Buying property together? Understanding ownership options
Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common So, you’ve found the dream home, or at least one you can afford, and you’re buying it with someone else. Whether it’s your partner,…
Assisted dying possible from 7th November
From 7 November 2021, New Zealanders who have a terminal illness and are experiencing unbearable suffering will be able to legally ask for medical assistance to end their lives. There…
Separating? Make sure your Will is up to date too!
Under the law, there is a “state of limbo” when married couples separate but are not yet divorced. If you have decided to separate, you should consider the following: You…
Lack of housing supply in urban centres problematic
It’s clear that New Zealand is in the depths of a housing crisis, with the lack of supply and new development in our main urban centres in particular. Many commentators…
Commercial landlords and tenants be aware – compulsory no access clauses are near
No access in emergency clauses have been a hot topic for most landlords and tenants since NZ’s first level 4 lockdown last year. Clause 27.5 of the ADLS Deed of…
Housing tax changes are here
The Government’s recent law changes and policy announcements include some significant tax changes – a few of which we outline below: For residential investment property acquired on or after 27 March…
What happens if you die without a Will?
If you pass away and do not have a Will in place, this is called dying ‘intestate’. In this situation, the Administration Act 1969 comes into play and dictates how…
Fair Pay Agreements and the potential impact on business
One of the employment law reforms proposed by the Government was the introduction of “Fair Pay Agreements” (FPAs). An FPA would set minimum employment terms and conditions for all workers…
Protect your future with an Enduring Power of Attorney
What happens if you do not have Enduring Powers of Attorney? We all know (or should know) that a valid Will is important to have. A Will comes into effect…
Buying and selling property during a Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown
With New Zealand’s return to a COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown, buying and selling property has become more complicated again. The Level 4 rules do not allow for people to physically…