Land Information Memorandum (LIM)
A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is a legally-binding document that states everything we know about the history of a property, and any issues that may affect the property. Purchasers who want to make an offer on a property can enter into a purchase contract subject to a LIM report.
The following people may require a LIM:
- Property Buyers and Sellers
- Real Estate Agents
- Valuers
- Solicitors
- Lenders and Insurers
Why Get a LIM?
A LIM enables you to check that all of the buildings and structures on a property are approved, such as decks, conservatories, spa pools and fire places.
Many buyers have ideas of how they would like to develop a property, and a LIM will help you identify potential development restrictions before you buy. You may find it useful to know if your intended use of the land is feasible.
It's important to be aware of any potential hazards on your new property, e.g. a LIM may show areas prone to ponding or flooding in heavy rain.
If you own a property with unauthorised building work, your insurance may be invalid and it could be expensive for you to rectify the unauthorised work.
What Information Is in a LIM?
The information contained within a LIM must comply with the requirements of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, which includes:
- Any special features or natural hazards of the land, including potential erosion, subsidence, slippage, flooding, or the likely presence of hazardous substances.
- Information on stormwater and sewer services and the availability of water services, and any information we hold about these.
- The property's government valuation and a summary of the rates account.
- A list of any consents, certificates, notices, orders or requisitions affecting the land or buildings.
- District Plan information including zoning and designations and any protected features of the land under the District Plan such as heritage items or trees.
- Any other classifications of land and buildings that we have been notified about.
- Any other information considered to be helpful.
- Should the property you are seeking information on be marked ‘Confidential’ then limited information will be able to be released.
What To Do With Your LIM
Examine the LIM closely with your lawyer and check that the information in the LIM is the same as the physical detail of the property. Conveyance lawyers know what to look for in a LIM.
Some of the basic things to look for:
- Check that any constructions or alterations have a building consent. Where building consents have been issued, check that a code compliance certificate has also been issued.
- If any resource consents have been issued for the property, check that consent conditions are being met.
- Check that the waste disposal system is as stated on the LIM - if the LIM tells you the property is connected to council reticulation but you've seen a septic tank vent, confirm the situation with us.
- Consider your future development ideas for the property. Items valued by the community - such as protected trees, archaeological sites and heritage buildings - as well as pipes and drains may be issues you'll need to work around.
Buying a Property With Unconsented or Unrecorded Building Work
Subsequent owners may have some redress, but generally you inherit the liabilities of any illegal building work. It is prudent to be satisfied prior to the sale that the work will not create an ongoing problem to you.
One option for assessing the standard of unconsented or unrecorded work is to obtain a report by an appropriately qualified professional such as an independent building surveyor or registered structural engineer.
How To Get a LIM
Click here to make an online LIM application. We will confirm the request via email and send you details for credit card payment or internet banking transfer.
Applications take up to 10 working days from the receipt of payment. The fees for a LIM report for 2024/25 are: Residential $354, Commercial $398.
A full list of our fees and charges is available here.