Buying guide
Should I buy a monolithic cladding house? Understanding NZ leaky homes
Properties with plaster or monolithic cladding can be risky purchases, but they're not all leaky.
AI summary
Buying a home with monolithic cladding requires caution due to the NZ leaky homes crisis, but not all are problematic. Issues often stem from homes built between 1987-2005 with poor design and no drainage cavity.
Warning signs include:
- Sagging ceilings
- Mould or fungi
- Swollen skirting boards
Repairs can exceed $330,000, and securing finance or insurance can be difficult. A specialised building inspection is essential to assess moisture levels and risk before you commit.
What exactly is a leaky home?
What caused the NZ leaky homes crisis?
Monolithic cladding — the main culprit?
Not all plaster homes leak, but they may be at a higher risk.
How can I spot a leaky home?
If you keep your eyes open during a property inspection you may be able to spot signs that a home is leaky.
Not all plaster homes are leaky but they should be approached with caution.
The cost of fixing a leaky home
Should I buy a monolithic cladding house?
FAQs — Navigating leaky homes in NZ
Author
Discover More
In Auckland, this villa would set you back $2m - in this town, it’s less than $700k
This beautifully updated Blenheim villa has all the charm of Ponsonby – for under $700,000.
Championship setups, Kiwi homes built for the ultimate sports fans
Explore top Trade Me Property listings featuring elite home cinemas and fan zones built for the sports season.
Search
Other articles you might like
