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There are other things, mostly to do with the quality of the building, that might sway your decision, and it’s your responsibility to check these out. This is usually after signing the agreement, but in the period that you have for due diligence research.
The items mentioned below are just my personal opinion. Other matters could be more important to you.
Asbestos
Asbestos in any building is bad news. It poses a health risk (long term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer) and if possible should be avoided. It is costly to remove and only registered companies can remove it.
Atmospheric Corrosion
As with any island nation, much of New Zealand is affected by moisture and sea winds. We are in the path of the Roaring Forties, and with high humidity and long wet periods (particularly in the Auckland region), corrosion can be severe on the coast and also in the geothermal areas. Good property maintenance deals with this quite easily.
Borer
Borer in New Zealand is easy to treat and is not nearly as aggressive as those in the U.K. and Europe. Most of the character homes have some borer in the timberwork. The round pinholes of the borer in the wood are easy to detect.
The two-tooth borer leaves a larger oval shaped hole. If you see these it is best to get professional advice from the property check inspector about the extent of the damage.
Central heating
Central heating is not common in New Zealand. Modern houses have underfloor heating or gas heating whereas the older homes have log burners only in the main living areas, perhaps supplemented with electric heaters.
Condensation
Condensation on windows could indicate poor ventilation, which can cause health problems (for example, asthma). But if you’re buying a sound home, this shouldn’t be a concern and your property inspector/surveyor can soon tell you if there’s any problem by checking the moisture content in the framing.
Double-glazing
Double-glazing is relatively new in New Zealand, although it is becoming more common as people realise its advantages. If double-glazing is not specifically mentioned in advertising or on the Internet, assume there is none.
Swimming pool fencing
Swimming pools can be a real bonus, but do ask the property surveyor to check if there is a permit for it before you buy. All outdoor pools (swimming and spas/jacuzzis) must be fenced, so if there is none, you will have to bring it up to standard. And if the rules change, you are obliged to meet those new standards.
Heating fuels
Fuel type examples are electricity, coal, wood, piped gas, bottled gas. There are companies in New Zealand charging for gas lines even if you don’t use the gas. Make sure you get a written undertaking from the owner that there are no gas charges for that specific home.
Fungi
In many homes, the timber has not been protected against fungi, which grows on wet timber. Their fine roots will dissolve the starches and sugars in the timber, which will become dry and brittle and disintegrate. This can do a great deal of damage, and is expensive to put right. Dry Rot causes the most damage. Wet rot is more localised in wet areas.
Natural Hazards
Natural disasters can strike anywhere in the world at any time.
"To be alive at all involves some risk.”
Harold Macmillan
Rot
Rot is the infestation of fungi in timber. Dry rot is a very serious problem. But, yes, it can be detected and a property check/survey is essential.
Termites
Termites are not a problem in New Zealand.
Trees
Most homeowners appreciate trees for their shade and aesthetics, as well as the value they can add to the worth of a property, but take care if they’re close to the house. Their roots can lift the foundations and cause damage to the structure of the home, paths and driveways. If this is case, the roots can continue to affect the foundations even after the trees are removed.
However, before you get out the chain saw, check - old trees, particularly native trees, that are considered important to the landscape can often be officially protected. This will show on the LIM (land information memorandum) report which you will see before you purchase a property.
Uneven floors
An uneven floor could be a sign of serious problems with the piles (yes, it is an awful word but that’s the name of those timber or brick stumps under the foundations). Ask the property surveyor/inspector to refer to this in his report and ask for an estimate on how much it will cost to put it right.
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