Spoiler: it won’t bite—but it might save your butt.

When you’re buying your first home and someone says, “Have you got the LIM?”—you smile and nod like you know what that means.

But inside you’re like, “Is it a document? A test? A threat? Can I get one on Trade Me?”

Let’s break it down without the jargon—and without pretending you’ve done this before.

📚 LIM = Land Information Memorandum

It’s a report from the local council that tells you everything they know about a property. Think of it like a WOF for land—but with more paperwork and less chance of finding a flat tyre.

What’s in a LIM?

• Zoning (residential, rural, industrial—ya don’t want surprises)
• Resource consents (did that sleepout get signed off or is it the Wild West?)
• Drainage plans (because no one wants a mystery puddle in the backyard)
• Building permits (aka: did that deck get council approval or just Barry’s thumbs-up?)
• Hazards like flood zones, landslips, or “soil instability” (yikes)

Why It Matters (aka: Avoiding Nightmare Fuel)

A LIM can reveal:

• That the garage conversion wasn’t consented
• There’s a drain running under your future lounge
• Your dream home is in a flood zone
• Stability issues with the land

In short, it’s the stuff you want to know BEFORE you buy. Not six months in when your deck collapses and the council knocks on the door with a fine.

How to Get One

• Ask the real estate agent (that’s me, hi!)
• Or order directly from the local council
• Expect to pay around $300–$400
• Worth every cent for peace of mind

TL;DR – Get the LIM, Don’t Wing It

Even if the place looks like a dream, the LIM tells the real story.

And while I’m here for a good time and a long time, I’ll always tell you to check the facts. Because a good agent doesn’t just sell you a house—they help you buy the right one.