to conservative methodology—ask for evidence before conceding quickly.

How should a seller compare two offers beyond the headline price?

To compare NZ offers properly, assess price plus certainty: condition count and deadlines, settlement date fit, deposit timing, chattels clarity, and special terms. A slightly lower offer can be the better outcome if it’s more likely to go unconditional quickly without reopening the price. Sellers should choose the offer with the highest likelihood to settle, not just the highest number.

This is where sellers make their biggest decision mistake: choosing the highest price and ignoring the risk.

The seller certainty score method

  •       Step 1: Score conditions (0–5): fewer conditions, shorter deadlines, clearer evidence standards = higher score.
  •       Step 2: Score settlement fit (0–3): settlement date works for you; less need for temporary accommodation or bridging.
  •       Step 3: Score cleanliness (0–2): chattels list clear; special terms minimal and understandable.

When a lower offer can be safer (and smarter)

  •       Offer B is $10k lower but unconditional sooner → higher chance of actually settling at that price.
  •       Offer A is $20k higher but long conditions → higher chance of a later discount request.

Seller-safe tie-breakers

  •       Prefer the offer that goes unconditional faster.
  •       Prefer the offer with clearer chattels and fewer buyer-added terms.
  •       If you have multiple interested buyers, protect leverage by avoiding long conditional tie-ups.

How do you set a defensible price range before you sign anything?

A defensible NZ seller price range comes from (1) recent sold comparables, (2) current competing listings, and (3) a local agent appraisal that reflects real buyer demand. Sellers protect their outcome by using a price band (not a single perfect number), then using that band to accept, counter, or reject discount requests during the conditional period.

If you don’t know your real band, you can’t negotiate calmly. Before you accept or sign anything, find your free property report to confirm a realistic range for your suburb and property type

Step 1: Pick 3–6 sold comparables (sold beats asking)

  •       Match on suburb/school zone, bedrooms/bathrooms, land size and usability, condition, sunlight/noise/parking/outlook, and sale date.
  •       Quick rule: if the comparable is too different, don’t force it. One bad comp can distort your band.

Step 2: Check active listings (your current competition)

  •       Active listings show what buyers compare you to this week.
  •       If you’re priced well above similar listings, expect tougher conditions or greater negotiation pressure.

Step 3: Pressure-test with a local agent appraisal

What you want is not hype-clarity: where buyers are landing on price, which issues are getting discounted, what condition timeframes are normal, and what method of sale suits your suburb and property type.

If you’re choosing between auction, tender, or negotiation, use How to price your home in NZ: auction, tender, or private treaty to align your price band with the way you’re selling.

How do counteroffers work, and what should sellers change first?

In a Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ, a counteroffer replaces the buyer’s offer with your revised terms (price, conditions, settlement date, chattels). If the buyer accepts your counteroffer, it becomes the binding agreement. Sellers usually get better outcomes by changing certainty first: tighten condition deadlines, clarify chattels, and set a workable settlement date-then adjust price only when evidence supports it.

Counteroffers are where you regain control – if you keep them simple.

The three seller levers

  •       Time: shorten the conditional period where reasonable. Time reduces your leverage.
  •       Clarity: clarify chattels (what stays), evidence required for discount requests, and any repair promises (scope, deadline, documentation).
  •       Price: move price only if sold comps support it, or credible evidence shows a real issue.

A seller-friendly counteroffer structure

  •       Price: $X
  •       Finance condition: X working days
  •       LIM condition: X working days
  •       Building inspection: X working days
  •       Chattels: updated schedule attached
  •       Settlement: (date that suits your move)

Common seller mistakes with counteroffers

  •       Overcomplicating the contract (making it harder for the buyer to accept quickly).
  •       Agreeing to vague repairs (a blank cheque).
  •       Allowing rolling extensions (keeps your listing frozen and invites renegotiation).

What is a multi-offer process, and how should sellers handle it safely?

A multi-offer process happens when more than one buyer submits a written offer at the same time. Sellers should compare offers on certainty (conditions and timeframes), settlement date fit, and chattels clarity, not just headline price, because the best offer is often the one most likely to go unconditional quickly and settle without reopening negotiations.

Multiple offers are an advantage if you stay organised.

