Build Path NZResidential construction and development, made clear.

Site due diligence

Check the site before you commit to it

Due diligence is the process of replacing guesses with evidence before buying, waiving conditions, designing, funding, or promising a development outcome.

43 due diligence checksTitle, planning, site, services, market, finance

43 results

Record of Title check

Due diligence

Title interests can block access, services, subdivision, finance, or sale.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Easements

Due diligence

An easement can prevent building in the preferred location or require legal access/service design.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Covenants

Due diligence

They may restrict dwelling number, design, use, materials, subdivision, or sale.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Consent notices

Due diligence

They may impose maintenance, hazard, engineering, or development obligations.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Encumbrances

Due diligence

Can affect finance, development, or saleability.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Cross lease issues

Due diligence

Changes may need other owner approvals or legal updates.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Unit title issues

Due diligence

Can affect sale documents, maintenance, governance, and buyer understanding.

Property DevelopmentLegal

Boundary check

Due diligence

Wrong boundaries can cause design, retaining, access, neighbour, and consent issues.

Property DevelopmentSurvey

Site area check

Due diligence

Area affects coverage, impervious area, landscaping, subdivision, and feasibility.

Property DevelopmentSurvey

Contours and slope

Due diligence

Slope drives earthworks, retaining, access gradients, foundations, stormwater, and cost.

Property DevelopmentPhysical site

Flooding

Due diligence

Can change design levels, consent risk, insurance, civil cost, and saleability.

Property DevelopmentNatural hazards

Overland flow paths

Due diligence

Blocking or building over flow paths can create damage, consent, and liability issues.

Property DevelopmentNatural hazards

Geotechnical risk

Due diligence

Can change foundations, retaining, earthworks, and cost.

Property DevelopmentGround

Soil conditions

Due diligence

Bad soil can break feasibility.

Property DevelopmentGround

Retaining requirements

Due diligence

Retaining can be one of the biggest hidden costs.

Property DevelopmentPhysical site

Stormwater connections

Due diligence

No stormwater solution can stop the development.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure

Wastewater connections

Due diligence

Capacity or connection issues can reduce yield or add major cost.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure

Water supply

Due diligence

May affect connection cost, fire/water design, and approvals.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure

Power

Due diligence

Can affect cost, timing, site layout, and settlement readiness.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure

Fibre / telecommunications

Due diligence

Important for buyer handover and service trench coordination.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure

Vehicle access

Due diligence

Access can control yield, safety, planning, civil design, and buyer appeal.

Property DevelopmentAccess

Driveway gradients

Due diligence

Bad gradients can make access unsafe, non-compliant, expensive, or unsaleable.

Property DevelopmentAccess

Existing buildings

Due diligence

They affect demolition, asbestos, reuse, consent history, and site logistics.

Property DevelopmentExisting site

Demolition requirements

Due diligence

Demolition can add asbestos, services, neighbour, traffic, waste, and safety costs.

Property DevelopmentExisting site

Asbestos risk

Due diligence

Unsafe disturbance can create health, legal, cost, and programme issues.

Property DevelopmentExisting site

Heritage overlays

Due diligence

Can significantly affect demolition, alteration, design, and consent.

Property DevelopmentPlanning

Character overlays

Due diligence

Can affect demolition, design, streetscape, and consent risk.

Property DevelopmentPlanning

Special character areas

Due diligence

Can change design and consent pathway.

Property DevelopmentPlanning

Significant ecological areas

Due diligence

Can require specialist advice and affect site works.

Property DevelopmentPlanning

Coastal issues

Due diligence

Can affect design, consent, insurance, and long-term risk.

Property DevelopmentPlanning

Trees and vegetation

Due diligence

Removal or damage can trigger consent, cost, neighbour, or ecological issues.

Property DevelopmentPlanning/site

Protected trees where relevant

Due diligence

Can affect layout, earthworks, access, and consent.

Property DevelopmentPlanning/site

Neighbouring properties

Due diligence

Neighbour effects can influence consent, construction, and disputes.

Property DevelopmentContext

Sunlight and shading

Due diligence

Can affect planning controls, buyer quality, outdoor living, and neighbour concerns.

Property DevelopmentDesign/planning

Privacy issues

Due diligence

Can create design problems, consent risk, and sales issues.

