McMillan&Co. Lawyers

12/03/2026

🏡 Boundary issues: what every homeowner should know

Property boundaries can sometimes be less clear than they appear. Fences, driveways, decks or even buildings may unintentionally cross a boundary line, creating what is known as an encroachment. These situations can lead to disputes with neighbours and may have legal consequences if not addressed.

Our latest article explains:
✔️ What an encroachment is
✔️ Common boundary issues homeowners encounter
✔️ What your legal options may be if a structure crosses a boundary
✔️ Practical steps to resolve issues before they escalate

If you own property, are planning renovations, or simply want to understand your rights and responsibilities, this is a helpful read.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/boundary-and-encroachment-issues-in-new-zealand-what-homeowners-need-to-know/

23/02/2026

Did you know our wonderful receptionist Penny Neilson is a reviewer for the Otago Daily Times?

Read all about her experience at Matt Joe Gow at Moons on Saturday here:

https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/music/gig-packed-out-yet-intimate

Thanks Penny for shining a light on the amazing perfoming arts scene in Dunedin.

Matt Joe Gow, Moons, Saturday, February 21. I’ll begin this by saying I am not an alt-country expert or anywhere close. However, Matt Joe Gow (as...

10/12/2025

Let's bust some common myths about conditions in agreements for sale and purchase of real estate!

If you're looking to buy or sell property, this article is a must read.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/busting-the-myths-about-conditions-in-agreements-for-sale-and-purchase/

16/11/2025

With house prices in New Zealand out of reach for many and mortgage lending criteria tightening, many young New Zealanders rely on their parents to help them onto the property ladder. The so-called “Bank of Mum and Dad” is now estimated to be one of the country’s biggest lenders.

But when money flows from parents to children, one question often comes back to haunt families: was it a gift, or was it a loan?

The answer to that question is hugely significant, not just for relationships within the family, but also for relationship property division, rest-home subsidy eligibility, inheritance, and financial security, among other things.

Read more about how the "Bank of Mum and Dad" can be safeguarded in our article linked below.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/gifts-vs-loans-from-parents-safeguarding-the-bank-of-mum-and-dad/

03/11/2025

For many people, buying a property together with friends or family is the way they get a foot onto the property ladder, but what are the pitfalls of buying together and how can they be avoided?

⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/buying-a-home-with-friends-or-family-legal-considerations-you-need-to-know/

10/10/2025

On behalf of the team at McMillan&Co. and Craigs Investment Partners, we'd like to thank all of those who attended our seminar last night. We hope you found it informative and thought provoking.

Once you've had a chance to digest and reflect on the (many) things we discussed last night, if you have any questions, or would like to kick-start plans for your own property affairs, we would be happy to assist you. You'll find contact details for each of last night's presenters in your goodie bag.

Thanks again for spending your Thursday evening with us, and we hope you all have a great Friday, and a lovely weekend.

09/10/2025

It's time to bust some myths about Enduring Powers of Attorney.

So, what are Enduring Powers of Attorney and why have them?

⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/enduring-powers-of-attorney-no-theyre-not-just-for-old-people/

30/09/2025

🎙️ Sally from McMillan&Co joined Otago Access Radio 105.5FM to chat about our upcoming seminar “From ‘I do’ to ‘What if?’” 💍➡️❓

Whether you’re newly married, in a long-term relationship, or simply want to be prepared for the unexpected, this seminar will cover the legal side of love, life, and change.

📅 Don’t miss this awesome FREE event taking place on 9th October 2025, 5.30-7.30pm at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

More information about this event is available on the event page linked to this post.

We would love to see you there!

16/09/2025

Reverse Mortgages: Financial Lifeline or Liability?

https://mcmillanco.nz/news/legal-news/reverse-mortgages-financial-lifeline-or-liability/