Feature article

House hunting: what are the different types of properties?

There’s plenty of variety in the NZ housing market.

Victoria Harris
Last updated: 24 September 2025 | 5 min read
AI

AI summary

Understanding NZ property types is crucial for house hunters. Ownership structures include:

- Freehold: You own both the house and the land.

- Cross Lease: You own the house but share land, requiring neighbour approval for changes.

- Leasehold: You own the unit but lease the land, often involving body corporate fees.

New Builds offer benefits like lower deposit requirements but risk value drops before settlement. Existing Homes often have larger sections with potential to add value but may require more maintenance.

1. Freehold

2. Cross Lease

3. Leasehold

4. New Build

5. Existing Home

Financial Disclaimer

Author

Victoria Harris Victoria Harris
Co-Founder of The Curve