Checks for first time buyers of unit title properties
Unit titles have their own idiosyncrasies so it’s worth taking time to understand how they operate if you’re buying one for the first time.
A new tool for developers
An act that has underpinned our land transfer system for 60 years was put to bed and the Land Transfer Act 2017 became effective. That change may not impact on you daily, but some things will impact on how you complete your developments in the future.
Property developers – should you encourage early nomination?
Are you a property developer mid-way through your apartment build? Have you decided not to apply for an exemption to the new OIO requirements (and save the $25,500 fee)? You might want to consider encouraging your buyers to nominate this month.
The Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018
From 22 October 2018 (or potentially earlier if we have orders in Council to that effect) the sale of residential land in New Zealand to an overseas person will potentially require consent from the Overseas Investment Office. Denise Marsden looks at the law change from the residential developer’s viewpoint.
Could this be the beginning of the end for cross leases?
Debra Dorrington went along to the Environment Court to listen to a case that will impact significantly on people who own cross lease properties.
Settling SugarTree – a large apartment sell down
Time lapse video of our office on settlement day. Bonnie Warburton’s behind the scenes glimpse at five crazy days. Attempting to settle 270 apartments on one day is no easy task and not for the faint hearted. Whilst the pressure of the SugarTree settlement at times was enormous, the satisfaction at the end…
Future-proofing the legal design of subdivisions
There is a lot of discussion around the physical design of subdivisions and how that impacts the community that is created and the ultimate owners’ use and enjoyment of the land. The legal design is just as important. Recent agreements I have reviewed for some new developments cause me concern as to what we…
Three consecutive days of settlements for major property developments sets a new company record
On Monday 16th October our team handled settlements for close to 250 apartments and 30 carparks. This huge piece of work was undertaken for property development client, SugarTree. It is the second stage of a three phase development which bridges the suburbs of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay with the hub of the inner…
Designation notice improves the management structure options for communal facilities
What’s not to love about modern user-friendly legislation? Nearly a year ago the need to set up Incorporated Societies in order to manage communal facilities on a property development, became a thing of the past. Incorporated Societies have their place but they require a minimum of 15 members, a common seal and are governed…
Unit Titles Review 2017
Just before Christmas MBIE announced a review of the Unit Titles Act 2010 and published a discussion document. Submissions on the proposals were due 5pm Friday, 3 March 2017. Many submissions have been made, including one from us that looks at the changes predominantly from the developer’s perspective. The items subject to review include the…
Body corporates and notices of EGM and AGM
The meaning of a requirement in the Unit Title Regulations to give “at least 1 weeks’ notice” to owners of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) has been determined by the High Court in a decision on 29 April 2016. Notice of EGM was given by the York Street Apartments Body Corporate on Wednesday the…
Body corporate consent to use common property?
The Quays Body Corporate in Auckland (Body Corporate 198900) was recently before the High Court trying to get a declaration that the awnings erected by various bars that occupied the ground floor units should be removed at the cost of those owners. As the Court noted in its judgment dated 10 July 2015 “This issue…