Cross Lease Conversion
Thinking About Converting Your Cross Lease Property to Freehold in Auckland?
Many properties in Auckland are held under cross lease titles, meaning multiple owners share undivided ownership of the land as tenants in common. While this is a common title type, it often comes with legal and practical limitations. By converting your cross lease to freehold, you can gain full ownership of your section, simplify future renovations, and potentially increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell. Understanding your rights and the benefits of freehold conversion is key to making informed decisions about your property.
How Does Cross Lease Conversion Work in Auckland?
To convert a cross lease property to freehold, the land must be subdivided and new legal boundaries established, allowing each owner to hold their own individual title. This process transforms shared ownership into exclusive freehold ownership, removing the limitations often associated with cross leases.
The steps involved in a cross lease conversion are very similar to those in a standard subdivision. A detailed breakdown is available on our Subdivision page, but a simplified overview is provided below for your convenience.
FAQs
1. What is a cross lease property and why should I convert it?
A cross lease is a shared ownership structure where multiple owners lease parts of the same land. Converting to freehold gives each owner full ownership of their land and building, eliminating shared decision-making and improving property value.
2. Is it mandatory to convert a cross lease to freehold?
No, it’s not mandatory — but many property owners choose to convert to avoid disputes, simplify renovations, and improve resale value. Banks and buyers often prefer freehold properties for their clarity and independence.
3. How long does a cross lease conversion take?
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on council processing times and the complexity of your property. This includes surveying, resource consent, legal documentation, and title registration.
4. Do all cross-lease owners need to agree to convert to freehold?
Yes, in most cases, unanimous agreement is required among all cross-lease owners because the process involves altering shared legal rights. Legal advice is recommended to handle shared ownership issues smoothly.
5. How much does it cost to convert a cross lease to freehold?
The cost varies depending on the property layout, number of units, and council requirements. It generally includes surveying, resource consent, legal fees, and LINZ charges. Contact us for a free, tailored quote.
6. What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right that allows a person or entity to use another person’s land for a specific purpose, even though they don’t own the land. Easements grant certain rights to the holder without transferring full ownership of the property.
If your property has a shared wall, an easement provides the right to ensure the maintenance and structural integrity of that common wall. If you have shared driveways or turning areas, A right of way easement defines which parts are shared and which are private, clarifying usage.
Also, cross lease properties often share drainage connections. In order to subdivide your property, you would need a new wastewater connection for each house on the site. Drainage easement permits water to flow across a property for drainage purposes
Cross Lease Conversion Process – Simplified
We start with a topographical survey to map your site and assess building coverage and landscaping—key requirements for your resource consent. Based on this, we design a Scheme Plan showing the proposed boundaries and easements.
Next, we lodge the resource consent application and coordinate with the Auckland Council, which typically takes around 20 working days.
Once approved, we complete a Land Transfer Survey, mark new boundaries, and prepare all required documents for Council certification and LINZ approval—all handled by our Licensed Cadastral Surveyor.
For a free quote, or to book a complimentary one-hour consultation, please contact us.
