Sarah Lawson
Senior Solicitor
tel:+6473495050
mailto:sarah.lawson@hobec.co.nz
Qualifications
- LLB Waikato University (major in Law and a minor in Philosophy) 2019
- Admitted to the Bar of New Zealand 2020
- New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Rumaki Reo Rua) Level 2
- New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies 2017
- New Zealand Diploma in Conveyancing Level 6 2014
Contact
- DDI: +64 7 349 5050
- M: +64 21 243 8290
- E: sarah.lawson@hobec.co.nz
Sarah joined the firm as a Senior Solicitor in 2024 working in our commercial property team.
With over a decade of legal experience both in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Sarah is equipped with an extensive background in private client and trust law matters, particularly in residential and commercial conveyancing, trust, and estate planning. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that her clients receive pragmatic legal advice.
As a member of our commercial property team, Sarah provides tailored legal solutions that meet her client’s specific needs. Working alongside Natasha van der Wal, Sarah’s commercial property practice has a particular focus on the following areas:
- Acquisitions and disposals of land and businesses;
- Leasing;
- Local Authority work;
- Māori land and associated matters.
Sarah graduated from the Waikato University in 2019 and was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2020. Prior to this, Sarah has worked as a legal assistant through to a legal executive and conveyancer.
As a Bay of Plenty local, Sarah will work across our Rotorua and Tauranga offices, and is working towards establishing herself in the Rotorua community. In her spare time, you can find Sarah near a sunny beach or a walking track, with a good book (and at times, running with, or after, her family).
Sarah Lawson's Expertise
Sarah Lawson's News & Resources
Hot Tips for Purchasing Property in Rotorua
Rotorua is a wonderous place, known for its cultural significance to Māori, its geothermal activity, many lakes and tourism (to name but a few). From those seeking adventure, mountain biking in the redwoods, or taking some time to bask in one of the many day spas, Rotorua has something to offer everyone.
For those seeking to permanently secure a foothold in Rotorua, we’ve collated a selection of relevant factors for the prospective purchaser to consider when looking at Rotorua residential property:
Geothermal Activity
Geothermal / volcanic activity is part of the natural landscape and surrounds of Rotorua. Undertaking due diligence in this regard at the outset will help to mitigate unexpected surprises.
This includes checking that you will be able to secure insurance (without exception).
Note: Insurance is critical if you are obtaining a mortgage.
Geothermal Bores
While it may seem unusual, some properties in Rotorua are heated through access to a geothermal bore. If the prospective property you are looking at purchasing does have access to a geothermal bore, we suggest you check matters such as:
Whether there are any known issues with the supply/users of the bore;
The maintenance contribution you would be liable to pay (including the amount and frequency);
Who manages the bore. For example some areas have a geothermal bore association who meet on a regular basis; and
How to transfer the right to use the bore, if applicable.
Water Supply
The Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) has two methods of charging for water use:
Unmetered properties – these properties are charged a set annual charge included in their general rates.
Metered properties – these properties receive separate quarterly invoices, based on the actual volume of water consumed.
Council operates 10 water supplies for urban, rural residential and farming supplies. These supplies do not receive any funds from general rates and are funded through water charges.
You should check if water use for your property is metered and if it is subject to any additional water charges.
Air Flight Path
Rotorua has the benefit of a domestic airport in Ōwhata.
Properties that are located near the airport (where applicable) may be in areas of high Airport Noise, this will be noted on the Council file.
The airspace above the property may also be designated on flightpaths to the airport, this will also be noted along with any restrictions such as the height of trees and property or the use of drones.
You should check whether the property you are looking to purchase is subject to Rotorua Regional Airport Noise Control and Mitigation requirements and if there are any restrictions associated with this.
Jetty’s
If you are looking at buying or selling a home with a Jetty ensure you understand your obligations.
This includes the transfer of the resource consent (if applicable), the resource consent terms and the costs.
Fireplaces and the ‘Point of Sale’ Rule
Check whether the property falls within the Rotorua Clean Air ‘airshed’ which requires non-compliant fires and wood burners to be decommissioned or removed.
If the home has a solid fuel heater and it is not on the list of compliant solid fuel heaters it must be decommissioned with a certificate filed with Council by an appropriately qualified person.
It is a requirement at the time of sale, (which is a seller’s obligation).
Leasehold Titles
Sometimes, you will come across some well-priced lake-front (or near to) properties that are comparably lower than some surrounding homes and the \'good price\' may be attributed to those properties being “leasehold” titles.
A leasehold, generally speaking, means you have a “leasehold” title that is subject to a lease which includes the leasehold owner paying ground rent. There is someone else who owns the “fee simple” or “freehold” of the underlying land (the ‘Landlord’ or Lessor) who you pay that rent to.
You only have the right to exclusive use of the property for the time specified in the lease (subject to any renewals).
The lease should be carefully reviewed and understood by you prior to purchasing as your use and occupation is subject to the terms of that registered lease.
General
If you are considering purchasing (or selling), seek legal advice prior to signing an agreement (this is to ensure that your I’s are dotted, and your T’s are crossed).
To protect your interests, we can assist in reviewing your agreement to ensure the appropriate clause(s) are included in the sales and purchase agreement.
If you are looking to secure your own piece of paradise in Rotorua, reach out to our property team for legal advice, prior to signing the agreement. As the saying goes, it is much easier to negotiate before you sign!