PHOTO: CHERIE SIVIGNON/STUFF – Peter and Sue Cederman urge people to check whether they could be liable for development contributions if they build on a vacant lot.

Sue and Peter Cederman probably shouldn’t buy a lottery ticket any time soon.

Bad luck and poor timing have plagued the couple as they strive to build a new home on a coastal site at Motueka, adding thousands to the initial expected price tag.

The Cedermans bought the “beautiful” section for their new home in 2014 via a real estate agent, not realising it carried liability for development contributions. That liability was triggered by their application to Tasman District Council for a building consent and was just shy of $20,000.

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