Some
things to consider…
Councils – through district plans – have limits on what you can do
There may be limits on:
- where you can locate your buildings
- how high you can build
- how much of your site can be covered by buildings
- how much noise you can make
- what activities you can use the property for.
What about those plans to add that garage or the second storey once you’ve saved a bit more?
It’s best to check:
- whether the things you plan to do in the future can be done “as of right” under the council plan
- whether you will need permission from the council
- whether you will need permission from your neighbours.
Many alterations or new buildings will also need a building consent.
Find out before you buy
Don’t leave statements like “development or subdivision potential” unexamined, if this is your major reason for buying the property. Spend time making sure you can do the things you want to do before you buy the property.
Check for other restrictions
District plans will tell you about things such as:
- motorway designations
- road widening
- earthquake and flood zones which can include additional rules about where you can build on the site, and building construction requirements
- hazard requirements
- airport zones
- heritage buildings
- waahi tapu/heritage sites.
What’s going on around me?!
Things around you can change quickly. New residential developments and businesses can “pop up overnight”.
Common things which may be allowed in residential areas with few controls on them include:
- residential buildings, multi-unit housing, townhouses
- working from home
- residential care facilities
- crèches, kindergartens
- retirement homes and villages
- construction effects
- minor earthworks
- cross-lease subdivision
- boundary adjustments.
