Selling guide
What is a caveat on a property title?
Let’s unravel this legal jargon
30 January 2026
AI summary
A caveat is a legal notice lodged with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) that freezes a property's title, preventing the owner from selling or mortgaging it. It signals that someone else has a claim or interest.
To lodge one, you must have a 'caveatable interest', which can arise from:
- A signed sale and purchase agreement
- An agreement to mortgage
- A claim under the Property (Relationships) Act
While it protects your interest, lodging a caveat without valid grounds can make you liable for damages.
What exactly is a caveat? (And why you should care)
The 'hands off' warning
Who can actually lodge one?
Why are they so important?
How do you get rid of one?
Caveat FAQs
Author
Discover More
Coast to Coast founder went for a walk one morning in his pyjamas. He came home having bought a house
Robin Judkins bought a rundown Sumner home on a whim and transformed it into a creative retreat.
Four ovens, multiple fridges and a 13-metre wall: Inside NZ’s best new kitchen
Explore NZ’s award-winning Te Arai kitchen, with a sculptural island and 13m wall of oak joinery.
Search
Other articles you might like
