Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Mortgage Release
I need a mortgage release document to formally discharge the mortgage on my property, ensuring that all obligations have been fulfilled and the lender's interest is removed from the title. The document should include details of the property, the lender, and confirmation of the final payment.
What is a Mortgage Release?
A Mortgage Release happens when a lender officially cancels or "discharges" their legal claim over a property in New Zealand. This typically occurs after you've fully paid off your home loan or refinanced with a different lender. The process involves registering the discharge with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to remove the mortgage from your property's title.
Getting a proper Mortgage Release is crucial - it proves you own your property free and clear of that particular loan. Under NZ property law, you'll need this document before you can sell your home or take out a new mortgage. Your lawyer or conveyancer usually handles the paperwork, ensuring everything meets the requirements of the Property Law Act 2007.
When should you use a Mortgage Release?
You need a Mortgage Release when selling your property, switching lenders, or after paying off your home loan in full. This document proves that a specific lender no longer has any claim to your property under New Zealand law. Banks and other lenders require it before approving new mortgages or completing property sales.
Time-sensitive situations also demand a Mortgage Release - like finalizing a property settlement after divorce, transferring ownership to a family trust, or meeting deadlines in a sale and purchase agreement. Getting this sorted early helps avoid delays, as the registration process through LINZ can take several working days to complete.
What are the different types of Mortgage Release?
- Standard Discharge: The most common type, used when a mortgage is fully paid off. The lender confirms there's no remaining debt and releases all claims on the property.
- Partial Release: Used when subdividing land or releasing only a portion of mortgaged property. Common in property development scenarios.
- Refinance Discharge: Specifically designed for switching lenders, often processed simultaneously with the new mortgage registration.
- Electronic Release: Processed through LINZ's online platform, becoming increasingly common for straightforward discharges.
Who should typically use a Mortgage Release?
- Banks and Lenders: Prepare and register the Mortgage Release once a loan is repaid or refinanced. They must follow LINZ requirements for proper discharge.
- Property Owners: Request and receive the release when selling property or changing lenders. They need this to prove the property is unencumbered.
- Lawyers/Conveyancers: Handle the legal paperwork, verify documentation, and ensure proper registration with LINZ.
- Land Information NZ: Processes and records the release, updating the official property title records.
- New Lenders: Require proof of previous mortgage releases before approving new loans.
How do you write a Mortgage Release?
- Property Details: Gather the title reference number, property address, and current ownership information from LINZ records.
- Mortgage Information: Collect the mortgage reference number, original loan amount, and confirmation of full repayment.
- Identity Verification: Prepare current identification for all property owners and ensure signatures match bank records.
- Bank Requirements: Contact your lender for their specific discharge form and processing requirements.
- Registration Details: Confirm the correct LINZ registration fees and timeframes with your lawyer.
- Documentation Review: Double-check all forms are completed accurately to avoid registration delays.
What should be included in a Mortgage Release?
- Property Identification: Complete legal description, title reference, and street address as registered with LINZ.
- Mortgage Details: Original mortgage number, registration date, and lending institution details.
- Release Statement: Clear declaration that the lender releases all claims and interest in the property.
- Party Information: Full legal names and roles of all mortgagors and mortgagees.
- Execution Block: Designated spaces for authorized signatures, dates, and witness details.
- Certification: Statement confirming the discharge complies with Land Transfer Act 2017 requirements.
- Registration Details: LINZ registration reference and any specific territorial authority requirements.
What's the difference between a Mortgage Release and a Mortgage Document?
A Mortgage Release differs significantly from a Mortgage Document in several key ways. While both relate to property financing, they serve opposite purposes in the loan lifecycle.
- Timing of Use: A Mortgage Release comes at the end of a loan when debt is cleared, while a Mortgage Document is created at the start to secure the loan.
- Legal Effect: A Mortgage Release removes the lender's claim on property, whereas a Mortgage Document establishes it.
- LINZ Registration: Both require registration, but a Release cancels the original mortgage entry, while a Mortgage Document creates a new one.
- Property Rights: A Release restores full property rights to the owner, while a Mortgage Document restricts them.
- Document Structure: Releases are typically shorter and focus on discharge details, while Mortgage Documents contain extensive loan terms and conditions.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.