Can this site be developed?
Beginner first-pass residential site review tool
Use this tool to structure your first look at an Auckland residential site. It helps you identify missing checks, likely risks, documents to request, professionals to contact, and next steps before you rely on development potential.
Important warning
This tool is an educational guide only. It does not replace advice from a planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, lawyer, accountant, valuer, lender, or Auckland Council.
First-pass site review
Can this site be developed?
Initial development potential
Initial potential is high risk or too unknown to rely on. Complete professional due diligence before making commitments.
Key risks
- Zoning is not identified yet.
- Overlays have not been checked.
- Easements have not been checked.
- Covenants have not been checked.
- Flooding has not been checked.
- Overland flow path has not been checked.
- Slope has not been confirmed by survey.
- Services availability has not been checked.
- Land area has not been confirmed from title/survey.
- Likely dwelling count is not stated yet.
Documents to check
- Auckland Unitary Plan map/rule check
- Auckland Council GeoMaps screenshot
- Record of Title and instruments
- LIM
- Property file
- Initial feasibility
Professionals to contact
- Planner
- Lawyer
- Licensed cadastral surveyor
- Architect or architectural designer
- Civil engineer
- Quantity surveyor
- Valuer or real estate agent
- Accountant
- Lender or broker
Next steps
- 1Save this review as a first-pass note.
- 2Ask a planner for a written site-specific rule check.
- 3Ask a lawyer for title and agreement advice before signing or waiving conditions.
- 4Update feasibility with only verified information.
- 5Do not treat this tool as approval to buy, develop, build, sell, or settle.
Source / Where to check
Verify using Auckland Unitary Plan, Auckland Council GeoMaps, Record of Title, LIM, property file, planner, surveyor, architect, engineer, lawyer, accountant, lender, valuer, and Auckland Council. Insufficient data to verify — confirm with Auckland Council, the Auckland Unitary Plan, a planner, surveyor, lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, lender, or other relevant professional.