Navigating the New Changes in New Zealand's Property Tax Rules
The bright-line test extension The changes to the bright line test are documented here. There is still a “main home exemption” to the bright line test. If you sell the property within 10 years of acquisition (or 5 years for a new build), and it was your ...
Oct 16, 2025
Defaulting on your mortgage | Malcolm Galloway and Jordan Highstead | Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Malcolm Galloway is a partner in the commercial team, Jordan Highstead is a solicitor in the same team. Considering defaulting on your mortgage? With rising interest rates and increased cost of living it is inevitable that some will find themselves ...
Feb 7, 2023
HOME BUYERS GUIDE - Buying off the plans (Part 1)
What is it? Buying a property that has not yet been built, or is in the process of being built, is commonly called buying “off the plans”. There are quite a few differences compared to buying a property that already exists. Buying off the plans is often ...
Jan 25, 2022
HOME BUYERS GUIDE - Buying off the plans (Part 2)
In part two of our Home Buyers Guide: Buying off the Plans, we explore the 'nuts and bolts' of this increasingly popular home-buying option. What is it? Buying a property that has not yet been built, or is in the process of being built, is commonly ...
Jan 24, 2022
Buyer beware when you're buying off the plans
Buying off-the-plans is becoming increasingly popular as buyers see the benefit in new builds which comply with the latest healthy home regulations, attract lower mortgage rates, and which enjoy certain tax benefits (for more information see our previous ...
Nov 2, 2021
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Resource Management Changes and Intensified Development - Do you want a land covenant?
Recently we wrote about the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act: this is expected to permit intensified developments across much of New Zealand. Land covenants can act as a barrier to future development. If you are thinking of subdividing and ...
Oct 28, 2021
October 2021 Changes to Resource Management in Main Centres
New Zealand’s housing crisis is a well-worn topic of discussion and debate. In the most significant legislative move to date to address this issue, on the 19th of October 2021 the Government introduced the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and ...
Oct 26, 2021
COVID-19: Property Transactions Under Alert Level 4
25 August 2021 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. If you ...
Aug 24, 2021
Fixed Term Tenancies - is a fixed term really a fixed term?
Fixed term tenancies in light of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 – is a fixed term really a fixed term? History of the Act As its name suggests, the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act) serves to outline the rights of landlords and ...
Jul 22, 2021
Legal considerations for multi-generation property ownership
Multi-generational households are becoming increasingly more common in New Zealand. The number of people living in multi-generational households increased by 49% from 1996 to 2013. The way New Zealanders own houses is changing, and it is becoming more ...
Nov 11, 2019