Building law reform is on the horizon

by AlexanderDorrington | Oct 17, 2019 | Blog, Building, General property Law

Building law reform comes in waves in New Zealand, and it appears that a set is forming.   In April 2019, MBIE released a comprehensive discussion paper that proposed radical reforms to the building industry. This came in response to a growing sentiment that the...

Climate change rising to the top the agenda

by Debra Dorrington | Oct 14, 2019 | Blog, Cause related, Fresh Business Thinking, General property Law

Last week I went to a conference. Not a property conference this time, but one about business and climate change.   I went to listen, not to be evangelised. To hear what’s happening outside of the business of property and the practice of law. I especially...

Tax policy consultation – Habitual buying and selling of land

by Debra Dorrington | Oct 7, 2019 | Blog, Business Law, First time buyers, General property Law

New Zealanders wishing to enter the property market or to save for their home have often occupied a property while doing it up, then sold it at a profit. Exclusions have meant that the profit made hasn’t been taxed. Now the opportunity to use this process is...

Commercial property for new players

by AlexanderDorrington | Sep 20, 2019 | Blog, Commercial property, Leasing

Residential investors often perceive buying commercial property as the ‘next step up’. Commercial property can be lucrative but it’s far more complex than you may realise.   There are a number of important considerations to bear in mind before taking...

Checks for first time buyers of unit title properties

by AlexanderDorrington | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog, First time buyers, General property Law, Unit Titles

There has been a significant increase in the number of unit titles throughout New Zealand. They are a form of ownership that is widely accepted by owners and by bankers alike.  But they have their own idiosyncrasies so it’s worth taking time to understand how they...

Who needs enduring powers of attorney?

by AlexanderDorrington | Apr 30, 2019 | Blog, General property Law

Enduring powers of attorney (EPA) are for everyone. It’s common to think that only the elderly need to put enduring powers of attorney in place, but the reality is everyone should have them. Preparing enduring powers of attorney means you get to choose who makes...