Introduced in the late 1960s, cross lease arrangements allowed developers to circumvent strict subdivision regulations, saving them both time and money. However, the RMA 1991 and the Auckland Unitary Plan have effectively made cross leases obsolete. Despite this, Auckland property owners continue to face ongoing issues associated with cross-lease agreements. This leads many to convert their cross-lease to freehold titles.

Subdivision specialist Troy Patchett of Subdivide Simplified, has assisted numerous Auckland residents with property subdivision. He has noted a growing demand for cross-lease to freehold conversion services, particularly among those looking to put their property on the market.

“A freehold property is much more appealing to potential buyers, and with the market slowing down, sellers are eager to make their property as appealing as possible,” says Patchett. “Removing the limitation of a cross lease is an effective method to achieve this.”

In addition to being a more enticing prospect for buyers, sellers may also enjoy a 7-20% increase in property value when switching their property to fee simple.

In a cross-lease arrangement, all property owners have shared ownership of the land, and each individual leases both the land and dwelling from the other owners for a set term, usually 999 years. However, one drawback of cross-lease arrangements is that any modifications to the home necessitate the consent of all involved parties. Additionally, some cross-lease arrangements may contain additional provisions, such as animal ownership and restrictions around exterior decorating and gardens.

“Many people want full say over their land,” Patchett says. “Switching your property from a cross-lease to fee simple offers this.”

Subdivide Simplified helps Auckland residents navigate the often-challenging subdivision process. The company assembles all of the necessary documents and reports, surveys and makes an application to the Auckland council.

“The process can be overwhelming, and our clients appreciate having someone on their side who knows exactly what is required for a seamless subdivision process.”

Media Release on 2 March 2023

Media Contact
Subdivide Simplified
info@subdividesimplified.co.nz
027 511 9442
https://www.subdividesimplified.co.nz/

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A bold decision by Whanganui businessman and former district council candidate Steve Baron to start an online real estate magazine and property search engine has proved successful after only one year.

Baron’s business, WhanganuiMansions.co.nz has gone up against dominant players such as TradeMe, which was acquired by British private equity firm Apax partners for $2.56 billion in 2019.

“I’m really pleased with how the website has taken off,” says Baron.

“We get thousands of people visiting the site every month searching for a property to buy, and while we cannot compete with the millions that companies like TradeMe spend promoting themselves, we have found our niche by specialising in properties for sale in Whanganui, Waverley, Marton and Bulls.

“With some targeted social media advertising we have been able to attract people to our website — and being small allows us to be very nimble with our marketing.”

Baron sold real estate for several years after moving to Auckland in his early twenties. He went on to establish Baron Marketing Ltd which he ran successfully for more than 20 years, eventually selling the business and moving back to Whanganui where he was born and raised.

Whanganui Mansions uses state-of-the-art digital publishing software to produce a flip-book style real estate magazine published online every Friday at 12pm. The flip-book is created in pure HTML5 technology, works on all platforms and browsers and is tablet, laptop and mobile friendly.

“This was an idea I had for a long time after my previous marketing and real estate experience,” says Baron.

“When I approached local real estate agents with the idea, I received some very positive support from experienced agents such as Tim Hocquard from LJ Hooker.

“Not everyone was supportive, however — some people don’t like new ideas and saw us as a threat, while others thought the local real estate market was too small for another magazine.”

Baron adds: “In an age where technology has become a mainstay in our everyday lives, the future success of a start-up company comes down to determination and knowledge.

“While every real estate agency has its own magazine and website, Whanganui Mansions brings them all together in the same place and makes it easier for buyers to find what they are looking for. We promote all local agents listings in all price ranges — not just mansions.”

Instead of charging real estate agents and private sellers for listing their properties — as do companies like TradeMe — Whanganui Mansions lists them free of charge.

“The way we have been able to make a profit is from the strong support of a number of local businesses such as solicitors Treadwell Gordon, Morgans Property Advisors, Skelsey Plasterers and Stumpies stump grinding services who have all been with us from the start.

“Another of our foundation sponsors has been real estate agents Carol and Mike Lewis from Team Lewis Innovation Real Estate in the Rangitikei. They saw the value in raising their profile with feature advertising in the magazine and on the website.

“Now that we are starting to get traction, we are attracting other innovative agents like Kelly McKee from Arizto Real Estate which recently opened in Whanganui offering a flat-free service.”

*Established in 2020, whanganuimansions.co.nz is a free online real estate magazine promoting houses for sale in Whanganui, Waverley, Marton and Bulls. It is published every Friday at 12pm.

Media Release 27 October 2021.

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The Property Group Limited (TPG) has been involved with the planning and strategies necessary to comply with the requirements of the National Policy Statement – Urban Development Capacity since its release in 2016. The recently released National Policy Statement – Urban Development (NPS-UD) ultimately supersides this and has outlined the new direction of urban development planning in New Zealand.

According to TPG’s Director – Planning Andrew Macleod, a key policy shift in the new statement involves functional urban environments and a stronger emphasis on intensification.

“The objectives of the new National Policy Statement are to ensure we meet our employment and housing needs, while also improving the function, affordability, and amenity of our urban areas,” he says.

TPG has 13 offices throughout New Zealand, which allows them to draw upon many skillsets and resources to assist with the NPS-UD requirements.

“We bring together a suite of planning, design, and property disciplines under one roof, allowing us to provide a broad spectrum of integrated, evidence-driven advice that meets our statutory responsibilities and clients’ needs.”

TPG has experience assisting with plan drafting for district plans, social and community infrastructure needs analysis, urban regeneration, design-led placemaking, master planning, development feasibility and interactive GIS/development capacity methodology.

We understand the need to focus growth on central areas and along transport corridors, and whilst this should be done primarily through allowing for an increase in height in these areas, we believe it also requires consideration of broader place making objectives.

“We are excited about urban development in New Zealand for Kiwis and their future needs. If we can help with your NPS-UD obligations, or you just want to have a chat, we can’t wait to speak with you.”

If you would like to know more about TPG or their services, visit propertygroup.co.nz, use the contact form, phone 04 470 6105, or email enquiries@propertygroup.co.nz.

About The Property Group
The Property Group Limited (TPG) is New Zealand’s largest independent specialist property consultancy, with 13 offices nationwide. They are proud to offer end-to-end property, planning, and development advice to enable clients to make decisions that add value to their business. From the north to the south, TPG has a variety of experts who are dedicated to providing the full property package.

Media Release 5 August 2020

Media Contact
Customer service, The Property Group (TPG)
Email: enquiries@propertygroup.co.nz
Phone: 04 470 6105
Website: https://www.propertygroup.co.nz/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=yPVct5vZoAE&feature=emb_logo

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