Property DevelopmentDesign/planning

Noise

Due diligence

May affect design, marketability, consent, and buyer expectations.

Property DevelopmentContext

Market demand

Due diligence

A technically consentable design can still fail commercially.

Property DevelopmentMarket

Comparable sales

Due diligence

GRV depends on realistic comparable evidence.

Property DevelopmentMarket

Rental demand where relevant

Due diligence

A build-to-rent or hold strategy must work on real rent and operating costs.

Property DevelopmentMarket

School zones where relevant

Due diligence

Can influence value and buyer profile, but must be verified from current school information.

Property DevelopmentMarket

Transport access

Due diligence

Affects buyer appeal, consent/access considerations, and sales strategy.

Property DevelopmentMarket/access

Development contributions

Due diligence

Can materially affect feasibility.

Property DevelopmentCouncil/finance

Council infrastructure constraints

Due diligence

Can reduce yield, add upgrades, or delay approvals.

Property DevelopmentInfrastructure
Legaltitlelegal

Record of Title check

Review the official title and legal description.

Why it matters

Title interests can block access, services, subdivision, finance, or sale.

How to check it

  • Ask lawyer to order title and instruments.
  • Ask surveyor to explain survey/title implications.
  • Compare title with concept design.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer
  • Licensed cadastral surveyor

Documents to request

  • Record of Title
  • Instruments
  • Survey plan

Red flags

  • Unexplained interests
  • Title does not match assumed boundaries

Possible solutions

  • Renegotiate
  • redesign
  • seek legal solution
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Legaleasementservicesaccess

Easements

Rights over land for access, services, drainage, support, or other purposes.

Why it matters

An easement can prevent building in the preferred location or require legal access/service design.

How to check it

  • Read the easement instrument.
  • Overlay easement on concept plan.
  • Ask lawyer/surveyor what is allowed.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer
  • Surveyor

Documents to request

  • Title instruments
  • easement plan
  • concept design

Red flags

  • Easement through build area
  • unclear rights
  • missing access

Possible solutions

  • Move buildings
  • change service route
  • vary easement if possible
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Legalcovenantrestriction

Covenants

Private restrictions or obligations registered against the land.

Why it matters

They may restrict dwelling number, design, use, materials, subdivision, or sale.

How to check it

  • Ask lawyer to review covenant wording.
  • Check design against restrictions.
  • Confirm who can enforce it.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer

Documents to request

  • Covenant instrument
  • title
  • concept design

Red flags

  • Restriction conflicts with proposal
  • unclear enforcement risk

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • legal advice
  • variation/removal where possible
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Legalencumbrancelegal

Encumbrances

Registered burdens or interests that may affect ownership/use.

Why it matters

Can affect finance, development, or saleability.

How to check it

  • Lawyer reviews all instruments.
  • Ask whether lender will accept them.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer
  • Lender

Documents to request

  • Title
  • instruments
  • loan conditions

Red flags

  • Lender concern
  • unknown obligation

Possible solutions

  • Legal advice
  • renegotiate
  • clear or manage interest

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Legalcross lease

Cross lease issues

Shared title/lease structure that can make redevelopment legally complex.

Why it matters

Changes may need other owner approvals or legal updates.

How to check it

  • Lawyer and surveyor review flats plan and lease.
  • Check whether additions are accurately shown.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer
  • Surveyor

Documents to request

  • Cross lease title
  • flats plan
  • lease

Red flags

  • Unconsented changes
  • neighbour approval needed

Possible solutions

  • Legal strategy
  • convert title where possible
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Legalunit title

Unit title issues

Unit title structure involving unit boundaries, common property, and body corporate-style obligations where applicable.

Why it matters

Can affect sale documents, maintenance, governance, and buyer understanding.

How to check it

  • Lawyer and surveyor review structure.
  • Check common property and obligations.

Who can confirm it

  • Lawyer
  • Surveyor

Documents to request

  • Unit title documents
  • plans
  • rules/obligations

Red flags

  • Unclear maintenance
  • common property conflict

Possible solutions

  • Legal advice
  • clear disclosure
  • title strategy

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Surveyboundarysurvey

Boundary check

Confirm where the legal boundaries actually are.

Why it matters

Wrong boundaries can cause design, retaining, access, neighbour, and consent issues.

How to check it

  • Order topo/cadastral survey.
  • Compare fences/buildings with legal boundary.
  • Ask surveyor about encroachments.

Who can confirm it

  • Surveyor

Documents to request

  • Topographical survey
  • title
  • survey plan

Red flags

  • Fence line used as boundary
  • encroachment

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • legal/survey resolution
  • neighbour agreement

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Surveysite areayield

Site area check

Confirm the land area used for yield and planning checks.

Why it matters

Area affects coverage, impervious area, landscaping, subdivision, and feasibility.

How to check it

  • Check title and survey.
  • Ask planner/surveyor what area counts for rules.

Who can confirm it

  • Surveyor
  • Planner

Documents to request

  • Title
  • survey
  • AUP rule check

Red flags

  • Area differs from listing
  • shared/access areas unclear

Possible solutions

  • Revise yield
  • revise feasibility

Source / Where to check

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Physical siteslopecontoursretaining

Contours and slope

Site levels and fall across the property.

Why it matters

Slope drives earthworks, retaining, access gradients, foundations, stormwater, and cost.

How to check it

  • Review topo survey and site walk.
  • Ask civil/geotech/QS to review.
  • Check driveway levels.

Who can confirm it

  • Surveyor
  • Civil engineer
  • Geotech
  • QS

Documents to request

  • Topographical survey
  • site photos
  • civil notes

Red flags

  • Steep rear fall
  • access gradient issue

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • reduce yield
  • allow retaining/earthworks

Source / Where to check

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Natural hazardsfloodhazard

Flooding

Council or consultant information showing flood risk.

Why it matters

Can change design levels, consent risk, insurance, civil cost, and saleability.

How to check it

  • Check GeoMaps/LIM.
  • Ask civil engineer/planner.
  • Confirm finished floor implications.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Planner
  • Auckland Council

Documents to request

  • GeoMaps
  • LIM
  • civil report

Red flags

  • Flood layer through building area
  • unknown floor level requirement

Possible solutions

  • Raise floor levels
  • redesign
  • stormwater strategy
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Use the LIM to check council-held information relevant to the land. Treat it as one due diligence document, not a substitute for title, survey, planning, engineering, legal, or finance advice.

Natural hazardsoverland flowstormwater

Overland flow paths

Routes water may take across land during heavy rain.

Why it matters

Blocking or building over flow paths can create damage, consent, and liability issues.

How to check it

  • Check GeoMaps.
  • Ask civil engineer to confirm.
  • Overlay with concept plan.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Planner

Documents to request

  • GeoMaps
  • civil report
  • concept plan

Red flags

  • Flow path through house footprint
  • blocked downstream path

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • allow safe flow
  • civil solution

Source / Where to check

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Groundgeotechfoundations

Geotechnical risk

Ground condition risks such as soft soils, fill, instability, groundwater, or expansive soil.

Why it matters

Can change foundations, retaining, earthworks, and cost.

How to check it

  • Review site history and slope.
  • Get geotech advice/testing.
  • Ask QS to price recommendations.

Who can confirm it

  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • QS

Documents to request

  • Geotech report
  • topo survey
  • foundation notes

Red flags

  • Uncontrolled fill
  • slope instability
  • groundwater

Possible solutions

  • More testing
  • foundation redesign
  • price allowance

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Groundsoilground

Soil conditions

Physical soil conditions affecting excavation, soakage, retaining, and foundations.

Why it matters

Bad soil can break feasibility.

How to check it

  • Site investigation.
  • Geotech report.
  • Civil soakage testing where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Geotech
  • Civil engineer

Documents to request

  • Geotech report
  • test logs

Red flags

  • Soft ground
  • poor soakage
  • contaminated fill

Possible solutions

  • Design change
  • contingency
  • special disposal

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Physical siteretainingearthworks

Retaining requirements

Walls or structures needed to hold ground or create levels.

Why it matters

Retaining can be one of the biggest hidden costs.

How to check it

  • Topo survey.
  • Engineer/QS review.
  • Check neighbours and boundary effects.

Who can confirm it

  • Structural engineer
  • Civil engineer
  • QS

Documents to request

  • Topo survey
  • concept design
  • engineer sketch

Red flags

  • High walls
  • boundary support
  • neighbour impact

Possible solutions

  • Reduce excavation
  • change layout
  • stage work
  • price correctly

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Infrastructurestormwater

Stormwater connections

How roof and surface water will discharge lawfully and practically.

