Property Law

New rules introduced in January 2026 have made it easier to build some small homes in New Zealand. You may have heard this described as the “granny flat exemption”, but what does that actually mean? Despite the name, the rules are not limited to homes for elderly relatives. They create a simpler pathway for certain

A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified the rights of cross-lease property owners when one owner wants to alter or extend their home. The case, Liow v Martelli [2026] NZCA 101, involved two neighbouring properties in Remuera held under the same cross-lease title. The owners of one property wanted to substantially alter their home

With property prices remaining challenging for many New Zealanders, more people are choosing to purchase property with friends, siblings, parents or other family members. While sharing ownership can help people get onto the property ladder sooner, it can also create significant problems if expectations are not discussed from the outset. Many co-owners focus on the

Property speculation, particularly short-term “flipping”, became increasingly common during the rapid rise in property values seen in New Zealand between 2020 and late 2021. However, the sharp market correction that followed through 2022 and 2023 exposed the risks of this strategy. The High Court case of Smallridge v Singh [2025] NZHC 242 provides a clear

The Government has confirmed a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) framework, following advice and analysis published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). These reforms aim to create a more proportionate, risk-focused system – one that targets higher-risk buildings and regions while reducing unnecessary cost pressures on owners and communities.

Major changes to the Residential Tenancies Act take effect on 1 December 2025, introducing a clearer and more balanced framework for pets in rental properties. The reforms aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets while giving landlords practical tools to manage risks, set conditions, and recover the cost of any pet-related damage.

When you buy or own property in New Zealand, you may come across the term easement. Easements are a common legal feature of land ownership, and while they can sound technical, they play an important role in allowing landowners to use their property effectively. What is an Easement? An easement is a legal right to