Selwyn Times: November 24, 2021

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[Edition datE]
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Check building covenants
before you purchase
Developers have a vision for their
subdivisions, which include the size, style
and landscaping of individual homes.
Such requirements will be written up in
a separate building covenant document.
As these address what might be built and
how a property can be used, it is important
to check these out before signing up for a
piece of land.
Covenants are conditions relating to
land ownership and use. Given they are
legally binding documents, you should
familiarise yourself with what is required
in terms of the home you will build and
also future living. Your solicitor should
also check this document.
Building covenants usually require
building work to be carried out in a safe
and tidy manner, and in line with Council
building consent standards. They will
also stipulate that care is to be taken
during building to ensure that public
spaces, infrastructure and facilities near
the site are not damaged. The impact of
construction on others living in the estate
will also likely be addressed.
In relation to the home to be built,
building covenants may address:
• the design and size of the home,
positioning on the section and whether
more than one storey is permitted;
• building height as well as roof pitch;
• whether any outbuildings are permissible
along with their siting;
• landscaping where viewed from the
street;
• location and style of driveways and paths
within street view; and
• fencing – boundary and within the
property (including distance from the
front of the section).
Your house design (including colours,
roof style and cladding types) along with
a landscaping plan, should be submitted
to your developer for approval before
building commences. It is a good idea to
do this before submitting plans to Council,
just in case changes may need to be made.
Covenants extend beyond the building
period, having validity after the ownership
of and responsibility for the subdivision
passes to the local Council. It is therefore
worth considering whether your lifestyle
will be impacted on, by the rules of the
area you are looking to live in.
While most covenants are reasonable
and logical, some are more specific.
Architecturally designed homes and only
some exterior cladding types may be
required. Often caravans, motorhomes
or trucks are not to be parked in view of
the street. There have also been cases in
certain developments where no vehicles
are to be parked on the street.
To ensure covenants are adhered to
during the building and landscaping
process, developers request a bond.
This may be around the $2,000 mark,
something to be budgeted for. Once
developer’s approval and sign-off is
achieved, the money will be refunded,
unless there is damage to the footpath,
vehicle crossing, curbing or some other
aspect of public land, which has not been
remediated. In such a case, the bond
may be forfeited to reimburse the cost of
putting this right.
Checking out building covenants before
purchasing land will avoid any surprises
further down the track.
Fencing
styles will be
addressed
within the
covenants.
REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS
17 Queens Drive, Ashburton
8 Cross Street, Coalgate
DEADLINE SALE
Classic Comfort in a Convenient Location!
*Deadline Sale : All offers to be presented 3pm, 1st December (unless sold prior).
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DEADLINE SALE
A Countryside Gem!
*Deadline Sale : All offers to be presented 3pm, 2nd December (unless sold prior).
Step inside the gate into a picturesque countryside environment where you will find a magnificently enhanced character home
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68 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston
0800 645 346
www.oneagencyres.co.nz
Mike Goatley
027 249 5561
Lindsay Welch
027 577 0216
Wade Goatley
027 749 6468
Shane Jarvis
022 130 0766
Wayne McFarlane
027 337 6093
Real Estate Specialists Ltd Licenced REAA (2008)