The safest way to run a multi-offer decision

  •       Step 1: Enter all offers into a single comparison sheet (price, deposit timing, settlement date, each condition and deadline, special terms, chattels clarity score).
  •       Step 2: Choose the best likelihood to settle (short conditions often beat a slightly higher price).
  •       Step 3: Keep leverage by avoiding long tie-ups (a long conditional period reduces competitive pressure).

Seller mistakes to avoid

  •       Choosing the highest price but ignoring long finance deadlines, vague building conditions, unclear chattels, or buyer-added escape wording.

If you want a strong negotiator in your corner, especially when offers are complex, use Find your top local agent to compare experienced agents in your area.

What is a cash-out (escape) clause, and when is it useful for sellers?

A cash-out (escape) clause can let a seller keep marketing and consider other offers while the first buyer remains conditional. If the seller triggers the clause, the conditional buyer typically gets a short period to go unconditional; if they can’t, the seller may cancel and accept another offer. It’s powerful but needs careful legal drafting.

For official context on sale and purchase agreement guidance, see Real Estate Authority guidance on sale and purchase agreements.

This clause exists because long conditions can trap sellers.

When a cash-out clause can make sense

  •       The buyer has an unusually long conditional period.
  •       The offer is conditional on the buyer selling their own property (or another big dependency).
  •       You have a strong ongoing interest and don’t want to lose backup buyers while waiting.

What can go wrong (seller risks)

  •       A good buyer may walk away if they feel the deal is unstable.
  •       Confusion about notice periods can create disputes.
  •       You may waste time if the clause is unclear or poorly executed.

Seller-safe way to think about it

Don’t treat a cash-out clause as a template. Ask your lawyer to explain exactly how notice is given, how long the buyer gets to go unconditional, what counts as a valid going unconditional, and when you can accept another offer.

What happens after signing, deposit, conditional period, unconditional, and settlement?

After signing, the agreement’s timeline governs the sale: the deposit is paid as specified, the buyer works through the conditions by the deadlines, the contract becomes unconditional once the conditions are satisfied or waived, and settlement occurs on the agreed date. Sellers should track all deadlines, document any variations in writing, and prepare for the final inspection by matching chattels and repairs to the contract.

This is the part of selling that rewards the organisation.

Day 0–2: Signed (seller checklist)

  •       Save the signed agreement PDF in one folder (include any variations).
  •       Write every condition deadline into your calendar (with reminders 48 hours before).
  •       Confirm who is coordinating each condition update (agent, lawyer, or both).
  •       Confirm the deposit timing and the holding location.

During the conditional period: protect leverage

  •       Ask for progress updates before deadlines, not after.
  •       Treat extension requests like a negotiation (reason + new date + written confirmation).
  •       If a discount is requested, require evidence and a clear remedy.

The evidence before emotion rule

  •       What changed?
  •       What evidence supports it?
  •       Are you asking for repair or a price reduction?

Unconditional milestone: what changes

  •       You can plan removals and cleaning with far more confidence.
  •       You can commit to your onward purchase or rental arrangements with much higher certainty.

Pre-settlement checklist

  •       Confirm that all listed chattels are present and functioning.
  •       Gather manuals, warranties, remotes, keys, and garage openers.
  •       Complete any agreed repairs and keep receipts/photos if relevant.
  •       Leave the property in the condition required by the agreement.

If you want a broader step-by-step seller roadmap that includes signing and working through conditions, see Sell your house privately in NZ: a complete step-by-step guide.

How does your method of sale change the agreement (auction vs tender vs negotiation)?

Yes – your method of sale can change how offers and contracts work in NZ. Negotiation, deadline sale, and priced listings commonly use a standard sale and purchase agreement with negotiable conditions. At auction, the winning bid is unconditional when the hammer falls, so buyers typically complete due diligence and finance checks before auction day. Tender and deadline processes vary, but buyers often try to make their offer as ‘clean’ as possible. Sellers should align pricing strategy, marketing, and contract readiness to the chosen method

Official overview of methods of sale: Settled.govt.nz: Understanding the methods of sale.

This matters because buyers write different kinds of offers depending on the method.

By negotiation (private treaty) offers

  •       More conditional offers (finance, LIM, building inspection).
  •       Longer negotiation on settlement dates and inclusions.
  •       More back-and-forth on price.

Deadline sale / tender style offers

  •       Buyers often try to look clean and competitive.
  •       Still requires careful comparison, as one offer may be high but risky.

