Buying a Section in NZ: A Due Diligence Checklist

Finding a section in a location you love is exciting. Before committing, take time to understand what you are buying and what building there could involve.

The title, services, access and ground information all help you assess the property. Looking at them early gives your builder and advisers a better basis for the design and budget.

Here is a checklist to guide those conversations.

Have the title and restrictions reviewed

Ask your solicitor to explain the title, easements and covenants. Find out whether there are rules or shared arrangements that could affect the home, access or use of the land.

Our land covenants guide explains why those documents need to be considered alongside council requirements.

Check where the home could sit

Look at the site's shape and levels, relevant planning requirements and the space available for the home, parking and outdoor areas.

Ask the appropriate advisers to explain what can be established from current information and what needs further work. A section's overall area does not by itself tell you how much is practical to build on.

Understand the services

Find out what power, water, wastewater and stormwater arrangements are available. Check where connections are located and who is responsible for any further work or charges.

For a rural site, discuss the systems the actual property and proposed household will need. Keep unresolved investigations and costs visible in your budget.

Explore ground conditions and access

Share surveys and reports with your builder. Ask about foundations, earthworks, drainage and retaining, and whether engineering investigations are needed.

Consider construction access as well as how you would enter the finished property. Our site evaluation guide helps you prepare for those early questions.

Visit as someone who might live there

Spend time on the section at different times of day. Think about sunlight, shelter, noise, privacy and the places you would travel to regularly.

Our section lifestyle guide looks at those everyday observations. They add to the assessment, but do not replace technical and legal advice.

Put the land and build into one budget

Bring the land price, site-specific work, design, approvals, services and other project costs together. Check what is included and what still needs pricing.

It is worth involving a builder before you settle on a plan or become committed to assumptions about the cost.

Talk with your local Classic Builders team about the section you are considering. Bring the property information, your ideas and the total budget you want to work within.