Buying guide
Doing your homework before buying a home
When you’ve found the property you want to buy, don't forget the details. Here are some tips from Settled.govt.nz
Summary of important things to know
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Local council files
| Options | You need to know | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Not reviewing any council information about the property | Not reviewing any council information about the property | This is a cheap short-term option that will save you time.But, you won’t learn important information about the property. | This is a cheap short-term option that will save you time.But, you won’t learn important information about the property. |
| Obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) | Obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) | There is a cost for this.The LIM contains important information about the property. It does not include any building plans submitted to the council for consent.We recommend reviewing the council’s property information along with the LIM. | There is a cost for this.The LIM contains important information about the property. It does not include any building plans submitted to the council for consent.We recommend reviewing the council’s property information along with the LIM. |
| Review the council’s property information | Review the council’s property information | There may not be a cost for this.You may need to go into the council office to look at this information, and there may be a charge for copying it.Some councils make this information available online.If you visit the council office, you may be able to discuss the property information with someone at the council.We recommend reviewing the LIM report along with the council’s property information. | There may not be a cost for this.You may need to go into the council office to look at this information, and there may be a charge for copying it.Some councils make this information available online.If you visit the council office, you may be able to discuss the property information with someone at the council.We recommend reviewing the LIM report along with the council’s property information. |
| Ask your lawyer or conveyancer to review the LIM and council property information | Ask your lawyer or conveyancer to review the LIM and council property information | There is a cost for this.Lawyers and conveyancers are familiar with these documents and may see things you could miss.The lawyer or conveyancer is unlikely to visit the property, so it is still important that you inspect the plans and council consent records to check if anything has been added to the property that hasn’t been consented by the council. | There is a cost for this.Lawyers and conveyancers are familiar with these documents and may see things you could miss.The lawyer or conveyancer is unlikely to visit the property, so it is still important that you inspect the plans and council consent records to check if anything has been added to the property that hasn’t been consented by the council. |
Land information memorandum (LIM) reports
How can I get a LIM?
Other council information
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