Auckland property files and LIM reports explained

What is a property file?

A property file holds the council’s building records for an address. It often includes:

• Building and resource consents issued for the property
• Plans and drawings submitted with those consents
• Code compliance certificates and inspection records
• Drainage plans

It is the best place to find original plans, which help when you want to know whether a wall is load-bearing or where the drains run.

What is a LIM report?

A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is a formal report on what the council knows about a property. It covers more than building records, including:

• Zoning and other planning information
• Known hazards, such as flooding, erosion or land instability
• Consents, certificates and notices
• Rates, and stormwater and wastewater information

Buyers often order a LIM before purchase. Auckland Council must issue a LIM within 10 working days.

Which one do you need?

• Planning building work and want plans or consent history: start with the property file.
• Buying a home or want a full summary of hazards and council records: order a LIM.
• Want both checked against your project: use our council records review.

Let us review it for you

Already have your LIM or property file? Add a council records review ($49 per order) to your property check. A person reads your documents alongside the check and points out anything that affects your project, such as unconsented work, past conditions or hazards.

Find out if you can do it →

Common questions

How do I get my Auckland property file?

Order it online from Auckland Council. Check the council website for current fees and timeframes.

Does a LIM show unconsented work?

Only if the council knows about it. A LIM can’t show work the council has no record of, so compare it with what is on the site.

Related guides

• Removing a wall
• Adding an ensuite
• Building consent exemptions guide