Frequently asked questions

Our standard hold period is one week, but this is on a case-by-case basis and we will always try our best to work with you.

Yes. Many of our sections are available for purchase before titles are issued. This allows you to secure your preferred section early while the development is still being completed. Settlement will then take place once the title has been issued and all conditions of the Sale & Purchase Agreement have been satisfied.

Talk to our sales team about sections available by contacting sales@urbanestates.nz

The standard deposit is 10% of the purchase price. However, we understand every purchaser's circumstances are different, and we're happy to discuss alternative arrangements where required.

Title is the legal record confirming ownership of the land. Settlement is the date the purchase is completed, the balance is paid, and ownership of title is transferred to you. Settlement takes place once titles have been issued.

Titled sections: The remaining balance is due on the agreed settlement date, which is usually 15 working days from confirmation, as outlined in your Sale & Purchase Agreement.

Untitled sections: The remaining balance is due once the title has been issued and settlement takes place, in accordance with your Sale & Purchase Agreement.

The timing of title issuance varies between stages and depends on the completion of civil works and Council approvals. Once the Section 224(c) certificate has been issued by Council, the title is lodged with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for issue. The processing time with LINZ is typically around 5–10 working days, although timeframes may vary. An estimated title timeframe can be provided at the time of purchase.

Yes. You are welcome to choose any builder.

Once your section has been issued with title, you can apply for building consent. Construction can begin once your building consent has been approved and issued by the Council.

Building must commence within two years from the date title is issued. 

Yes. Your landscaping plan will be reviewed as part of the Developer Approval process to ensure it meets the requirements of the Broadfield Grange Design Guide and Covenants. Once your home is complete or occupied (whichever comes first), all street-facing landscaping must be completed within two months. Your property must then be kept neat and tidy, with lawns maintained and landscaping complying with the Design Guide. Please reach out to approval@urbanestates.nz for any enquiries.

Yes. A remedial bond of $2,000 is held. Once all landscaping and external works have been completed, please get in touch with us at approval@urbanestates.nz to arrange a Developer Approval Bond Inspection. If the works meet the required standard, the bond will be refunded. Items that will be reviewed are: completed landscaping as per approval; fences stained; berm reinstatement: and footpath and kerb damage.

Covenants are in place to ensure a high-quality, well-maintained community while helping protect the value and appearance of every property.

Yes. The development will include two reserves, providing open green spaces for residents to enjoy. One of the reserves will also feature a playground for the community.

Yes. The development is located close to a primary school and has a preschool located within the development, with local shops nearby. There are currently no public bus services within the development but road widths have been designed with future public transport services in mind.

Yes. Household domestic pets are permitted. However, livestock and similar animals, including goats, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, and beehives, are not permitted within the subdivision. Pets should also be kept in accordance with any applicable Council bylaws and are to be managed responsibly to avoid causing a nuisance to neighbours.

Our friendly team can help with any questions you may have. Please contact us at

docs@urbanestates.nz

Yes. You may fence your property, provided the fencing complies with the subdivision covenants, Design Guide, and Selwyn District Council requirements. Internal boundary fences may be up to 1.8 metres in height and must be constructed from new timber or Colorsteel panels. Any fencing visible from the road or other public areas may require additional approval, and existing fences, trees, or shrubs installed by the Developer within 3 metres of the road must not be removed or relocated without the Developer's prior written consent.

Yes. You may have one garden shed on your property, provided it is no larger than 10m², no more than 2.4 metres high, is constructed from new materials, and is not visible from the road. If you are planning to build a sleepout or other detached building, please contact Urban Estates before proceeding, as it will need to comply with the subdivision covenants, Design Guide, and any applicable Council requirements.

Yes, as per Council guidelines.

Yes. You may keep a caravan, motorhome, boat, or similar vehicle on your property, provided it is not used for accommodation and is stored in a garage or appropriately screened so it is not visible from the road. All vehicles must also be parked on a formed driveway or designated parking area, not elsewhere on the property.

Duplexes are only permitted on dual service sites, subject to compliance with the subdivision covenants, Design Guide, and all applicable Council requirements.

Once the agreement is countersigned it will be sent to our lawyer for processing. The agreement will then enter the due diligence period, during which time any conditions outlined in the contract are worked through. Once all conditions have been satisfied, the agreement becomes unconditional and will proceed to settlement in accordance with the agreed terms.

While you're waiting for titles, we recommend choosing a builder, working with them to prepare concept plans, and submitting your plans for Developer Approval. This will help ensure you're ready to apply for building consent once your title is issued.

A soil report  provides information about the ground conditions of your section. It helps your builder and engineer determine the appropriate foundation design for your home, ensuring it is safe, compliant, and suited to the site conditions. Most builders will require this report before construction begins.

A flood assessment outlines the potential flood risk for your section based on council requirements and engineering assessments. It provides information on matters such as expected flood levels, minimum floor levels, and any design requirements needed to help protect your home from flooding and ensure it meets regulatory standards.

Before choosing a builder, take the time to research your options to find one that suits your budget, design preferences, and timeline.

Yes. Urban Estates works with a range of reputable building companies. We're happy to put you in touch with several builders so you can compare your options and find the one that best suits your needs, budget, and style. Just get in touch with our team.

Your section will be provided with connections for water, wastewater (sewer), power, and fibre, ready for your builder to connect as part of your home construction.

In addition to the purchase price of the land, you should budget for the construction and landscaping of your home, as well as costs such as legal fees, Council consent fees, utility connections (where applicable), and any upgrades or extras you choose to include. Your builder will be able to provide a detailed estimate based on your plans and specifications.

Developer Approval is the process of Urban Estates reviewing your house and landscaping plans to ensure they comply with the subdivision covenants and Design Guide before construction begins. This helps maintain the quality, appearance, and value of the development for all residents.

Developer Approval ensures your home and landscaping plans comply with the subdivision covenants and Design Guide, helping maintain a high-quality, consistent neighbourhood and protect the value of all properties within the development.

To apply for design approval, you'll need to provide a site plan, floor plans and elevations, details of the exterior materials and finishes, a landscaping plan, and your proposed fencing design (including colours and an example image) and renders. Depending on your proposal, we may also request additional information to ensure it complies with the Design Guidelines.

We aim to review completed design approval applications as quickly as possible. Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the proposal and whether further information is required. Submitting a complete application with all required documentation will help avoid delays.

Yes. If you wish to make changes to your approved plans after receiving Developer Approval, you must submit the proposed changes to approval@urbanestates.nz for review and approval before proceeding with construction. This ensures any amendments continue to comply with the Design Guide and approved design intent.

Yes. Download these from the website or contact approval@urbanestates.nz

Land covenants are a set of rules registered on the title of your property that outline the standards for building and landscaping within the development. They help protect the quality, appearance, and long-term value of the neighbourhood by ensuring all homes are built to a consistent standard.