Buying or selling a house?

Be informed: Auckland City Council provides LIM's containing information which may enable you to identify problems on a site and any development restrictions.

From City Scene, published on 19 July, 2009.

New buyers and sellers should know that Land Information Memoranda - also known as LIMs - are one of the most useful and essential services that the council offers. A LIM is a snapshot of information known to the council at the date of issue that can identify problems on a site and any development restrictions.

A LIM can contain information on a number of factors, including:

special land features or characteristics that can lead to potential erosion, falling debris and flooding
the presence of hazardous chemicals
rates for the property
zoning and development controls, which dictate what you can and can't build on the site
a list of building consents and resource consents for authorised building works that have been applied for
private and public stormwater and sewerage drains as shown in council records.

This is vital information for what can be one of the biggest purchases many of us will make. If you are selling your house, it is important that you are up-to-date with your LIM so you can answer questions from perspective buyers.

For more information on the LIM process, including costs and timeframes, or ordering one online, visit the Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) section or call Auckland City Council.