Changes to LIM Report regulations
What is a LIM Report?
A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) Report is an official document issued by your local council. It provides a consolidated summary of information relevant to a specific property, enabling purchasers and owners to make informed decisions.
Key Information Included in a LIM Report
A LIM report typically contains:
- Natural Hazards: Known risks such as flooding, liquefaction, coastal hazards, landslides, and wind exposure
- Consents and Permits: Details of the building consents and resource consents granted for the property
- Zoning Information: zones and overlays the property is within under the District Plan
- Drainage Plans: Layout and connections for water, stormwater, and wastewater
- Compliance Requirements: Any outstanding issues or notices
- Other Relevant Land Information: Additional data the council considers important.
Can You Rely on a Vendor-Provided LIM Report?
If a LIM report is supplied by the vendor or real estate agent, consider:
- Date of Issue: The information is only accurate as of the date the report was prepared
- Council Obligation: If you did not purchase the report directly, the council has no contractual obligation to you to ensure the information is correct.
If you are unsure, we recommend speaking to your lawyer, legal executive, or conveyancing practitioner.
Key Changes to Natural Hazard Disclosure
On 17 October 2025, the Local Government (Natural Hazard Information in Land Information Memoranda) Regulations 2025 came into effect. These regulations impose new requirements on councils regarding natural hazard information in LIM reports.
LIM reports must now include a dedicated natural hazards section:
- This section must comply with section 44B of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
- Information must be presented in a clear, understandable format, including the impact of climate change on the land.
Councils are not required to:
- Prepare individual risk assessments for the property
- Conduct further analysis of the land
- Search for additional hazard information beyond what is required under section 44B.
Why This Matters
These changes enhance transparency and help property buyers and owners better understand potential risks. However, councils are not responsible for providing detailed risk assessments. If you require a comprehensive evaluation of natural hazards, seek professional advice.
Need Assistance?
Our property law team can guide you through the process of obtaining and interpreting a LIM report, ensuring you understand the implications for your purchase or ownership.
Contact Saunders & Co for expert property advice.