Due diligence checklist
A simple framework for investors assessing newbuild and off-plan property in New Zealand before going unconditional.
Understanding due diligence
Buying a newbuild or off-plan property is one of the largest financial decisions most New Zealanders will ever make. Yet the information most buyers receive before signing comes almost entirely from parties with a financial interest in the outcome.
This checklist is designed to change that. It covers the key due diligence steps every investor should work through before going unconditional on a newbuild or off-plan purchase - from contract review and developer assessment through to build specification, rental verification, and location risk.
It is not exhaustive, and it is not a substitute for professional advice. For contract matters, always engage a solicitor. For finance and tax, speak with a mortgage broker and accountant. For independent investment analysis — cashflow, growth profile, build quality scoring, and location and risk assessment — a Paragon rating covers the data-intensive side of due diligence that this checklist cannot.
Use this as your starting framework. Work through each section before committing, and go unconditional only when you can honestly answer yes to every item in the final checklist.
You can see how independent investment analysis works in our property comparison.