Why it matters

No stormwater solution can stop the development.

How to check it

  • Civil engineer checks network/soakage.
  • Review GeoMaps/property file.
  • Ask council/utility where needed.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Auckland Council

Documents to request

  • Civil notes
  • GeoMaps
  • property file

Red flags

  • No discharge point
  • downstream capacity issue

Possible solutions

  • Detention/retention
  • soakage testing
  • network application

Source / Where to check

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

InfrastructurewastewaterWatercare

Wastewater connections

How sewage will connect to the wastewater network.

Why it matters

Capacity or connection issues can reduce yield or add major cost.

How to check it

  • Check records and Watercare advice.
  • Civil engineer confirms capacity and route.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Watercare

Documents to request

  • Watercare response
  • drainage plans

Red flags

  • No capacity
  • deep connection
  • easement needed

Possible solutions

  • Pump/upgrade
  • redesign
  • reduce yield

Source / Where to check

Use Watercare and civil engineering advice to verify water and wastewater connection requirements, network capacity, approvals, fees, and construction standards.

Infrastructurewater supply

Water supply

Potable water connection and pressure/capacity assumptions.

Why it matters

May affect connection cost, fire/water design, and approvals.

How to check it

  • Civil/utility check.
  • Watercare advice.
  • Builder/service design coordination.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Watercare
  • Plumber

Documents to request

  • Service plans
  • Watercare response

Red flags

  • Capacity unknown
  • long connection route

Possible solutions

  • Upgrade
  • alternate route
  • cost allowance

Source / Where to check

Use Watercare and civil engineering advice to verify water and wastewater connection requirements, network capacity, approvals, fees, and construction standards.

Infrastructurepowerelectricity

Power

Electricity availability, connection, capacity, and upgrade requirements.

Why it matters

Can affect cost, timing, site layout, and settlement readiness.

How to check it

  • Contact provider.
  • Check existing capacity.
  • Coordinate with electrical design.

Who can confirm it

  • Power provider
  • Electrical contractor
  • Engineer

Documents to request

  • Provider response
  • electrical design

Red flags

  • Transformer/upgrade needed
  • long lead time

Possible solutions

  • Early application
  • cost allowance
  • design coordination

Source / Where to check

Use BeforeUdig and utility providers before intrusive investigations, demolition, earthworks, service trenches, or connection works.

Infrastructurefibretelecommunications

Fibre / telecommunications

Internet/telecommunications connection availability and route.

Why it matters

Important for buyer handover and service trench coordination.

How to check it

  • Contact provider.
  • Coordinate trenching with civil/electrical.
  • Track lead times.

Who can confirm it

  • Telecommunications provider
  • Civil contractor

Documents to request

  • Provider response
  • service plan

Red flags

  • No clear route
  • late application

Possible solutions

  • Early application
  • joint trench planning

Source / Where to check

Use BeforeUdig and utility providers before intrusive investigations, demolition, earthworks, service trenches, or connection works.

Accessaccessdriveway

Vehicle access

How vehicles enter/exit the site and dwellings.

Why it matters

Access can control yield, safety, planning, civil design, and buyer appeal.

How to check it

  • Check frontage and topo.
  • Ask traffic/civil/architect.
  • Check AUP/AT requirements where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Traffic engineer
  • Civil engineer
  • Planner

Documents to request

  • Survey
  • access plan
  • AUP review

Red flags

  • Poor sightlines
  • steep driveway
  • shared access conflict

Possible solutions

  • Redesign access
  • reduce yield
  • seek AT/council advice

Source / Where to check

Check corridor access, traffic management, vehicle crossing, road occupation, and public road/footpath requirements where the site works affect the transport corridor.

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Accessdrivewaygradient

Driveway gradients

Slope and shape of driveway routes.

Why it matters

Bad gradients can make access unsafe, non-compliant, expensive, or unsaleable.

