Guides

Guides for Auckland home buyers

What LIMs, hazard maps, zones and planning rules mean when you buy a house in Auckland, and what to do about them.

What is a LIM report?A LIM is the council’s file on a property. Here’s what’s in it, what isn’t, and what to look for when you read one.Read the guide Flood risk explainedAuckland Council publishes four kinds of flood map. Here’s what each one means, and what to check if a house you like is on one.Read the guide Auckland zones explainedYour zone decides how many homes you could build and how high. Here’s what each residential zone allows.Read the guide Special character areasBuying a villa or bungalow in an older suburb? It may be in a special character area. Here’s what that means for renovating and rebuilding.Read the guide Buying near the coastSea views come with questions. Here’s what to know about storm tides, rising seas, sinking land and coastal erosion before you buy.Read the guide Pre-purchase checklistEverything to check before you buy, in the order you’ll need it.Read the guide