Buying in Birdlings Flat: what should you check about water supply?
Check water connections, tank use and the local new-building storage rule before buying in Birdlings Flat, with recent Addington sale examples.
We are proud to partner with the All Blacks and Black Ferns
Learn More
Learn More
News
What stays with a Christchurch home when you buy it?
A fridge in the photographs is easy to remember. Whether it will still be there when you move in needs a separate check. When buying a Christchurch home, ask which items are included, identify them clearly and have your lawyer check that the agreed inclusions and exclusions are recorded before you sign.
Start that conversation at the viewing, while you can point to the item. A marketing description can help you form the question; it is not a substitute for checking the actual sale agreement.
Two recent Addington sales show why the detail matters
Ray White Addington’s published record for 2/62 Elizabeth Street, Riccarton, records a sale on 23 October 2026. Its advertising expressly described a whiteware package. That is a useful prompt to ask exactly which appliances are included, rather than treating “whiteware” as a complete inventory.
The office’s record for 15 Lambeth Crescent, Northcote, also records a sale on 23 October 2026. Its description emphasised a new kitchen and renovated finishes. Attractive kitchen presentation and an express appliance package tell you different things; neither tells a reader the private terms ultimately agreed by the parties.
These are examples recorded as sold by the Addington office, checked on 24 October 2026. We have not inspected their signed agreements and are not describing either buyer’s contractual entitlements.
Turn a vague description into a useful item list
For each shortlisted home, make a short note with four columns: the item, where it is, what you have been told, and what still needs confirming. For appliances that matter to your move, record enough detail to distinguish them from another model. Ask permission before taking photographs or testing anything.
Useful questions include:
- Which fridge, dishwasher, washing machine or dryer is included?
- Are any pictured furnishings or appliances staging items or expressly excluded?
- Are there known faults, missing parts or agreed exceptions to discuss?
- Which remotes, controls and relevant operating information will be handed over?
For buyers moving out of a rental or replacing an older appliance, this can also prevent unnecessary purchases or removal bookings. Keep your shopping list provisional until the inclusions are clear.
Check the agreement before making the commitment
Settled’s sale-and-purchase agreement guidance identifies included chattels, such as whiteware and curtains, as agreement details. Ask your lawyer to check the item list, exclusions and any condition that matters to you before signing. Do not assume every agreement uses identical terms or that an informal conversation resolves an unclear inclusion.
Take the same list to the pre-settlement inspection
Arrange access through the salesperson and bring the agreement. Settled’s settlement-planning guidance recommends checking that listed chattels are present and working, subject to any documented agreement otherwise. Raise missing items or new problems promptly with your lawyer; ask them how to proceed rather than deciding on your own to change a payment or settlement arrangement.
Keep this inclusion check alongside the wider property investigation in our Buying Guide. It does not replace condition, title or other checks.
Ask the people who handled the examples
Ali Ahmadi is named on both sale records, and Basil Rodrigues is also named on Elizabeth Street. For a home currently for sale, contact its named salesperson with your item questions and ask for the current documents. The selling salesperson acts for the seller; your lawyer advises you on your agreement.
Sources and sale records checked 24 October 2026.
Share: