Revised Legal Frameworks for Ownership and Use of Multi-Dwelling Units

Abstract

This project was funded by the Building Research Association New Zealand (BRANZ) and the New Zealand Law Foundation. The authors consider what revisions could be made to the legal frameworks for the ownership and use of multi-dwelling units on a single piece of land. This research is important as it contributes to an ongoing discussion by policy makers and government about the potential for multi-dwelling use of urban land to support increased high density in our cities. The resulting 100,000 word report identified possible modifications of existing land tenure models in NZ (including on papakainga land). The report also assessed the potential adoption of models used in other countries. The extensive research results were launched in July 2017 at a one-day workshop which involved a number of Crown Ministers (or their representatives), senior civil servants, senior legal practitioners, and insurance, unit title, and homeowner representatives.