News and Helpful Articles

Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment many people will make. With Auckland property prices remaining high, first home buyers are increasingly turning to alternative ways to get onto the property ladder—such as buying with friends or relying on a family guarantor. Buying Property with Friends or Family One common option is to purchase property jointly with friends or family. In these cases, co-buyers are typically registered as tenants-in-common , either in e

Water easements give one landowner the legal right to take and convey water (including pipes, pumps and related equipment) over someone else’s property. Easement terms are recorded on the title and can affect use of the land. It’s important to understand the easement’s rights and obligations when buying, selling or granting access for water supplies.

Vacant possession means the property is handed over free from tenants, occupants and personal items not included in the sale. Vendors must give tenants proper notice and remove goods and rubbish before settlement. If vacant possession isn’t provided, settlement can be delayed and buyers may take action under the agreement.

Tenancies in New Zealand typically fall into two categories - residential or commercial. It is important for a landlord to understand the difference between the two. A residential tenancy refers to a tenancy where a property is being rented to live in. Residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“RTA”). The terms of a residential tenancy are ideally recorded in a Residential Tenancy Agreement signed by the landlord and tenant. In contrast, a co

This is not an unreasonable question to ask given the growing number of New Zealand homes which have tested positive for methamphetamine or “P”. The risk of a contaminated property affects property owners, buyers, sellers and tenants. If P is manufactured or used even once inside a property, this would be enough to produce a positive test result. It has been suggested that the level of toxicity and health risk posed to an occupier of the property is higher if P was manufactu

When purchasing a property, it’s advised a purchaser obtains a Land Information Memorandum Report (also known as a LIM Report). A LIM Report can be obtained from the local authority for a fee, and contains valuable information about the property such as soil contamination, plumbing, drainage, consents, licences, permits, rates, and zoning. When a property is being sold at auction, the real estate agent will often obtain a LIM Report and make it available to potential buyers.

In 2009, tenants Kenji and Tieko Osaki caused substantial damage to their rented home when Mrs Osaki left a pot of oil unattended on the stove, resulting in a fire breaking out through the property. The property was repaired through the landlord’s insurance, but the insurance company decided to take action to recover the cost of the damage from the Osakis. The case went through the Tenancy Tribunal, which held the Osakis liable. The Osakis appealed to the District Court wher

Auctions are now becoming a more popular method of selling property. However, vendors have a lot to consider before agreeing to go to auction. For example, vendors need to determine a reserve price, bidding increments and what happens if the reserve price is not met. Before the auction, the real estate agent will usually prepare the “Particulars and Conditions of Sale” (which, once signed, becomes the agreement for sale and purchase of the property). It is advisable to have a

Auctions are becoming an increasingly popular way to buy property. However, purchasing at auction is different from traditional methods, and buyers need to be well prepared. What You Need to Know About Buying at Auction Property sales by auction are unconditional . Once the hammer falls and the agreement is signed, both buyer and seller are legally bound to complete the purchase. Important Steps Before the Auction Buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before bidding, i