How to check it

  • Topo survey.
  • Architect/civil/traffic review.
  • Vehicle tracking where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Traffic engineer
  • Architect

Documents to request

  • Topo survey
  • access design

Red flags

  • Steep driveway
  • garage levels unrealistic

Possible solutions

  • Relevel site
  • change layout
  • reduce yield

Source / Where to check

Check corridor access, traffic management, vehicle crossing, road occupation, and public road/footpath requirements where the site works affect the transport corridor.

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Existing siteexisting building

Existing buildings

Current houses, garages, services, retaining, and improvements.

Why it matters

They affect demolition, asbestos, reuse, consent history, and site logistics.

How to check it

  • Site walk.
  • Building inspection.
  • Property file review.

Who can confirm it

  • Building inspector
  • Builder
  • Lawyer

Documents to request

  • Property file
  • building inspection
  • photos

Red flags

  • Unconsented works
  • structural risk
  • hidden asbestos

Possible solutions

  • Allow demolition/repair
  • legal advice
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Review historic building consents, drainage plans, previous approvals, CCC records where available, and historic plans. Compare records with what physically exists on site.

Existing sitedemolition

Demolition requirements

Requirements for removing existing structures safely and legally.

Why it matters

Demolition can add asbestos, services, neighbour, traffic, waste, and safety costs.

How to check it

  • Check building age/materials.
  • Get demolition/asbestos advice.
  • Confirm service disconnections.

Who can confirm it

  • Demolition contractor
  • Asbestos specialist
  • Engineer

Documents to request

  • Demolition quote
  • asbestos survey
  • service disconnects

Red flags

  • No asbestos survey
  • services still live

Possible solutions

  • Survey first
  • specialist removal
  • service isolation

Source / Where to check

Use WorkSafe NZ for construction health and safety duties, risk management, and practical guidance for residential construction work.

Use before demolition, refurbishment, or disturbance of possible asbestos-containing material.

Existing siteasbestos

Asbestos risk

Risk that existing materials contain asbestos.

Why it matters

Unsafe disturbance can create health, legal, cost, and programme issues.

How to check it

  • Identify building age/materials.
  • Get competent survey before disturbance.
  • Stop if suspect material appears.

Who can confirm it

  • Asbestos assessor/removalist
  • Builder
  • Demolition contractor

Documents to request

  • Asbestos survey
  • removal/clearance records

Red flags

  • No survey before demolition
  • suspect material damaged

Possible solutions

  • Stop work
  • test
  • licensed removal where required

Source / Where to check

Use before demolition, refurbishment, or disturbance of possible asbestos-containing material.

Planningheritage

Heritage overlays

Planning controls protecting heritage values.

Why it matters

Can significantly affect demolition, alteration, design, and consent.

How to check it

  • Check AUP maps.
  • Planner review.
  • Specialist heritage advice where needed.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Heritage specialist

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • heritage report

Red flags

  • Historic building/site
  • demolition proposed

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • specialist advice
  • do not purchase

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Planningcharacter

Character overlays

Planning layers related to character/special character areas.

Why it matters

Can affect demolition, design, streetscape, and consent risk.

How to check it

  • Check AUP maps.
  • Planner review.
  • Design response.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Architect

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • planning memo

Red flags

  • Character layer on site
  • street-facing demolition

Possible solutions

  • Design response
  • consultation
  • redesign

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Planningspecial character

Special character areas

Areas with extra planning attention to neighbourhood character.

Why it matters

Can change design and consent pathway.

How to check it

  • Planner checks AUP layers and rules.
  • Architect responds in design.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Architect

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • concept design

Red flags

  • Controls not reflected in concept

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • planner advice

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Planningecology

Significant ecological areas

Ecological planning layer affecting vegetation/habitat matters.

Why it matters

Can require specialist advice and affect site works.

How to check it

  • Check AUP maps.
  • Ask planner/ecologist where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Ecologist

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • ecology report

Red flags

  • Vegetation clearance proposed

Possible solutions

  • Avoid area
  • specialist report
  • redesign

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Planningcoastal

Coastal issues

Coastal hazards, coastal environment, erosion, inundation, or other coastal planning matters.

Why it matters

Can affect design, consent, insurance, and long-term risk.

How to check it

  • Check AUP/GeoMaps.
  • Ask planner/civil/geotech.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Civil engineer
  • Geotech

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • GeoMaps
  • specialist report

Red flags

  • Coastal hazard layer
  • erosion risk

Possible solutions

  • Specialist advice
  • design response
  • withdraw

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Planning/sitetreesvegetation

Trees and vegetation

Trees, vegetation, ecological value, or site features that may affect design and clearance.

