From section to front door

The first step is finding a section that suits your needs. The right size, orientation, position. In a new subdivision like Westhaven, sections are typically released in stages, so availability changes over time.

Once you've identified your section, you'll usually pay a small deposit to reserve it while the purchase process moves forward. This takes the section off the market so others can't buy it while you're working through the details.

What to think about at this stage:

• Section size and shape: will your intended home design fit comfortably?

• Orientation: north-facing sections can make for warmer, lighter homes

• Position within the development: proximity to parks, roads, future stages

• Budget: factor in the full cost of both the land and build costs, not just the land price.

Once you're ready to proceed, you'll sign what’s called a Sale and Purchase Agreement for the section. In a new subdivision, this agreement is typically conditional on something called a ‘title’ being issued (we’ll cover that below).

At this point it's worth having a solicitor review the agreement before you sign. It's a standard step and worth doing.

A deposit (typically 10% of the total price) is usually payable when the agreement goes unconditional, which happens when the land title is issued.

‘Titles’ or ‘unit titles’ refers to the formal legal process of subdividing land and registering individual sections with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). Until titles are issued, the sections don't technically exist as separate legal parcels of land – they're still part of the parent title.

In practical terms, titles are issued once:

• Earthworks and civil construction (roading, services) are complete

• All required council inspections have been passed

• The survey plan has been approved and registered.

Why this matters for buyers: Titles are the trigger for your purchase to go unconditional and for what’s called ‘settlement’ to occur. This is when the land becomes fully yours. But prior to this, your deposit is held safely by the land developer’s lawyer in a trust account.

When the title is technically transferred to you, you pay the balance of the deposit, you then fully own the section and can begin the build process.

The timeline from agreement to titles stages can vary significantly however your sales contact can give you a realistic window for Westhaven specifically.

Once you own the section, you have a few different ways to approach the build:

House and land package: This is where a builder has already designed a home suited to a specific section. This is often the most straightforward option, where the design work is largely done, consenting is streamlined and pricing is clear upfront. Westhaven has a panel of builders offering house and land packages across a range of styles and price points.

Design and build with a chosen builder: If you want more input into the design, you can work with a builder directly to create something tailored to your section and lifestyle. This gives you more flexibility but involves more decisions and a longer lead time.

Bring your own plans: If you already have plans from a previous project or an architect, you can engage a builder to price then construct it. Design guidelines within the development will apply, so it's worth checking these early.

Once you've settled on a package / design / builder, the next step is to obtain a building consent from Selwyn District Council. Your builder or architect will typically manage this process on your behalf.

Construction timeframes vary depending on the size and complexity of your home, but a standard new build in the current market generally takes 12–18 months from the title being issued.

During construction, your builder will keep you updated on progress. Most builders offer site visits at key stages so you can see the home taking shape. Most provide fixed prices and some even provide fixed move in dates.

When construction is complete, Selwyn Council will inspect the finished home to check it meets all required standards, then issue a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). This is the final formal sign-off before the home is yours to move into!

At this point, your mortgage draws down fully, final payment is made by your lawyer to your builder, and you get the keys.

Mortgages work differently for a new build. Rather than a single drawdown at purchase, what’s called a ‘construction loan’ is typically drawn down in stages as the build progresses. Talk to your bank or mortgage adviser early – ideally before you sign anything – so your finance is structured correctly from the start.

Build costs can change. Get your build pricing confirmed and documented as early as possible. Fixed-price contracts give you certainty; open-ended arrangements carry more risk if material or labour costs move.

Most master-planned subdivisions like Westhaven have design guidelines that govern things like building materials, colours and fence heights. They exist for good reason – mostly to maintain the quality and consistency of the neighbourhood over time. Your builder or architect will be very familiar with the ones that apply to Westhaven and can easily design your home so it complies with them.

If you're in the early stages of thinking about buying land and building at Westhaven, the best first step is to get in touch. Our team can walk you through what's currently available, what the timeline looks like, and how to connect with builders who know the development well.

There's no pressure and no obligation – just an easy conversation about whether Westhaven might be the right fit.