Property Law

When purchasing a property, buyers often focus on the title, LIM report, building inspection and finance arrangements. However, from a property law perspective, there is often another layer of ownership and responsibility that can be just as important: the residents’ society. Residents’ societies have become increasingly common in New Zealand subdivisions, particularly for townhouse developments …

Buying into a residents’ society: due diligence essentials Read More »

What’s changed under the Overseas Investment Act? Significant reforms to New Zealand’s overseas investment regime came into force on 6 March 2026, marking a shift toward a more streamlined, risk‑based approach to overseas investment. The changes are intended to reduce processing times for low‑risk investments, while retaining appropriate scrutiny of transactions that may affect New …

Overseas Investment Act reforms: what you need to know Read More »

What is an assignment of lease? Taking over a commercial lease is not the same as signing a new one. An assignment of lease places you into an existing legal relationship with all its history, obligations, and risks. Commercial lease assignments commonly arise during business sales or relocations and are often completed under time pressure. …

Before you sign: what to know about assigning a commercial Lease Read More »

Why infill housing matters As New Zealand’s towns and cities grow and land becomes scarce, infill housing is becoming an increasingly important part of urban development and property planning in New Zealand. Infill development encourages vibrant and inclusive communities by offering a range of housing choices, like duplexes, townhouses or apartments, close to existing amenities …

Room to Grow: the future is infill Read More »

Cross Lease vs Fee Simple ownership If you own land or are considering purchasing property, understanding the differences between cross lease and fee simple titles is essential. Different estates come with unique characteristics that can affect how you use and manage the property. In New Zealand, there are several different land estates, each with its …

Fee Simple or Cross Lease titles: key differences and the process for converting Read More »

With interest rates beginning to drop, now might be a good time to consider refinancing your home loan with a new lender. Here’s a rundown of key factors to keep in mind before switching mortgage providers: What happens when you refinance? When you refinance a mortgage, you take out a new home loan and use …

Refinancing: things to consider before switching banks Read More »

If you are approaching or have already reached 65 years and are planning for long-term aged care, it is important to understand whether you may qualify for a residential care subsidy. What is the average cost of residential care in NZ? The annual cost of residential care varies based on a range of factors such …

Residential care subsidies Read More »