Accurately predicting future landslides is not yet practical. However, past slips are a good indication of the risk, so you can sometimes find out if your property is at risk by contacting your local council to see if there are historical slips on or near your property. Councils maintain some records, but you’re just as likely to identify the warning signs yourself:

• Changes in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
• Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.
• New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
• Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
• Underground utility lines break.
• Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
• Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
• Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

You can also check the GNS Landslide Database map to see if there have been recorded slips near your property. Bear in mind that none of these records are complete as there’s no obligation for slips to be reported.

You can find out more from EQC here https://www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared/home-buyers?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=yr%20social&utm_content=home%20buyers&utm_campaign=EQC012