We bought the land! Now what...

Kia ora everyone,

We've had the dream of owning more land in the countryside to house our growing menagerie of pets (plus add some more!) for years now, and COVID-19 has certainly shown us that we are more than happy to be a bit more isolated from society (we live next to a P-house and it was NOT fun being in lockdown with those creeps running their drug operations and killing our chickens with their pack of Rottweilers)... We have finally signed a contract on a 35ha block which is sub-dividable (and we'll have to subdivide it to make our investment back, plus 35ha is HUGE).

However, now we are still having to sell our house, hopefully get enough money not to need a big loan (cause banks do not like 35ha of bare land, apparently!), start a developer business, do due diligence with the holidays in the way, and then go through the process of subdividing, selling plots, and building our dream off-grid eco house - all whilst renting and watching our money run through our hands. I get heart palpitations just thinking about it...

Has anyone else here taken on a really big plan like this? How did you go? What are some of the biggest things to look for, due-diligence wise? Have you had to go for private loans, with 8-12% interest rates cause the banks didn't lend even on 75% down payment? Any advice would be much appreciated, especially if you know a good lender who's not scared of rural financing! Ngā mihi Sea

you don't mention which part of the country you are in, as rules about subdividing vary a bit. You will have to engage a private planning specialist or ask council for help and possibly get from them any similar applications so you can see what sort of wording is used.This may help you www.planning.org.nz/Folder?Action=View%2...5&File=Guerin_02.pdf

Thanks Tony! We'll be in Golden Bay so under Tasman District Council rules... it's zoned rural residential and the current owners have already lodged the subdivision into 6 lots (we'd keep two of them and build there). Theoretically, it shouldn't be too much of an issue (there's already a road that can be widened to service all 6 lots, and electricity on two of them, no phone though) but a big challenge is of course getting the bridging loan for land this big - and us falling into some kind of rural / business developer hybrid. Any insights you got would be much appreciated. Sea

ok, that's reassuring. I wonder why the owner decided to sell after getting that far? These people might help www.nelsonsections.co.nz/about-us

Golden Bay, that is a great spot to be!
I can't give you any tips, but I hope you get the development part over with fairly quickly so you can start to develop and enjoy your own block

Indeed, now what?

We have bought 2ha in Northland and are hoping to run some cattle, sheep & chickens. I would like to do regenerative farming but am having trouble finding a starting point. Any suggestions? I have grown up rurally but have limited farming experience. Any guidance on raising cattle and starting with regen ag would be greatly appreciated. If any members are up near Kerikeri who would like to share their knowledge please let me know so I can contact you. I am more of a hands-on learner than reading.

Moome wrote: Indeed, now what?... If any members are up near Kerikeri who would like to share their knowledge please let me know so I can contact you. I am more of a hands-on learner than reading.

Come and visit if you like. We're a bit over an hour away but if you don't get a better offer ...

Wonderful. I will be in touch.