law4all

This section looks at ensuring the building you want to buy is structurally sound. When

buying a new home you should also do some careful research into the location, the value of the property, and whether there are any restrictions on the title or the use of the land.

Doing the research
You may look at dozens of houses before you buy or only a few. Either way, you can find the right home with thorough research. We look at the important matters to investigate.

Property inspections
You have found a home that you are keen to buy. A professional property inspection is
recommended, next.

Homes with weather tightness issues
We suggest what to look for to avoid buying a leaky home.

Buying an apartment
Apartments require special consideration before purchasing. We look at why and

recommend steps to invest carefully.

Further research & making the move
When you’ve found the home you want, it checks out structurally, and has all the features

you need, the next steps are to check all the paperwork, get an agreement in writing to buy, arrange the finance and make the big move.
When buying a section, there’s a lot to consider, from location and access to legal and consent issues.

We take you through the process, pointing out where to get as much information as you can about the site. We suggest features to look for and to avoid, and explain what paperwork and legal processes are involved.

Choosing a section
What to consider in your initial inspection of a section, and how the location of your section can affect building costs.

Doing the research
Our handy checklist of things you need to investigate and arrange before you buy.

Certificate of title & restrictions on use.
What the certificate of title will tell you, how to get one and possible restrictions on the

use of the land.

District plans & resource consents.
Before buying a section, you need to find out what is in your district plan, and what

resource consents you might need.

LIMs & council files.
What’s in a LIM, how to get one and find out what else is on the council’s files.

Ground stability, surveys & valuations.
Deciding whether the ground needs testing by an engineer, taking into account wind zones, whether the section needs surveying, and how to get a valuation.

Environmental zones.
Wind, earthquake load and other environmental factors will determine your home’s

design and maintenance requirements.

Sale & purchase agreement.
What should be in the legal contract for purchasing a section, and getting legal advice

before you sign.