Why it matters

Removal or damage can trigger consent, cost, neighbour, or ecological issues.

How to check it

  • Site walk.
  • AUP map.
  • Arborist/planner advice where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Arborist
  • Architect

Documents to request

  • Site photos
  • AUP maps
  • arborist report

Red flags

  • Large trees in building area
  • protected/ecological layer

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • arborist advice
  • protection plan

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Planning/siteprotected tree

Protected trees where relevant

Trees subject to protection or restriction under relevant rules or specific site circumstances.

Why it matters

Can affect layout, earthworks, access, and consent.

How to check it

  • Planner/arborist confirms status.
  • Survey tree location/root zone.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Arborist
  • Surveyor

Documents to request

  • AUP maps
  • tree survey
  • arborist report

Red flags

  • Tree near works
  • root zone affected

Possible solutions

  • Design around
  • specialist report
  • consent strategy

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Insufficient data to verify

Insufficient data to verify — confirm with Auckland Council, the Auckland Unitary Plan, a planner, surveyor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, lender, or other relevant professional.

Contextneighbour

Neighbouring properties

Adjacent sites and owners affected by privacy, shading, retaining, drainage, access, or construction.

Why it matters

Neighbour effects can influence consent, construction, and disputes.

How to check it

  • Walk boundaries.
  • Check levels/windows/outdoor areas.
  • Planner/architect review effects.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Architect
  • Engineer

Documents to request

  • Site photos
  • concept design
  • planning memo

Red flags

  • Boundary retaining
  • privacy conflict
  • stormwater toward neighbour

Possible solutions

  • Design mitigation
  • consultation
  • engineering advice

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Design/planningsunlightshading

Sunlight and shading

How the proposal affects sun access and shadowing.

Why it matters

Can affect planning controls, buyer quality, outdoor living, and neighbour concerns.

How to check it

  • Architect/planner review.
  • Shadow diagrams where needed.

Who can confirm it

  • Architect
  • Planner

Documents to request

  • Concept design
  • shadow study

Red flags

  • Poor outdoor living sunlight
  • neighbour shading

Possible solutions

  • Reorient design
  • reduce mass
  • planner advice

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Design/planningprivacyoutlook

Privacy issues

Potential overlooking or poor privacy for dwellings and neighbours.

Why it matters

Can create design problems, consent risk, and sales issues.

How to check it

  • Check window/outdoor area relationships.
  • Planner/architect review.

Who can confirm it

  • Architect
  • Planner

Documents to request

  • Concept design
  • site photos

Red flags

  • Direct overlooking
  • tight layouts

Possible solutions

  • Screening
  • window changes
  • layout change

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Contextnoise

Noise

Noise from roads, rail, industry, neighbours, or construction context.

Why it matters

May affect design, marketability, consent, and buyer expectations.

How to check it

  • Site visit at different times.
  • Planner/acoustic advice where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Acoustic specialist where relevant
  • Agent

Documents to request

  • Site notes
  • AUP maps
  • specialist report

Red flags

  • Major road/rail noise
  • buyer concern

Possible solutions

  • Acoustic design
  • pricing adjustment

Source / Where to check

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Insufficient data to verify

Insufficient data to verify — confirm with Auckland Council, the Auckland Unitary Plan, a planner, surveyor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, lender, or other relevant professional.

Marketmarket demand

Market demand

Whether buyers or renters want the product being proposed.

Why it matters

A technically consentable design can still fail commercially.

How to check it

  • Comparable sales.
  • Agent/valuer advice.
  • Rental data where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Agent
  • Valuer

Documents to request

  • Market report
  • sales evidence

Red flags

  • Low demand for product
  • slow sales nearby

Possible solutions

  • Change product
  • reduce price
  • hold/rent strategy

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

MarketcomparablesGRV

Comparable sales

Recent sales evidence for similar completed dwellings.

Why it matters

GRV depends on realistic comparable evidence.

How to check it

  • Agent/valuer schedule.
  • Check similarity of location, size, condition, title, parking.

