Buying guide
How to access your Auckland Council property file
Your step-by-step guide to finding, ordering, and understanding your Council-held records.
28 November 2025
When you’re buying a house in Auckland, one of the most useful documents you can request is the property file. It’s packed with historical records, building plans, consents, drainage information, and other Council-held details about the home. If you already own the property and you're preparing to sell or planning a renovation, it’s just as handy to have. The good news? It’s straightforward to access once you know where to look.
Below is a step-by-step guide to finding and ordering your Auckland Council property file, plus a few tips on what to look for once it arrives.
What is an Auckland Council property file?
A property file is a collection of documents Auckland Council holds about a specific address. It’s the raw, behind-the-scenes record of everything the Council has on file for a property.
What you’ll typically find inside
- Building consent documents
- Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs)
- Historic plans and drawings
- Drainage and wastewater plans
- Inspection notes and correspondence
- Photos and legacy documents
- Any lodged or withdrawn applications
Every property is different. Some come with tidy digital bundles, while others (especially older homes) have archived paper documents scanned into PDFs.
Property file vs LIM report
Both property files and LIM reports are commonly ordered during the due diligence period when buying a home, and they’re often confused, but they serve different purposes:
- A LIM report is a curated report summarising key council records and risks (flooding, hazards, rates info, consents, etc.)
- A property file is the unedited source material, it’s the full set of documents the Council holds about the property.
Buyers often order both: the LIM for an overview, and the property file for the detail.
Why you might need a property file
People usually access a property file when they’re:
- Buying a home and want to check for unconsented work
- Selling and need accurate documentation for buyers
- Planning renovations or extensions
- Reviewing drainage or site details
- Confirming boundaries and setbacks
- Providing documents to insurers or builders
It’s one of the quickest ways to understand the true history of a home.
How to access your Auckland Council property file
1. Go to the Auckland Council website
Head to the Property File Request page on the Council website. You’ll be able to search for any Auckland residential address.
2. Search for the property
Enter the address and select the correct result. You’ll then see the types of files available.
3. Choose the file type
Auckland Council currently offers:
- Standard property file (allow 10 working days)
- Urgent request (3 day turnaround)
4. Pay the fee
Fees vary depending on the file type and whether you need it urgently. Payment is made online.
5. Wait for delivery
Files are delivered digitally (via email link) as PDF bundles.
If anything’s missing or unclear, you can contact the Council to request a check of the original archive.
What to look for once you receive the file
Check for unconsented work
Compare historic plans with the home’s current layout. If something doesn’t line up (if there is an extra room, removed wall, or altered deck) it’s worth investigating before purchasing or renovating.
Review building consents and Code Compliance Certificates (CCC)
Make sure past work was completed and properly signed off by the Council.
Look for red flags
These things may point to trouble down the track:
- Incomplete consents
- Outstanding notices or orders
- Signs of historic leaks or structural issues
- Old drainage concerns
Get expert help if needed
Have a property lawyer review your LIM and property file. They’ll notify you of any issues, and then you could call upon builders, inspectors, surveyors, or planners to help interpret technical documents, particularly if the house is older or has had complex renovations.
Costs and payment options
Auckland Council charges fees for property file requests. At the time of writing (November 2025):
- Standard residential files: $77 (cancellation fee $38.50)
- Urgent request: $117 (no refund or cancellation after 24 hours)
- Commercial files: $149 (cancellation fee $74.50)
You can pay online using EFTPOS, credit card, debit card, or Account2Account (not available for urgent files). Prices may change, check the Council website for the latest fees.
Auckland Council property files - FAQs
Q: Can anyone request a property file?
A: Yes, property files are public records so you don’t need to be the owner to get access.
Q: Is the property file the same as the LIM?
A: No. A LIM is a summarised report; a property file contains the underlying documents.
Q: How long does it take to receive a file?
A: Standard files usually arrive within 10 working days. Urgent requests take around 3 working days (with additional cost).
Q: Does the property file show unconsented work?
A: Not directly. It shows what was consented, so you’ll need to compare the plans with the current house.
Q: Does the property file include drainage information?
A: Yes, usually. Most files include wastewater and stormwater plans.
Q: Can I get a property file for free?
A: No, Auckland Council charges a fee for all property file requests.
Q: What if something looks wrong in the file?
A: Contact Auckland Council for clarification or get a professional (builder, architect, inspector) to review it.
Q: Does the property file include previous owners?
A: No, it focuses on property documentation only.
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