Why Are Surveys Expensive?
Why Does It Cost $8,000 to Put Four Pegs in the Ground? We hear a version of this question a lot: “it’s only four pegs, why does it so much?” It’s a fair question, and one that deserves a proper answer, not a shrug and an invoice. The short version is that you’re not paying for four pegs. You’re paying for the legal certainty behind them. If all […]
Title Types
Freehold, Interim and Limited Titles If you’re thinking about subdividing, developing, or buying property, one of the first things worth checking is the title. Most people think of a title as simply proof of ownership, but it can tell you a lot more than that. The title details potential boundary issues, restrictions, easements, covenants, and other matters that may […]
Subdivion Delays
Common Subdivision Delays If there’s one thing we’ve learned after working on thousands of subdivisions, it’s that delays rarely come out of nowhere. Most projects don’t stall because of one big problem, they slow down because a handful of predictable issues weren’t identified early enough. However, with the right advice, most of these problems can be spotted before a consent is even lodged. A large part of our job isn’t just preparing surveys and […]
Minimum Lot Sizes
Note: Information stated is accurate at the time of writing. September 2026 How Many Lots Can I Subdivide My Land Into? “How many lots can I subdivide my land into?” is one of the most common questions we get, and it’s also one of the most poorly answered questions online. Search it and you’ll find plenty of sites stating a fixed national number, sometimes even claiming there’s a legal minimum […]
What Does A Planner Do
What Does a Planner Do? If you’re considering a subdivision of your property, locating a building close to a boundary, a rural business, or any development that needs council approval, a planner is one of the first people worth talking to. Their job is to work out what rules and planning standards apply to your property, identify potential issues early, and find […]
Covenants
Covenants Explained If you’re buying land, considering subdivision, or reviewing a title, you’ll likely come across the word covenant at some point. Most people have a rough idea it means “some kind of restriction,” but aren’t sure exactly what it commits them to. A covenant is a legal restriction or obligation attached to land. It might restrict certain activities, protect an environmental feature, control future development, or protect […]
LiDAR
What Is LiDAR and Why Do We Use It? Seeing Beyond What the Eye Can See When most people think of drone surveying, they picture aerial photographs. Photography is useful and has its place, but there are situations where an image alone doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s where LiDAR comes in. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses […]
Drones In Surveying
Why We Use Drones for Surveying Many people are surprised the first time they see a drone flying over a property during a survey. The most common question we get is simple: “why not just use traditional survey equipment?” Actually that’s not true. The most common question is “How long does it fly for” followed by, “Looks […]
Resource Consents Explained
Resource Consents Explained: What Property Owners Need to Know If you’re planning a subdivision, or any development that doesn’t fit within council’s regulatory process, you’ll become familiar with resource consenting. It’s the Councils process that determines if your project is approved and whether your project is allowed to go ahead. Understanding how it works, and what happens after you get approval, makes a difference to how smoothly a […]
Cross Lease vs Freehold
Cross Lease vs Freehold: What’s the Difference? If you’re buying property, or thinking about renovating or developing one, you’ve probably heard the terms cross lease and freehold. Both are legitimate forms of ownership, but they work quite differently, and the difference can define what you’re able to do with a property. Understanding which one you’re dealing with early helps avoid surprises later. What Is a Freehold Title? Freehold, also called fee […]