Buying or selling a home is a routine but complex transaction, and can be an exciting or stressful time for our client. Our team will guide you through the process, one step at a time. We can liaise with your KiwiSaver provider, your bank, broker, builder, anyone in your team, to help you make decisions that are right for you.

Buying a property where the title has not issued yet, or where a new build needs a code compliance certificate, can be daunting. Our experienced team can help you at all stages of this transaction, from drafting appropriate clauses and conditions to protect you, to guiding you through the process of subdivision or building, including reviewing your construction contract, if required. It is never too soon to involve us, and a well written contract at the beginning can save a lot of time, stress and money later.

If you are a brand new buyer, finding yourself working with your KiwiSaver provider and your bank can seem like a lot! We take pride in making this process as straightforward and streamlined as possible. It is never too soon to contact us if you are considering buying with KiwiSaver, particularly if you intend using your KiwiSaver as your deposit.

At Downie Stewart we undertake all sorts of subdivision work, from simple two lot fee simple subdivisions to complex unit title subdivisions (carving buildings into apartments, for example). Downie Stewart is well placed to assist with your subdivision and land development needs. We can put you in touch with the right surveyor, planner, accountant and any other adviser you might need for your particular project. It is never too soon to contact us to start putting that dream team together.

Find out more information on our subdivisions page.

Many people are surprised to learn that there is land belonging to “no-one” in and around Dunedin and beyond. We can explain the essentials of making an adverse possession claim or an abandoned land claim through the process under the Public Trust Act 2001. If you think you may have such a claim, please contact us to discuss. We will be happy to advise on your options, the process and likely costs.

Downie Stewart regularly receives enquiries about rights and powers under registered easements, land covenants and encumbrances. We regularly write these documents, and are well placed to advise on what they mean and how they work. Call us if you have a query about a legal right you might have in relation to land.

Commercial and rural transactions represent a constellation of legal and practical issues, ranging from GST treatment and obscure water rights to auxiliary agreements with stakeholders and how to keep the cattle cool on moving day. We have rural and land transaction experts at Downie Stewart. Together we can form a team that suits your requirements, give us a call today.

When a person “buys into” a retirement village, they are really buying a licence to live at the village. This is different to an interest in land such as owning a title. The law requires that a person buying an occupation licence must receive independent legal advice, and wait through a “cool down” period before moving into the village. We have an excellent team of lawyers and legal executives who routinely advise on these licences. We can also coordinate your occupation licence with the settlement date of your house sale so that everything happens simply and easily on the same day.

All property transactions have estate planning implications. As the saying goes, the more you have, the more you have to worry about! We recommend that every time a client undertakes a property transaction, they draw up a new Will or review their existing Will. Everyone should check their Will once a year to make sure it is still current. If you have anything you would like to change, or wish to discuss a change in circumstances, call one of our friendly team to help.