Who can confirm it

  • Valuer
  • Agent

Documents to request

  • Comparable sales
  • valuation

Red flags

  • Using asking prices only
  • non-comparable properties

Possible solutions

  • Revise GRV
  • get valuation

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Marketrental demand

Rental demand where relevant

Demand and rent level if the development will be held or rented.

Why it matters

A build-to-rent or hold strategy must work on real rent and operating costs.

How to check it

  • Property manager/agent advice.
  • Comparable rentals.
  • Healthy homes/maintenance consideration where relevant.

Who can confirm it

  • Property manager
  • Agent
  • Accountant

Documents to request

  • Rental appraisal
  • cashflow

Red flags

  • Vacancy risk
  • rent overestimated

Possible solutions

  • Revise cashflow
  • change product

Source / Where to check

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.

Marketschool zone

School zones where relevant

School enrolment zones may affect buyer/renter demand in some suburbs.

Why it matters

Can influence value and buyer profile, but must be verified from current school information.

How to check it

  • Check current school zone sources.
  • Ask agent/valuer how market treats it.

Who can confirm it

  • Agent
  • Valuer

Documents to request

  • Market notes
  • school zone check

Red flags

  • Assuming zone without checking
  • zone changing

Possible solutions

  • Avoid overclaiming
  • verify before marketing

Source / Where to check

Insufficient data to verify

Insufficient data to verify — confirm with Auckland Council, the Auckland Unitary Plan, a planner, surveyor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, lender, or other relevant professional.

Market/accesstransport

Transport access

Access to public transport, roads, cycleways, and local amenities.

Why it matters

Affects buyer appeal, consent/access considerations, and sales strategy.

How to check it

  • Site visit.
  • Map review.
  • Agent/valuer feedback.

Who can confirm it

  • Agent
  • Planner
  • Traffic engineer where relevant

Documents to request

  • Site notes
  • transport map
  • market report

Red flags

  • Poor access
  • traffic safety issue

Possible solutions

  • Design/marketing adjustment
  • traffic advice

Source / Where to check

Check corridor access, traffic management, vehicle crossing, road occupation, and public road/footpath requirements where the site works affect the transport corridor.

Council/financedevelopment contributions

Development contributions

Possible council charges related to infrastructure demand.

Why it matters

Can materially affect feasibility.

How to check it

  • Ask planner/council/QS to estimate.
  • Check current council guidance and consent conditions.

Who can confirm it

  • Planner
  • Council
  • QS

Documents to request

  • Council estimate
  • consent conditions

Red flags

  • No allowance in feasibility
  • unexpected charge

Possible solutions

  • Add allowance
  • confirm early
  • renegotiate

Source / Where to check

Check council guidance, application requirements, RFI process, consent conditions, approved plans, engineering approvals, and monitoring requirements for site-specific development approvals.

Insufficient data to verify

Insufficient data to verify — confirm with Auckland Council, the Auckland Unitary Plan, a planner, surveyor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, lender, or other relevant professional.

Infrastructureinfrastructure constraint

Council infrastructure constraints

Known or suspected network limits affecting development servicing.

Why it matters

Can reduce yield, add upgrades, or delay approvals.

How to check it

  • Council/Watercare/civil review.
  • Check GeoMaps and network advice.

Who can confirm it

  • Civil engineer
  • Watercare
  • Council

Documents to request

  • Civil report
  • Watercare response
  • council notes

Red flags

  • Capacity issue
  • upgrade unknown

Possible solutions

  • Redesign
  • upgrade allowance
  • stage project

Source / Where to check

Use Watercare and civil engineering advice to verify water and wastewater connection requirements, network capacity, approvals, fees, and construction standards.

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Source / Where to check

Use Auckland Council property report pages to order or understand LIM reports, property files, custom resource consent reports, and related property information.

Use GeoMaps as an early desktop check for property layers, contours, flooding/overland flow information, services context, and council spatial information. Confirm critical matters with professionals and council.

Check the operative plan, maps, zones, precincts, overlays, activity status, development controls, subdivision rules, and assessment criteria for the specific site.

Use LINZ, a lawyer, and a licensed cadastral surveyor to verify Record of Title, legal description, interests, easements, covenants, consent notices, survey plans, and boundary/title matters.

Relevant professional advice

Planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, real estate agent, and other project specialists must confirm site-specific decisions.