Buying the right section

Grab yourself a copy of the following reports and documents:

#1. Certificate of Title (you can order from Land Information New Zealand)

Check for covenants, easements and consent notices placed at the time of subdivision. These might limit your use of the site

#2. District Plan (order from the local council)

This will tell you things like height or boundary restrictions and will provide details relating to what your neighbours are permitted to do as well as any required resource consents

#3. Land Information Memorandum (LIM) (order from the local council)

A LIM provides information held about a particular property or piece of land which you may not get from the district plan alone, including:

• Rates
• Land features and environmental issues, such as erosion or flooding
• Restrictions on land or building use
• Resource consents issued
• Potential contamination from hazardous substances
• Stormwater or sewage drains

#4. Geotechnical/ Engineers Report (sometimes called a Soil Test)

If completed find out if:

• You are buying in a new subdivision, the developer will probably have an engineer’s report
• The services of an engineer are likely to be needed. This will be the case if there is concern about the stability or compactness of the earth
• There may be limitations on the types of materials that can be used. If there is a lot of infill it may not be possible to use heavy materials, such as concrete block or brick, to build the house
• If no Geotech report is available, it may be something that will be required as part of your due diligence

#5. Topographical Survey

This shows the amount of fall across a section or a building platform

#6. Wind Zone

Find out the wind zone that the site is located in. This will affect the bracing requirements of your home

If reports haven’t been undertaken on your site, there’s no need to worry. Signature Homes ensures Topographical and Geotech reports are completed before a guaranteed final cost to build is supplied.

#7. Valuation

This will help you decide if the price is right. A valuation may also be needed for mortgage purposes

#8. Sale & Purchase Agreement (consult with your solicitor about this)

Our New Home Consultants can assist you with all aspects of researching land and sourcing reports to ensure you make an informed decision. If you would like some advice on where to build, or a FREE site visit call us on 0800 SIGNATURE or find your local Signature team here.

Have you considered a house and land package? These bring together a block of land and a home design that perfectly suits that section for a fixed price. It’s an easy, secure way to buy a new home.