224C 

A Section 224(c) Certificate is the final approval from Council that all conditions of the subdivision consent have been complied with. Once the signed certificate from Council is received, the subdivider / developer can then lodge this certificate with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to allow separate titles for the newly created lots to be issued.

If you are buying pre-title, issue of 224(c) is important because it is the trigger for title application. This determines the expected title date, which is often linked to the settlement date of any agreement for sale and purchase. (eg. Settlement shall be 15 days following issue of title).  

Asbuilt Plan

Asbuilt plans for new subdivisions show such items as water reticulation, subsoil drainage, stormwater, sanitary sewer, and a cut/fill plan. 

Builders Terms
Buying land on "Builders Terms" allows construction to start (and maybe even be completed) on the land prior to the land being fully settled (paid for).  The actual terms and conditions are varied to suit the parties; with a deposit usually payable prior to commencement of any construction.  Title remains with the vendor until final settlement, and special clauses are inserted into the contract to protect both vendor and purchaser.  Terms and conditions vary - this method of purchase suits some situations better than others - please contact one of our friendly sales staff to discuss your specific requirements as there are a number of solutions - builders terms is simply one of them!

Contour Plan

A contour plan, as its name suggests, shows the contours and slope across a site. This information is prepared by a surveyor and is particularly useful in the design and costing of a new home.  

Covenants

Most new subdivisions have restrictions placed on their titles by the original subdivider. These restrictions are called covenants, and they determine such things as minimum house size, materials to be used, and design elements.

Although covenants appear negative in nature, they determine the quality of the subdivision and greatly assist to protect a property’s value. It is common that covenants will state “no removal or relocatable homes” and “no second-hand materials”. 

Freehold

Freehold (or fee simple) is the highest form of property ownership in common law. To own the freehold means to own the title to the land and the exclusive right to its possession, use and occupancy. 

Geotechnical report

A geotech report which covers the building platform (the area on which the house can be built) and is often required as part of the building process.

A geotech engineer will visit the site and take test bores – these will then be analysed to determine the composition of the soil and its stability. The engineer may also make recommendations on the type of foundations necessary for building on the site. This information can then be used by your builder to determine foundation costs and the engineering design of the new home. Where possible, we hold copies of these reports on file.

Leasehold 

A leasehold interest means to have the right to occupy and use a property for a specified term of years subject to the payment of an annual rental.

Zoning

District Schemes are compiled by the local territorial authorities (Councils) and state the permitted types of use (eg residential, commercial, industrial) and maximum densities allowable in each area. In addition, there will be guidelines governing site coverage, yard requirements, and allowable building height ratio to boundary. In essence, your new home will need to meet these guidelines to gain Council consent. Zoning is critical when exploring subdivision potential, and can have a major impact on a property’s value.