Top Tips for Buying a House or Property
It's worth doing your research before buying.
A home is a big investment, and with weathertightness issues and other hazards it can also be a risky one. Doing a little research before you sign on the dotted line can save you heartache and costs later.
Getting started
- Before you start looking, make a wish list. Think about price, location, style of home, size of home, and any features you particularly want such as sun, views, or proximity to services.
Gathering information
- Get a copy of the certificate of title - this will tell you the size and shape of the section, who owns it, and whether there are any mortgages, leases, rights of way or other interests affecting the title, and any covenants, easements or other restrictions on how the property can be used. You can get a certificate of title from Land Information New Zealand or you can get a lawyer or search agent to get it for you.
- Get a copy of the Land Information Memorandum from your local council - this should tell you about rates, restrictions on use of the land/buildings, resource consents relating to the property, sewage and stormwater pipes, and any environmental issues such as erosion, flooding and hazardous substances that might affect the site.
- Contact the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service to see if a claim has ever been lodged on the building.
- Check the District Plan and/or local council design guidelines - this will tell you what you can build on the property and use the property for, and also what the neighbours can build
- Check the history of the use of the land (e.g. a former orchard or industiral site could mean hazardous soil conditions)
- Check for adjoining industries that could cause noise, dust or smells
- Talk to neighours about flooding, land slips and security
- You may need an engineer’s report, especially if you have questions about the stability of the ground on the site. For new subdivisions, an engineer’s report should be provided.
- Get information about the price. One of the best ways to do this is to look at other properties on the market in comparable locations. You can also buy information about property price trends from the Quotable Value website, or you can hire a valuer.
- Get a property inspection. This should identify any significant defects in the structure of the property and any maintenance to be done.
- If you have any doubts about the boundaries, check the survey information. You can get survey plans from your local council.
- Before you sign any agreement, seek legal advice.
If you have any doubts about any aspect, ask the land agent. If the agent misleads you, you’ll have some comeback if things go wrong later. If the agent avoids answering your questions, proceed with caution.
Checking out the neighbourhood
Consider whether the property is convenient to:
- work
- shops
- public transport
- schools
- friends and family
- medical/health services
- parks/recreation areas
- any other services you’ll need regularly
Also consider the character and ‘feel’ of the neighbourhood. Does it feel safe? Are there plenty of people about? Does it feel like an area you’ll fit into?
Checking out the land and climate
Consider:
- the size of the property - is there enough outdoor space, or too much? Are you looking for a large garden or a low-maintenance one?
- whether there is any evidence of erosion, slips, subsidence or flooding
- whether there is evidence of earthworks - these can contribute to slips and erosion
- whether there are large areas of concrete - these can cause problems with stormwater management
- whether there is any reason to be concerned about the boundaries (for example, fences that are crooked; if you have any doubts, ask the agent or seller)
- the site’s slope and orientation - a north-facing slope will provide better access to sun
- the climate and microclimate ‑ ask neighbours about this. You can also ask your local council, or check out the MetService website’s learning centre, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research website’s national climate centre, and the ConsumerBuild website’s page on environmental zones.
Checking a building’s structure
Before you buy a home, you’ll want to know that it is structurally sound and weathertight. Some warning signs include:
- Dampness, mould, musty smells, stains, bubbled paint, and other signs of moisture.
- Rot, cracks, rust, holes or other signs of damage in the cladding, roof and other parts of the building’s exterior.
- Springy or sloping floors.
- Piles that are soft when you push a screwdriver into them.
Also check:
- that power points are working
- that appliances are working
- that the home is well insulated.
The ConsumerBuild website has more information about leaky buildings.
Checking a building’s design
It’s also worth considering the home’s design - whether it will suit your needs, and whether it has been well designed to catch the sun for heating and breezes for cooling.
Look for:
- North-facing windows to catch the sun - especially in living areas.
- Eaves, plants or other features that can provide shade from summer sun without blocking winter sun.
- Plenty of insulation.
- Double glazing, secondary glazing or some other way of preventing heat from escaping through windows and doors.
- A home that’s the right size for your needs - for example, it has enough bedrooms, and its living areas are the right size.
- Rooms/spaces that can adapt to different uses at different times of the day, or can be adapted as your lifestyle changes.
