Cross lease to freehold
Own your land outright. Convert your cross lease to freehold.
Tens of thousands of Auckland homes still sit on cross lease titles. A freehold title gives you sole ownership of your land and buildings: no neighbour sign-offs, no defective-title surprises, and an easier sale.
- 01Outcome
- Fee simple (freehold) titles from LINZ
- 02Timeframe
- Typically 4–6 months
- 03Typical cost
- $15,000–$25,000+ per title
- 04Requires
- Agreement of all cross lease owners
01Why convert
Cross lease or freehold: the difference
Cross lease
- You own an undivided share of the land with your neighbours
- Alterations need consent from every other owner
- Extensions not on the flats plan can create a defective title
- Lease terms must be periodically renewed
- Sales can involve extra paperwork and negotiation
Freehold
- Sole ownership of your land and buildings
- Decide on renovations without other parties
- No title updates when you extend in future
- Clearly defined boundaries and easement rights
- Often easier to sell, finance or rent
02How it works
Four stages to a freehold title
- 01
Site survey
A detailed topographic survey maps services, buildings and fences.
- 02
Boundary plans
We prepare plans showing proposed boundaries and the separation of services.
- 03
Council consent
We lodge the subdivision consent application with Auckland Council, showing how each property is serviced.
- 04
New titles
Once boundaries are surveyed, new freehold titles are issued by LINZ.
03Services
Separating shared services
The consent application must show how each property is serviced (electricity, telecommunications, water supply, wastewater and stormwater) and how that continues after conversion. Shared services may need to be separated, protected by easements or, in some cases, relocated. Once new titles are issued, you never need to repeat the process, and future development options open up.
04Cost
What a conversion costs
Covers surveying, council resource consent, LINZ lodgement and legal support, assuming all existing development has been lawfully established.
Additional consents, complex services or site-specific challenges can affect pricing. A free quote confirms the cost for your property.
Get a free quoteDo I need the consent of the other leaseholders?
Yes. Converting changes the fundamental ownership structure, so every leaseholder must agree before the process can begin.
What does owning a cross lease involve?
You must comply with the lease terms, which typically require consent from all leaseholders before you modify your property. Subdivision or development cannot proceed without the other owners’ approval, and approved alterations must be added to the title plan to avoid a defective title. Leases also need periodic renewal.
What should I check when buying or selling a cross lease?
Review the lease agreement and its restrictions; check the flats plan matches the buildings on site; understand any body corporate arrangements for shared areas; have a lawyer examine the title; and confirm the property complies with council rules.
Request a quote
Get a quote for your cross lease to freehold.
Send a few details and we will come back to you with advice and a free, no-obligation quote.