In this episode, Financial Services Partner Jeremy Muir and Property Senior Associate Victoria Tatam consider how cryptocurrency can be used in New Zealand real property transactions, discussing the legal, practical and conveyancing issues that can arise when real estate meets blockchain technology.
[00:49] Jeremy and Victoria discuss the growing interest in cryptocurrency property transactions in New Zealand, explaining how digital currencies such as Bitcoin, although novel, could be used as a settlement payment where both parties agree and with the right legal structure in place.
[02:32] Jeremy talks through the origins of Bitcoin, outlining some foundational concepts behind cryptocurrency, including the double spending problem, blockchain technology, decentralised ledgers, and different types of cryptocurrencies including stablecoins.
[06:43] He explains the mechanics of holding cryptocurrency, explaining the difference between hot wallets, cold wallets and paper wallets, and how private and public keys function in authorising and receiving cryptocurrency transactions.
[09:11] Victoria then talks through some of the key legal considerations when purchasing real property with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, including volatility risk, potential tax implications, and the need to vary standard settlement documents and processes, emphasising the importance of obtaining specialist advice at an early stage.
[11:07] Victoria and Jeremy discuss the key practical considerations involved, explaining why simpler transactions, particularly those without bank lending or significant vendor outgoings, are likely to be the most viable starting point for settling a real property transaction using cryptocurrency.
[15:18] They lastly consider how settlement mechanics might work in practice for this type of transaction, including the potential benefits of reverting to in person settlements for added certainty and the role of blockchain verification or third party platforms.
Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 17 March 2026.
Please contact Jeremy Muir, Victoria Tatam or our Financial Services or Property teams if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.
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