Land Information Memorandum (LIM)

What is a LIM and do I need one?

A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is an official report from Manawatū District Council that provides information we hold about a property, including risks, services, and planning details. It is a collation of records from Council databases at the time the LIM is issued.

Most people request a LIM when buying or selling a residential, commercial, or rural property. It helps you understand important details and potential risks before making a final decision.

It is important to make sure a LIM is the right option for you. If you only need specific documents, such as building plans or consent records, you may need a Property File instead.

When do I need a LIM?

A LIM helps you make informed decisions by identifying known issues, risks, and restrictions based on Council records before you buy, sell, or develop a property.

You may need a LIM if you are:

• buying or selling a property
• applying for finance, as banks often require a LIM
• working with a lawyer during a property transaction
• wanting to understand any risks, restrictions, or conditions that may affect a property

A LIM can help you:

• confirm that buildings and structures on a property, such as decks, conservatories, spa pools, and fireplaces, have the appropriate approvals
• understand potential development restrictions and whether your intended use of the land is feasible
• identify known hazards, such as areas prone to ponding or flooding
• avoid issues with unauthorised building work, which may affect insurance or require costly remediation

What information is included in a LIM?

A LIM includes information held in Council records about a property at the time the report is issued, in accordance with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

This may include:

• property details such as the official address and legal description
• the property’s government valuation and a summary of rates and water account information, including any outstanding amounts
• building information, including consents, code compliance certificates, and building warrants of fitness
• planning information, including zoning, designations, District Plan rules, and any protected features such as heritage items or trees
• subdivision and development information
• information on stormwater, wastewater, and water services recorded by Council
• known natural hazards, such as flooding, erosion, slippage, subsidence, or the potential presence of hazardous substances
• any relevant licences, registrations, notices, orders, or requisitions affecting the land or buildings
• any other information Council considers relevant or has been notified about

Important to know

The information in a LIM is based on Council records and is not the result of a physical inspection of the property.

There may be other information about the property that Council is not aware of, such as unauthorised or unconsented building work. This means some issues may not be included in the LIM.

If a property or information is marked as confidential, the amount of information that can be released may be limited.

A LIM does not provide full details of all building or planning restrictions that may apply to a property.

If there is unconsented or unrecorded building work, this may become the responsibility of the new owner and could affect insurance or require costly remediation.

We recommend that you also inspect the property and seek independent professional advice, such as from a building surveyor or structural engineer, where needed.

How to apply for a LIM

What happens after you apply

After submitting your application:

• you will receive a confirmation email
• we will review your application and contact you if needed
• payment instructions will be sent
• once payment is received, processing begins
• your LIM will be emailed to you when complete

Costs and timeframes

Fees

LIM fees for 2025/26 are:

• Residential: $362
• Commercial: $408

A full list of fees and charges is available on the Fees and Charges page.

Timeframes

LIM requests are completed within 10 business days.

The 10 working day timeframe starts after your payment has been received and processed, so please factor this into your timeframe.

Delays in processing payments can occur if payment details do not match your application.

Payment information

Payment instructions are provided after you submit the form and your application has been reviewed.

You can pay by:

• online banking (bank transfer)
• online payment (credit or debit card)
• in person at Council offices

Please include the correct reference details when making payment so your payment can be matched to your application.

Incorrect or missing references may delay processing.

If you are unsure about payment details, contact us.

Common issues to be aware of

• Applying for a LIM when a Property File is needed
• Not including the correct payment reference details when paying
• Assuming processing starts before payment is received
• Applying for a property outside the Manawatū District. Check that your property is within the district before applying: Rates Property Search | Manawatū District Council

If you wish to withdraw your application, contact us as soon as possible. A cancellation fee may apply if work has already started.

We are currently unable to provide an urgent LIM service.