Real estate agents have received updated guidance about when methamphetamine contamination should be disclosed during property transactions.
The Real Estate Authority (REA), the independent government agency that regulates licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand, published the guidance to provide greater clarity and consistency across the property sector.
The REA reviewed its previous guidance from 2018 following the introduction of the Residential Tenancies (Managing Methamphetamine Contamination) Regulations 2026, which came into force in April.
REA Chief Executive Belinda Moffat said the authority sought technical advice on health risks from the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, as well as feedback from real estate sector representatives.
The updated guidance is consistent with the new tenancy regulations and provides additional direction for real estate licensees who encounter properties affected by methamphetamine contamination while carrying out real estate agency work.
Disclosure helps buyers make informed decisions
The REA said the changes are intended to protect consumers while giving real estate professionals greater clarity about their responsibilities.
Ms Moffat said the circumstances of individual properties would vary, meaning licensees would still need to exercise good judgement when determining how to respond.
However, the underlying principle is that buyers need access to relevant information when making decisions about a property, including information about potential risks.
For buyers, methamphetamine contamination may therefore be an issue that emerges during their property search and needs to be considered alongside the many other factors involved in a purchase. The updated guidance is designed to support a more consistent approach when real estate professionals encounter affected properties.
Having their finance organised early is also important for buyers, particularly because property purchases don’t always proceed exactly as expected.
Property purchases don’t always proceed exactly as expected, particularly when new information emerges during the transaction. Should a finance question arise for one of your buyers along the way, you’re always welcome to put them in touch with us.
