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Can I buy a property without an agreement for sale and purchase?

Can I buy a property without an agreement for sale and purchase?

Most people who have purchased properties are familiar with the standard forms of agreements for sale and purchase. Section 24 of the Property Law Act 2007 (Act) specifically says that to sell or purchase property, a contract must be in writing and signed. Long gone are the days of handshake agreements - or are they?

By Kiren Narayanan - 9 Nov 2023

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Defaulting Tenants - practical steps to take when reminders go unanswered

Defaulting Tenants - practical steps to take when reminders go unanswered

In the current climate we are seeing more of our landlord clients seeking advice on their options for dealing with defaulting tenants.  In the article below, Andrea White (a Senior Associate in our Property Team) and Parsha Grant (Senior Solicitor in our Litigation Team) discuss your best course of action when your usual reminder emails and phone calls have gone unanswered.

By Andrea White - 16 Oct 2023

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New Hazards Insurance Law Set to Make a Splash

New Hazards Insurance Law Set to Make a Splash

2023 has been a watershed year for severe weather events - fortunately there is a change on the way that should help homeowners and building owners make an insurance claim. The infamous Earthquake Commission Act 1993 ( EQC Act) is facing an overhaul, now set to be replaced by the Natural Hazards Insurance Act which comes into effect from 1 July 2024.

By Darius Shahtahmasebi - 11 Sep 2023

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I bought a property with someone and now they don’t want to sell! / J’ai acheté de l’immobilier, mais mon copropriétaire ne veut pas le vendre !

I bought a property with someone and now they don’t want to sell! / J’ai acheté de l’immobilier, mais mon copropriétaire ne veut pas le vendre !

Property is a big part of our lives and it is becoming more and more common to purchase with other parties. This is often by way of a joint venture to develop property or as a way to purchase residential property and share the burden. However, there is always a risk that for whatever reason, one of the parties wants to sell or no longer wishes to be involved. What can you do if your co-owner does not want to sell?

By Kiren Narayanan - 17 May 2023

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Martelli McKegg features in Maison et Jardin (the French equivalent of House and Garden)

Martelli McKegg features in Maison et Jardin (the French equivalent of House and Garden)

Martelli McKegg's ability to assist francophone clients with their New Zealand investments is featured in a Maison et Jardin article, the equivalent of House & Garden in France with a readership of 1,148,000.

By Lee Harris - 28 Mar 2023

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Webinar for Francophone clients with assets in New Zealand

Webinar for Francophone clients with assets in New Zealand

Our French speaking team has prepared a webinar to discuss the unexpected consequences of holding assets in New Zealand when you have ties to the francophone world. This webinar explores some of the problems arising from this and the differences in New Zealand law and the laws in French Polynesia, France and New Caledonia.

Please note this webinar is conducted in French.

By Lee Harris - 16 Nov 2022

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Overseas beneficiaries and trustees – triggers for foreign tax surprises

Overseas beneficiaries and trustees – triggers for foreign tax surprises

If you have family living overseas, have you considered the foreign tax implications?  Read on, because chances are that either you or someone you know is impacted.

Historically, information was largely unavailable between tax authorities, but this is no longer the case. The new trust disclosure obligations are an example of ways that Inland Revenue can obtain further information about taxpayers, whether they live in New Zealand or overseas. Have you thought about how Inland Revenue will use that information and how it will affect your family?

By Lee Harris - 22 Jul 2022

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Children, life interests and non-residents in Wills –why are the new trust information requirements relevant?

Children, life interests and non-residents in Wills –why are the new trust information requirements relevant?

It is common for wills to delay vesting of assets until a later date (e.g. when children or grandchildren attain 25 years).  It is also common for couples in a second relationship to leave each other a lifetime interest in the family home. When either of these scenarios lasts more than two years, a testamentary trust is created.  In the majority of cases, the new financial reporting and disclosure requirements for trusts will then apply.

By Lee Harris - 27 Jun 2022

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New tax return information for trusts – what are the implications?

New tax return information for trusts – what are the implications?

Information that must now be provided alongside annual trust tax returns will come as an unpleasant surprise for many trustees and beneficiaries. There is no doubt that Inland Revenue is taking a close look at trusts to evaluate how they are being used, and to decide whether the use should be subject to tax.

By Lee Harris - 27 May 2022

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I can't get any gib! What to do if you risk penalties for late completion

I can't get any gib! What to do if you risk penalties for late completion

Supply issues in the construction industry at the moment are well known. If you're in the industry and running the risk of incurring penalties, there are things which can be done.

By Kiren Narayanan - 11 Apr 2022

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