Wellington City Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Wellington City Council governs New Zealand's capital city, with a population of approximately 215,000. The city is known for its steep terrain, coastal exposure, and significant earthquake risk — all of which are critical considerations for property buyers.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
You can order a Wellington City Council LIM online through their website. Standard processing takes 10 working days, with an urgent option available for faster turnaround.
Wellington LIMs include particular detail on earthquake-prone building status, which is critically important in this seismically active city. They also cover building consents, zoning, flood risk, land stability, and contaminated land.
Given Wellington's terrain and earthquake history, pay close attention to any notes about land stability, ground shaking amplification, and earthquake-prone building notices.
District Plan Zones
Wellington's District Plan is currently being reviewed. Key existing zones include:
- Residential: Inner Residential, Medium Density Residential, Outer Residential
- Centres: City Centre, Metropolitan Centre, Town Centre, Neighbourhood Centre
- Special areas: Character Precincts, Heritage Areas
The proposed new District Plan significantly increases density allowances, particularly in inner suburbs and near transport corridors.
Natural Hazards
Wellington's natural hazard profile is significant:
- Earthquakes: Wellington sits on the Wellington Fault and is near several other active faults. This is the city's most significant natural hazard.
- Land instability: Steep terrain and clay soils make landslips common, particularly during heavy rain.
- Flooding: Several streams and rivers create flood risk in valley areas.
- Tsunami: Low-lying coastal areas face tsunami risk.
- Wind: Wellington is one of the windiest cities in the world, which affects building design and comfort.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Wellington City Council's Building Services team. Standard processing targets 20 working days.
Earthquake strengthening is a major consideration in Wellington. Many buildings have been identified as earthquake-prone and may require strengthening work. This is disclosed on the LIM and through council records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a building is earthquake-prone in Wellington?
The LIM report will disclose earthquake-prone building notices. You can also check Wellington City Council's register of earthquake-prone buildings online. Any building with a rating below 34% of New Building Standard (NBS) is classified as earthquake-prone.
What is leasehold land in Wellington?
Some Wellington properties are on leasehold land, particularly those owned by the Wellington Tenths Trust (Māori land). The buyer owns the buildings but leases the land, paying an annual ground rent. Lease terms and rent reviews vary — always get specialist legal advice.
Get the Full Picture on Any Property in Wellington
Shire analyses your LIM report and other documents so nothing gets missed.
No commitment required · Start free