Property

Subdivisions

Whatever the scale of your subdivision, there is a common thread of stages that need to be ticked off – we explain here what those steps are.

The secret lives of tenants

In May 2019 the Privacy Commissioner released guidelines intended to help landlords meet obligations under the Privacy Act 1993. Following concerns that some aspects are unduly restrictive or confusing, these guidelines are currently under review.

Is your shared driveway driving you nuts?

Shared driveways are regular hotbeds for disputes between neighbours. As demand for housing increases, and as sections are subdivided, shared driveways are going to become more common.

Due diligence is your friend

In legal matters, doing your homework is the safest way to protect you from an unpleasant surprise. Here are three briefs proving the point.

Property sale and purchase

It’s essential that the sale and purchase agreement contains the correct wording, particulars and information in respect of the GST position of the parties to the agreement.

Looking for your first home

Buying your first home may be more in reach than you think. In 2018, the government aligned the purchase price limits of existing first home buyer schemes with the newly-launched KiwiBuild programme.

Property briefs

A unit title is a form of property ownership where you own your unit, but the common areas are owned by the body corporate. This ownership structure is common in high-rise apartment blocks.

Tenure review of Crown pastoral land to end

The Minister for Land Information, the Hon Eugenie Sage, announced on 17 February this year that the ‘tenure review’ of Crown pastoral land under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 (CPLA) would end.

The bank of mum and dad

Contributions by family members to the purchase of a property and how this is recorded can affect property ownership. We discuss how you can help your children and, at the same time, lessen the risks to you as parents.

Construction industry and its retentions scheme

The collapse last year of Ebert Construction Limited took many in the construction industry by surprise, particularly its subcontractors who were owed retention moneys.