Frequently asked questions

300+ sections.

Our standard practice is one week, but this is on a case-by-case basis and we will always try our best to work with you.

Yes. Many of our sections are available for purchase before titles are issued. This allows you to secure your preferred section early while the development is still being completed. Settlement will then take place once the title has been issued and all conditions of the Sale & Purchase Agreement have been satisfied.

Contact our sales team to discuss your requirements and budgets and they can discuss what sections are currently for sale, and what future opportunities are available. Please contact the team at sales@urbanestates.nz

The standard deposit is 10% of the purchase price. However, we understand every purchaser's circumstances are different, and we're happy to discuss alternative arrangements where required.

Title is the legal record confirming ownership of the land. Settlement is the date the purchase is completed, the balance is paid, and ownership is transferred to you. Settlement takes place once titles have been issued.

Titled sections: The remaining balance is due on the agreed settlement date, which is normally 15 working days from confirmation, as outlined in your Sale & Purchase Agreement. Untitled sections: The remaining balance is due once the title has been issued and settlement takes place, in accordance with your Sale & Purchase Agreement.

The timing of title issuance varies between stages and depends on the completion of civil works and Council approvals. Once the Section 224(c) certificate has been issued by Council, the title is lodged with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for issue. The processing time with LINZ is typically around 5–10 working days, although timeframes may vary. An estimated title timeframe can be provided at the time of purchase.

Yes. You are welcome to choose any builder or we can make recommendations if that is helpful.

Once your section has been issued with title, you can apply for building consent. Construction can begin once your building consent has been approved and issued by the Council.

Building must commence within two years from the date title is issued.

Yes. Your landscaping plan will be reviewed as part of the Developer Approval process to ensure it meets the requirements of The Hamptons Design Guide and Covenants. Once your home is complete or occupied (whichever comes first), all street-facing landscaping must be completed within two months. Your property must then be kept neat and tidy, with lawns maintained and landscaping complying with the Design Guide. Please reach out to approval@urbanestates.nz for any enquiries.

Yes. A remedial bond of $2,000 is held. Once all landscaping and external works have been completed, please get in touch with us at approval@urbanestates.nz to arrange a Developer Approval Bond Inspection. If the works meet the required standard, the bond will be refunded. Items that will be reviewed are: completed landscaping as per approval; fences stained; berm reinstatement; and footpath and kerb damage.

Covenants are in place to ensure a high-quality, well-maintained community while helping protect the value and appearance of every property.

Yes. The development includes two reserves, providing open green spaces for residents to enjoy. One of the reserves will feature a community playground, pump track, and a range of other recreational amenities, creating a vibrant space for families and the wider community to enjoy.

Yes. The development includes a primary school and preschool, with local shops nearby. There are currently no public bus services within the development.

Yes. Domestic pets are permitted, provided they comply with the subdivision covenants and all applicable Selwyn District Council requirements. Owners must not allow animals other than household domestic pets (and the term “household domestic pets” does not include goats, sheep, horse, pigs, poultry and beehives) to be kept on the Lot.

Our team is happy to answer any queries you may have. Contact us at docs@urbanestates.nz

Yes. You may fence your property, provided the fencing complies with the subdivision covenants, The Hamptons Design Guide, and all Council requirements. Internal boundary fences must not exceed 1.8 metres in height, and any fencing fronting a road, reserve, right of way, or shared access requires Developer approval.

One garden shed is permitted, provided it complies with the subdivision covenants. It must be no larger than 10m², no higher than 2.4 metres, constructed from new materials, and not visible from the road. Any sleepout or additional detached building should be discussed with the Developer and must comply with the Design Guide, subdivision covenants, and all Council requirements.

Yes, as long as you adhere to Council guidelines.

Any boats, trailers, caravans, motor homes or similar objects on the Lot must not be parked or stored within reserves, open spaces, green corridors, road corridors, street parking bays or road verges. They must be parked or stored exclusively within the confines of their respective Lot. No boat, caravan, motor home or similar can be used for accommodation whilst on the Lot. 

Duplexes are only permitted on dual service sites, subject to compliance with the subdivision covenants, Design Guide, and all applicable Council requirements.

Once the agreement is countersigned it will be sent to our lawyer for processing. The agreement will then enter the due diligence period, during which time any conditions outlined in the contract are worked through. Once all conditions have been satisfied, the agreement becomes unconditional and will proceed to settlement in accordance with the agreed terms.

While you're waiting for titles, we recommend choosing a builder, working with them to prepare concept plans, and submitting your plans for Developer Approval. This will help ensure you're ready to apply for building consent once your title is issued.

A soil report  provides information about the ground conditions of your section. It helps your builder and engineer determine the appropriate foundation design for your home, ensuring it is safe, compliant, and suited to the site conditions. Most builders will require this report before construction begins.

A flood assessment outlines the potential flood risk for your section based on council requirements and engineering assessments. It provides information on matters such as expected flood levels, minimum floor levels, and any design requirements needed to help protect your home from flooding and ensure it meets regulatory standards.

Before choosing a builder, take the time to research your options to find one that suits your budget, design preferences, and timeline.

Yes. Urban Estates works with a range of reputable building companies. We're happy to put you in touch with several builders so you can compare your options and find the one that best suits your needs, budget, and style. Just get in touch with our team.

Your section will be provided with connections for water, wastewater (sewer), power, and fibre, ready for your builder to connect as part of your home construction.

In addition to the purchase price of the land, you should budget for the construction and landscaping of your home, as well as costs such as legal fees, Council consent fees, utility connections (where applicable), and any upgrades or extras you choose to include. Your builder will be able to provide a detailed estimate based on your plans and specifications.

Developer Approval is the process of Urban Estates reviewing your house and landscaping plans to ensure they comply with the subdivision covenants and Design Guide before construction begins. This helps maintain the quality, appearance, and value of the development for all residents.

Developer Approval ensures your home and landscaping plans comply with the subdivision covenants and Design Guide, helping maintain a high-quality, consistent neighbourhood and protect the value of all properties within the development.

For Initial Approval, you will need to submit a completed application form, site plan, floor plan, elevations, a schedule of the proposed exterior materials, perspective renders, and details of any proposed non-compliances with the Design Guide or covenants. For Final Approval, you will need to submit a completed application form, site plan, floor plan, elevations, landscape plan, letterbox design, fencing design, a schedule of the proposed exterior materials, perspective renders, and details of any proposed non-compliances with the Design Guide or covenants.

The Hamptons Design Panel aims to review completed Developer Approval applications and provide a response within 5 working days. If additional information is required or the application is incomplete, the review timeframe may be extended until the requested information has been provided.

Yes. If you wish to make changes to your approved plans after receiving Developer Approval, you must submit the proposed changes to The Hamptons Design Panel for review and approval before proceeding with construction. This ensures any amendments continue to comply with the Design Guide and approved design intent.

Yes, these are accessible on the website or contact approval@urbanestates.nz

Land covenants are a set of rules registered on the title of your property that outline the standards for building and landscaping within the development. They help protect the quality, appearance, and long-term value of the neighbourhood by ensuring all homes are built to a consistent standard.