Property sale and purchase

Important to get the GST component right

Generally speaking, GST on a property sale and purchase between two GST-registered entities results in a ‘GST neutral’ position for both the seller and the buyer. It’s essential that the sale and purchase agreement contains the correct wording, particulars and information in respect of the GST position of the parties to the agreement.

If, however, the parties to the agreement have not correctly recorded their respective GST positions, it can result in a situation where a GST liability is triggered. This can mean the seller would effectively receive a 15% reduction of the contracted purchase price (as they may have to return 15% of the purchase price to Inland Revenue). Or, a buyer may end up having to pay an additional 15% on the purchase price if the agreement turns out to be ‘plus GST’.

Latest Property Speaking

In this issue:

• Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common – How do we choose?
• Mortgagee sales – how to avoid one
• Being the surviving spouse – some options
• A reminder: buyers beware of GST zero-rating

‘Tis the season to be giving…or is it?

Following the abolition of gift duty on 1 October, we publish a special edition of Fineprint here.

You may be considering whether to complete your gifting programme in one fell swoop – or perhaps not.

Everyone has their own reasons for establishing a trust, and your own individual situation will be unique to you and your family. Completing your gifting programme in its entirety may not be the best step for you.

Do get in touch with us so we can talk about the best path forward for you and your particular circumstances.

Latest Rural eSpeaking

Today we publish the Midwinter issue of Rural eSpeaking; we hope you enjoy reading it. If you would like to talk further about any of the topics covered in this edition, please don’t hesitate to contact us. In this issue we have articles on:

· Selling the Farm to Foreigners: Overseas Investment Act 2005

· Occupational Safety and Health: The rural perspective

· Over the Fence: Increase in GST – Lack of ease in easements – Building a house on bare land: GST implications