🏡 Essential Tips for Buying a House 🏡
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. Here are some key tips to help you make a confident decision:
🔎 Do Your Research – Look into the local market, recent sale prices, and future developments in the area. This helps you avoid overpaying.
💰 Know Your Budget – Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly how much you can afford. Factor in costs such as, legal fees, moving costs, rates, any body corporate fees, insurance, and maintenance.
📜 Check the Paperwork – Seek legal advice on the property’s record of title and LIM report for any restrictions or covenants that could impact your use of the home.
🏡 Inspect Before You Buy – A professional building inspection can uncover issues like leaks, foundation problems, or poor and unconsented renovations that may lead to costly repairs.
📍 Think Long-Term – Consider school zones, transport links, and future developments. Will this property still suit your needs in 5–10 years?
📝 Get Legal Advice – Before signing anything, have a property lawyer review the sale agreement to ensure you're protected.
Buying a home? Our team at Stainton Chellew is here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us for expert advice.
📩 Email: reception@sclawyers.co.nz
📞 Call: (09) 373 2447
Stainton Chellew – Your local legal team, here to make life easier.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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