Buying a house in Central Otago isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a lifestyle one. 

Whether you're settling in Alexandra, eyeing a section in Cromwell, or upgrading to a lifestyle block near Omakau, purchasing property here comes with its own unique quirks.

In a fast-paced and competitive market like ours, it’s more important than ever to get solid legal advice right from the get-go.

Get legal advice before you sign anything

Even if it’s “just a conditional offer,” always check in with your lawyer before signing any Agreement for Sale and Purchase.

You’d be surprised how many buyers skip this crucial step and get caught out later.

If you're buying at auction or making an unconditional offer, it's even more vital — once your name is on the dotted line, you're committed.

We’ve seen enough local deals go sideways to know that reviewing the agreement upfront can save you a mountain of stress (and cost) down the line.

What conditions should you include?

If you're making a conditional offer, your lawyer will help you include smart conditions to protect your interests, such as:

• Finance approval (especially if you're working with a bank or mortgage broker)
• A building inspection, to check for hidden problems like dampness or poor workmanship
• A LIM report, so you know what the Council knows about the property
• Due diligence, giving you time to review title issues, insurance, zoning or even sun hours!

These clauses are your safety net — they give you time to make sure the home fits your needs and doesn't come with any nasty surprises.

Understanding the title and what comes with it

Every property in Central Otago comes with its own history — and that includes legal baggage.

Our property lawyers will review the record of title and check for:

• Easements (e.g. shared driveways or accessways across neighbouring land)
• Land covenants, which can limit things like what you build or even what colour you paint your home
• Consent notices, especially common on newer subdivisions, requiring you to follow Council-imposed rules
• Cross-lease or unit titles, which come with extra documents and legal responsibilities

If you’re buying a unit in Cromwell, or considering a home in an older subdivision in Clyde, these details can make or break the deal. We’ll walk you through the fine print so nothing’s left to chance.

Using KiwiSaver for your first home? We’ve got you covered

If you’re a first home buyer (and good on you — it’s a big step), you might be eligible to use your KiwiSaver funds toward your deposit or final settlement.

We’ll guide you through the process and liaise with your provider to make sure everything is squared away on time.

Avoiding local pitfalls: know what to watch for

It’s not just about ticking boxes — it's about knowing what can go wrong, especially here in Central Otago. We regularly help clients steer clear of issues like:

• Unconsented building work, which can delay settlement or require expensive fixes
• Boundary issues (common in older Alexandra properties)
• Vague or outdated easements, which can lead to future disputes with neighbours
• Defective cross-leases or incorrect flats plans, which may affect finance and insurance

By involving your lawyer early, you avoid last-minute headaches and ensure you’re buying what you think you’re buying.

Local lawyers who know Central Otago inside out

At Checketts McKay Law, our team has walked thousands of locals through the property buying process. We understand the local Council rules, the quirks of Otago land titles, and even the seasonal pressures of the market.

Whether you’re buying:

• a house in Alexandra close to the Rail Trail,
• a new build in Clyde,
• or a rural lifestyle block around Earnscleugh or Chatto Creek,

We're here to give you straightforward, friendly legal support that makes the process less stressful and more successful.