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
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