The costs of checking a house
Most of the cost of due diligence is spent before you know whether you’ll buy. If a building report or LIM turns up a problem, you walk away, and that money is gone. Buyers who miss out at auction or are outbid often pay for reports on two or three houses before they buy one.
| Check | Typical cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Council LIM report | $300–$560 | Before or during the conditional period |
| Building inspection | $400–$1,000 | Before auction, or as a condition |
| Registered valuation | $700–$1,200 | If your bank asks for one |
| Methamphetamine test | $150–$400 | Often with the building inspection |
| Lawyer (conveyancing) | $1,500–$2,500 | Once you buy |
| Title search | $8–$50 | Your lawyer usually does this |
Prices are typical Auckland ranges and vary by provider and property.
Spend less on houses you don’t buy
A quick screen first means you only pay for the full checks on houses that pass. Our free summary shows flood, coastal, ground and planning issues for any Auckland address straight away.
Questions
Do I need a LIM if I’m buying at auction?
Auctions are unconditional, so you need to do all your checks, including the LIM, before auction day. The agent may have a LIM you can read, but it may be out of date.
Do banks need a building report?
Not usually, but most lawyers and lenders strongly recommend one. Some banks need a registered valuation.