The land governance cost on co-ownership: A study of the cross-lease in New Zealand

Abstract

Higher land-use intensity can be achieved by subdividing the land or by subdividing the structure built on it. The former avoids co-ownership but is subject to topographical constraints, whereas the latter (e.g. apartment units) uses each unit of land more efficiently but entails management of the common parts. This study examines a hybrid approach to subdivision, known as “cross-lease” in New Zealand, where land is co-owned, and each co-owner singly and separately holds his or her structure (a detached or semi-detached house) through a very long lease. The delineation of boundaries and the maintenance of communal resources relies on self-governance. From the owners’ perspective, how well do..