LIM - Land Information Memorandum

What is a LIM?

A LIM Report is a written report from the Council to the applicant, providing known information (i.e. building consents/permits issued, planning consents, rating information, inundation, current valuation, drainage, water, sewage etc.) available from the Council at the time of the application relating to the site.

These are not available for viewing and must be applied for on the official LIM application form (PDF, 36KB)

To obtain a LIM report you need to complete an application form in full and provide a historical copy of the Certificate of Title with every application. Council does not hold Certificates of Title and these can be obtained by your lawyer or real estate agent.

What is a Property File Search?

Anyone can do a Property File Search (provided the file has not been marked confidential under the Building Act). The file will be given to the client to peruse at the office. A person may make notes, but photocopies of information contained within the file are not permitted, nor is taking photograph of the information on file. Files are not permitted to leave the office at any time.

This is an immediate search, and will show any consents that have been issued to the property. A property file search does not provide aerial photographs, any mapping or rating information.
 

A property file search does not contain a LIM report. LIM reports are only done once an official application and payment is received.

A property file search costs $20.00 and is charged to every person, including lawyers, solicitors and real estate agents who search a file. Information will not be provided over the telephone. Anyone wanting to search property file records will need to come into the Gore District Council Offices.

Why do I need a LIM or a Property File Search?

When you are purchasing a property you should take the time to obtain a LIM report, or at the very least check the property file out to ensure that any building consents issues are all in order and signed off and any resource consents that may affect the property are in order. If time permits you are advised to obtain a LIM report because this is a full and comprehensive written report which tells you everything that the Council knows about the property.

You are advised to view the Certificate of Title before purchasing any property. Certificates of Title contain important information, for example drainage easements, building restriction lines etc. - information that is not always known by the Council.

Costs

10 Working Day LIM $250.00
5 Working Day LIM $350.00

Price includes GST and must accompany the application for a LIM.

Important Notice

It is important to note that a LIM Report and/or a property file search only gives the information that is available to the Council. They will not tell you that work has been done without a consent/permit as Council Officers are not permitted to inspect the property. You are advised to check out the property thoroughly before searching Council records. This will assist you in comparing works done on the property to what is contained on file. If a person wishes to have a property inspected, they will need to arrange for this to be done independently.

If you have obtained a LIM report or done a property file search and are unsure about how to interpret anything, please do not hesitate to contact our Building Control Team for assistance.