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

AI summary

Before buying a home, it's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. Key steps include getting a lawyer to check the title search from LINZ for ownership details, easements, and covenants.

Obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and review the council property file to understand consents, zoning, and potential hazards. For unit titles, examine the pre-contract disclosure statement and body corporate minutes.

Request any claim history from the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) and consider a registered valuation for an accurate price. Always seek professional legal advice.

Summary of important things to know

Title search

Local council files

Council information
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.