Articles and News

The recent elevation to Covid-19 alert level four ("level 4") means there are difficulties with many property transactions around New Zealand going ahead. If you’re worried about your settlement, here’s some advice that may help.

The Government has announced substantial changes that will affect both property investors and first home buyers. The key changes are summarised in this article

On 27 March 2021, the bright-line test rules changed. What does this mean for you?

Subleasing may be an option as businesses consider reducing the amount of office space they require in the new COVID-19 world. But what do you need to know before jumping on the sublease wagon?

This is an update on our previous note on leases at Level 4

In this note we examine the implications of the move from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 for landlords and tenants of commercial leases. 

What is the effect of the change from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 on leases? Will ADLS clause 27.5 still be relevant?

If you have an existing agreement and consider that you are in a position to settle at alert level 3 then you should discuss this with your lawyer. 

This is the story of how Body Corporate Apartment X (BCAX) has responded to COVID-19. Other Bodies Corporate may find this useful in determining their own courses of action.

I anticipate that the vast majority of contractors will not be throwing in the kitchen sink on delay costs and letting the contract become a battleground. Pragmatism needs to win the day because it is very likely that none of the current contracts adequately deal with all the financial implications of the current lockdown.

Home-owners who have had their income disrupted by COVID-19 may be entitled to a 6-month mortgage payment holiday, but they should carefully consider whether a mortgage holiday is necessary because it will lead to a greater liability in the future.

• The rent freeze applies for an initial period of six months
• If a landlord has already given a rent increase or termination notice that comes into effect on or after the Bill comes into force (26 March 2020), this notice is of no effect.

The Government has announced a rent freeze in response to the Covid-19 virus. The rent freeze only applies to residential properties ...

Multi-generational households in NZ increased by 49% from 1996 to 2013.
For parents and adult children who own a house together, a Property Sharing Agreement should be put in place. This will ensure that everyone knows where they stand, and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to conflict down the track.

A title is a way to record the land and properties information, such as lot numbers, how big the section is, whether there are any covenants, easements or caveats registered against the title...

A property that has been used to manufacture methamphetamine, or has had methamphetamine smoked inside, can be contaminated...

The Overseas Investment Regulations were recently amended with the aim of reducing overseas purchases of New Zealand property, and making residential housing more available and affordable to New Zealanders.