Leasing commercial premises
Commercial leases come in varying shapes and sizes. Whether you operate a transport business and need a place to park your trucks...>
Residential tenancies
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 came into force on 27 August 2019. This legislation affects both landlords and tenants...>
Property Briefs
Frequent buying and selling of property tax rules under review, Buyers must take care when cancelling an agreement, First home buyer scheme changes...>
The secret lives of tenants
Following publicity in 2018 that some property managers were using the ‘KFC test’ to vet prospective tenants, landlords’ protection of their tenants’ privacy has come under scrutiny by the Privacy Commissioner.
Subdivisions
Subdivisions are more common than you think. A subdivision can range from the carving up of hundreds of acres of rural land for housing, developing land in a prime commercial area, selling half your quarter-acre section or simply wanting to extend your boundary a few metres.
Property Briefs
Building report conditions and AML one year on
Property sale and purchase
It’s essential that the sale and purchase agreement contains the correct wording, particulars and information in respect of the GST position of the parties to the agreement.
Looking for your first home?
The purchase of your first home may be more in reach than you think.
Property Briefs
Unit Titles Act 2010: are you complying? Healthy Homes Standards: what you need to know, Damage to your rental: who foots the bill?
Capital gains tax
The much-anticipated final report of the Tax Working Group (TWG) was released on 21 February and, unsurprisingly, recommended the introduction of a broad-based, realised capital gains tax (CGT) regime.
Purchasing property with family
When purchasing property with family it may feel awkward to raise questions as to how to manage the legal arrangements; however it's an important question to ask.
Property Briefs
Warmer homes for Kiwis, Meth Contamination and Foreign Investment in Residential Property...
The great lawyers’ fee debate
Lawyers’ fees are often a difficult subject to discuss. They shouldn’t be.
Guiding your kids into flatting
Flat leases are really ‘residential tenancy agreements’. Agreements should be in writing, however, an unwritten agreement can sometimes be enforced. >
Business Briefs
Is your business infringing existing intellectual property rights? Do your homework...
Purchasing from a developer
There are risks associated with this popular type of purchase which many people are not aware of.
Pre-purchase inspections
The final step before you settle your property purchase is to undertake a ‘pre-purchase inspection’.
Keeping NZ safe from money launderers
From 1 July, all law firms will be subject to the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
Bright-line test period extended
To help keep a lid on the property market, the Minister of Revenue recently announced an extension to the bright-line test period from two to five years.
Is your rental safe and healthy?
New laws came into effect on 1 July 2016 that require landlords to make their properties safe and healthy for tenants. Does your rental property meet the new standard?
Agreement to lease
An agreement to lease is an agreement between a landlord and tenant of commercial property. It gives the parties an opportunity to record their leasing arrangements before they are formalised in a deed of lease. Here's how to see if you are you making the most of it. >
Tenants not paying up?
Renting out residential property is a great way to make some extra money, pay your mortgage off faster and build an investment nest egg. It can cause real frustration, however, when your tenant fails to pay rent on time. What are your rights when your tenants don’t pay up? >
Property briefs
Buying a house – are you covered? Hidden titles for safety under Domestic Violence Act; and Cross lease issues: ‘warts and all’ clauses... >
Help for first home buyers
It’s every Kiwi’s dream to own their own quarter-acre share of paradise, but it’s becoming harder than ever before. How can you help? >
Property briefs
Your KiwiSaver funds – more flexible than you might think; More on multi offers; and Grants available to insulate rental properties >
Airbnb
Becoming an Airbnb host sounds like the perfect way to fund some overseas travel for yourself and rent out your home while you are away. But you should be aware of the key tax considerations. >
Sharing a driveway
Many episodes of Neighbours at War told of disputes regarding shared driveways. Whether you currently own a property or you’re in the market to buy a property with a shared driveway, it pays to know your rights and obligations...>
Buying off the plans
If you live in one of New Zealand’s cities, it’s likely that you’ve noticed a multitude of brand-new apartments, terraces, and town houses popping up in your area. >
Letting your holiday home
Whether you are currently letting your property for short-term visitor accommodation yourself or via the likes of Airbnb or BookaBach, or are considering doing so, we recommend that you give some thought to the following matters. >
Property briefs
Meth testing in a property – from a vendor’s perspective; Multi-offers on a property; and Terminating a commercial lease for unpaid rent. >
Don't rush the sale and purchase
Buying a house – on a stress scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst) – is said to be an 11. Don’t Rush into Signing an Agreement for Sale and Purchase. Always wait to get legal advice. >
Get your wills and EPAs in order
You work hard to build up your assets over your lifetime, so you should decide what happens to them if you become incapacitated and when you die. Make sure you have a Will and EPAs. >
Changes to construction law
The Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) sets out a number of duties and obligations on both those commissioning building work, and those undertaking it. >