Unit Plan
The official survey plan registered with LINZ that defines individual units, common property, and accessory units in a unit title development.
What is a Unit Plan?
A unit plan is the registered survey plan that establishes a unit title development under the Unit Titles Act 2010. It defines the boundaries of each individual unit (principal units), any accessory units (such as car parks or storage lockers), and the common property shared by all owners.
The unit plan includes floor plans showing the boundaries of each unit, site plans showing the overall development layout, and supplementary record sheets with detailed measurements. Each unit is given a unique identifier that appears on its certificate of title.
Unit plans are prepared by licensed cadastral surveyors and must comply with the Rules for Cadastral Survey and the Unit Titles Act. Once registered with LINZ, the unit plan creates the body corporate and establishes the ownership entitlements and utility interest allocations that determine each owner's share of costs and voting rights.
Why It Matters for Due Diligence
When buying a unit title property, review the unit plan to confirm exactly what you're purchasing. Check the boundaries of your unit — in apartments, for example, do you own to the interior surface of the walls, or to the centre line? This affects who is responsible for maintaining walls, windows, and balconies.
Also check the ownership interest and utility interest schedules. These determine your share of body corporate costs and your voting power. A unit with a higher utility interest pays a larger share of levies.
How to Check
The unit plan is registered with LINZ and referenced on the certificate of title. Your lawyer should obtain and review the full unit plan, including supplementary record sheets. The body corporate's pre-contract disclosure statement will also reference the unit plan and provide ownership and utility interest details.
If the development has been modified since the original unit plan (e.g. units added or reconfigured), check that an amended unit plan has been registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a unit plan and a flats plan?
A unit plan is for unit title properties (governed by the Unit Titles Act 2010) and defines individual units, common property, and accessory units. A flats plan is for cross-lease properties and shows building footprints and exclusive-use areas. They serve similar purposes but for different title types.
What does 'utility interest' mean on a unit plan?
Utility interest is a percentage allocated to each unit that determines its share of body corporate operating costs (levies) and voting rights on ordinary matters. It's usually based on the relative size or value of each unit. A larger unit typically has a higher utility interest and pays more in levies.
Related Terms
Unit Title
GlossaryA form of property ownership for apartments, townhouses, and other multi-unit developments where each owner holds title to their individual unit and shares ownership of common property.
Body Corporate
GlossaryThe legal entity made up of all unit title owners in a multi-unit development, responsible for managing common property and shared affairs.
Survey Plan
GlossaryAn official plan prepared by a licensed cadastral surveyor that defines the legal boundaries and dimensions of a property.
Common Property
GlossaryThe shared areas of a unit title or cross-lease property that all owners have the right to use and are collectively responsible for maintaining.
Exclusive Use Area
GlossaryA specific area of shared land on a cross-lease or unit title property that is designated for the sole use of one owner.
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