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Property

Earthquake-prone buildings: Are you on shaky ground?

Earthquake-prone buildings: Are you on shaky ground?

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
The introduction of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2016 introduced major changes to how earthquake-prone buildings are identified and managed under the Building Act 2004. If you are looking to lease or buy then investigate if the new rules might impact the property you are looking at. If the property does fall under the new rules, then you need to make yourself aware of how this could impact a lease or your investment.
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Will woes and family drama: will drafting, executor responsibilities, and balancing family relationships

Will woes and family drama: will drafting, executor responsibilities, and balancing family relationships

Written by:
Taufil Omar
In the intricate landscape of estate planning and the execution of wills, the selection of legally appointed executors and trustees is critical. We explore an example case, which is a real eye-opener on the wild ride of wills, family dynamics, and the not-so-simple task of divvying up the goods.
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Is your property adequately insured?

Is your property adequately insured?

Written by:
Paul Foster
This article discusses the importance of property owners in New Zealand reviewing their insurance coverage, especially in the aftermath of widespread damage caused by weather events in 2023. The focus of this article is on the often-overlooked aspects of insurance related to land and potential complications arising from natural hazards.
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Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Second-Tier Lending: Understanding the Fine Print

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
In today's financial landscape, banks are tightening their lending requirements, prompting many buyers to explore alternative options like second-tier lending. Mezzanine financers and other last-resort money lenders can provide vital financial support, but it's crucial to approach these agreements with caution and a clear understanding of the fine print. After all, surprises are for birthdays, not loan agreements!
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Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Buyer Beware: The Limitations of Agent-Provided LIMs

Obtaining a LIM is a crucial step for prospective property buyers, but with the cost of a LIM being around $400 and with many real estate agents offering LIMs at no cost, it can be tempting to rely on their convenient provision. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential limitations that may come with an agent-provided LIM.
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Insurance when buying a home

Insurance when buying a home

Written by:
Taufil Omar
The significance of insurance in the context of purchasing a home cannot be overstated. It is not only a critical component but also a mandatory one when seeking financial assistance from lenders for a home purchase. Lenders need proof of adequate and appropriate insurance coverage before approving a loan drawdown.
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Are You Sure You Want To Give That Warranty?

Are You Sure You Want To Give That Warranty?

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
When you are selling a property it is common to list the 'Chattels' which you are to be selling with the building. Chattels are items which are able to be removed from a property without too much effort, and which were never intended to permanently form part of the structure. Common examples are an oven, paintings or a fridge. Occasionally they can be large eg a spa pool or garden shed. If it can fit on a truck, it may well be a chattel.
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Brougham v Regan - The Requirements for a Valid Contract of Guarantee

Brougham v Regan - The Requirements for a Valid Contract of Guarantee

On 30 October 2020 the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in the context of contracts of guarantee in the case of Brougham v Regan [2020] NZSC 118. A summary of the key facts of the matter and important points in the Court's decision follow.
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Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Written by:
Alissa Bell
Vast changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, what landlords need to know of their rights and obligations to tenants. With the increasing number of New Zealanders renting, Parliament has seen it fit to make changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 ("the Act") to ensure renters are occupying warm, dry and liveable properties. The reformed Act looks to strike a balance between providing security and stability to tenants, while protecting landlord interest. It is important that landlords have an understanding of the new obligations and responsibilities the amended legislation imposes upon them, along with the penalties they may incur if not followed.
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Leasing in a Post-Pandemic World

Leasing in a Post-Pandemic World

Written by:
Hamish Coupe
A New Normal - The impacts of the Covid-19 virus have been felt the world over and have pushed businesses to their limits. Parties on each side of a lease have been left with the job of negotiating through untested and uncertain lease clauses in a time where the support being offered by Government has been unclear and anyone who did hold insurance is discovering that 'pandemics' and 'infectious diseases' are a common policy exemption.
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