Buying a house is a big deal – not just financially, but emotionally too. And if you’re buying in fast-paced markets like Wānaka, Hāwea, Cromwell, or the wider Central Otago region, there are a few unique quirks to be aware of. Whether you're taking the leap as a first-time buyer, upgrading to fit your growing family, or downsizing for a lifestyle change, the key is making sure the legal side of things is watertight – before you sign anything.

Talk to a Local Lawyer First – Always

This might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people sign an agreement before they’ve spoken to a lawyer. Even if it's a conditional offer, your lawyer is your safety net. They'll make sure everything in the contract works in your favour – not just the seller’s.

Buying at auction or making an unconditional offer? There’s no going back once the ink dries. One missed detail can cost you dearly – so having someone local in your corner from day one can make all the difference.

Make Sure Your Conditions Cover You

If you're making a conditional offer, your lawyer can help tailor the contract to protect your interests. That means making sure the offer includes:

• Finance – give your lender time to sign off
• Building inspection – don’t get caught out by hidden damage
• LIM report – see what the council knows about the property
• Due diligence – a broad clause that gives you time to dig deeper
• Including the right conditions gives you breathing room to figure out if the property’s right for your needs – whether it’s a new build in Albert Town or a renovated classic in Clyde.

What's Hiding in the Title?

One of the most important things your lawyer will do is review the Record of Title. This tells you what you actually own – and what limitations might come with the property. Some common things to watch out for:

• Easements – shared driveways or rights of way
• Covenants – rules around how the property can be used
• Consent notices – ongoing obligations imposed by the council
• Cross-lease quirks – shared titles that can trip people up
• Body corporate info – if you’re buying a unit title (think apartments or townhouses)
• Buying property in Central Otago means navigating older titles, lifestyle blocks, and unique development areas – which makes local expertise essential.

Using KiwiSaver? We’ve Got You Covered

If you're a first home buyer and planning to use your KiwiSaver to help with your deposit or final settlement, your lawyer plays a key role here too. We’ll guide you through the process so the funds land where and when they’re supposed to – no surprises, no delays.

Avoiding Nasty Surprises: Common Pitfalls in Central Otago

Here in Central Otago, there are a few recurring issues we see crop up:

• Unconsented building work – especially in older or DIY-renovated homes
• Boundary issues – often lurking in historical titles
• Shared accessways – not always clearly documented or understood
• Cross-lease dramas – including outdated flats plans and legal red flags

The key to avoiding these? Give yourself time. The more time your legal team has to go through the paperwork, the more likely we can spot and resolve issues before they become expensive headaches.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

At Checketts McKay Law, we live and breathe Central Otago. From Wānaka to Ranfurly, Cromwell to Alexandra, we’ve helped thousands of people through the home-buying journey. We know how things work here – not just on paper, but in real life.

That means we can give you advice that’s not only legally sound, but also grounded in local experience. Thinking about buying near the lake in Hāwea? We’ll talk through the zoning. Eyeing a lifestyle block near Tarras? We’ll raise the right rural considerations.

Ready to Buy or Still House Hunting? Let’s Talk

Whether you’ve just started browsing Trade Me or you’ve got a contract in your inbox, the best time to chat with us is now. The earlier we’re involved, the more we can help. You’ll get straightforward, practical advice from lawyers who know the area – and who actually care.

Get in touch with the team at your nearest branch – Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra or Ranfurly – and let’s make your next move a smooth one.

  17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka