Feature article
Who gets what? A simple guide to the Property (Relationships) Act
A clear, plain-English guide to the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.
5 November 2025
AI summary
New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976 governs how assets are divided when a relationship ends. It applies to married, civil union, and de facto couples, usually after three years together.
The default is a 50/50 split of relationship property, which includes the family home and KiwiSaver funds accrued during the relationship. Couples can opt out by creating a contracting out agreement ("prenup") with independent legal advice. Strict time limits apply for making a claim after separation.
What is the Property (Relationships) Act?
Who does the property relationships act apply to?
What is a de facto couple?
What counts as “relationship property”?
What is not “relationship property”?
When separate property becomes shared (a.k.a. “intermingling”)
Is everything split 50/50?
Relationship property agreements (a.k.a. “prenups”)
What happens when you separate
Where to get help
Property (Relationships) Act - FAQs
How long before equal sharing applies in a de facto relationship?
Can we opt out of the 50/50 rules?
Does everything always get split in half?
Do KiwiSaver balances get split?
Is a house bought before marriage relationship property?
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