Auction-style selling

  •       Can reduce conditional negotiation at the point of sale, but requires stronger upfront preparation and clarity on your reserve strategy.

Where does Price My Property fit in the contract stage for sellers?

Price My Property fits at the moment NZ sellers need clarity and leverage: when deciding whether an offer is good for the area, when countering conditions and deadlines, and when choosing an agent to negotiate on their behalf. A market-backed price range and local agent support reduce the chance of accepting weak terms or conceding too much during the conditional period.

This is not a replacement for legal advice. It’s a way to make better decisions before signing, with clearer price context and better negotiation support.

The contract-stage problems sellers actually have

  •       Price confidence: Is this offer actually strong for my suburb and property type?
  •       Countering: What should I change first, price, conditions, settlement, or chattels?
  •       Agent strength: Do I have the right negotiator for this market?

A simple seller value chain

  •       Establish a price band.
  •       Compare offers by certainty (not just price).
  •       Counter to tighten timelines and clarify inclusions.
  •       Track deadlines to be unconditional.
  •       Prepare for settlement with a chattels checklist.

What are the most common seller mistakes that reduce the final sale price?

The most common NZ seller mistakes are accepting long or vague conditions, leaving chattels unclear, choosing an unrealistic settlement date, and negotiating price without a clear market baseline. These mistakes create leverage for renegotiation during the conditional period or in disputes near settlement. Sellers improve outcomes by tightening deadlines, clearly listing inclusions, and anchoring decisions in local sales evidence.

These are practical mistakes, not theoretical, and they show up again and again.

Mistake 1: Saying yes to everything because the price looks good

  •       Why it hurts: the buyer keeps flexibility, you lose leverage.
  •       Better approach: counter the terms first (shorten deadlines, limit extensions, clarify evidence requirements), then talk price if needed.

Mistake 2: Treating the chattels list as an afterthought

  •       Why it hurts: Chattel disputes happen late when everyone is stressed.
  •       Better approach: include heat pumps + remotes, curtains/blinds, appliances, garage openers, and security components (if staying).

Mistake 3: Not planning settlement logistics early

  •       Why it hurts: Unrealistic settlement dates lead to costly last-minute decisions.
  •       Better approach: select a settlement date that aligns with your next home timing, removal availability, and work/school commitments.

Mistake 4: Agreeing to vague repairs or remedies

  •       Why it hurts: Fix everything is a blank cheque.
  •       Better approach: write the exact scope, who chooses the contractor, a deadline, and evidence of completion.

Conclusion

  •       A Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ is not only a price, but it’s also price + conditions + deadlines + chattels + settlement timing, and those extra clauses decide your real outcome.
  •       Most renegotiation attempts happen during the conditional period, so protect leverage by tightening timeframes and requiring evidence for discounts.
  •       Compare offers by likelihood to settle, not just the headline number.
  •       Keep everything in writing and get legal review before signing.

If you want a fast starting range before you accept or counter, use the free Market Property Report on Price My Property to anchor your decision with local context.

FAQs

Q: Is there one standard sale and purchase agreement used everywhere in NZ?

A: No. Different agencies and situations can use different agreement versions and clauses. Always read the exact agreement you’re given and get your lawyer/conveyancer to review it before you sign.

Q: What conditions most often lead to renegotiation for sellers?

A: Finance, LIM, building inspection, and valuation conditions commonly trigger renegotiation because they introduce new information during the conditional period. Sellers reduce risk with tight deadlines and evidence-first responses.

Q: What should I do if a buyer asks for a discount after a builder’s report?

A: Ask for the key excerpt or summary, confirm whether they want repairs or a price change, and respond with a costed option. Keep any changes as a written variation through your lawyer/agent.

Q: What’s the biggest chattel’s mistake sellers make?

A: Assuming everyone knows what stays. If it matters, list it clearly (heat pumps, curtains, appliances, TV brackets, garage openers). If you’re unsure, list it to avoid a dispute at final inspection.

Q: Can I change my mind after signing?

A: It’s usually difficult and can be expensive to back out once you’re in a contract. Get legal advice before signing and before agreeing to any variations or extensions.

Trust Block

This article is written for New Zealand homeowners selling residential property (NZ English, NZD, metric). It is general information, not legal advice. Always get a New Zealand property lawyer or conveyancer to review your specific agreement, conditions, and any special terms before signing or varying a contract.