Buying guide

Mortgage sales NZ: What buyers need to know

Is it an opportunity or a risk?

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 6 May 2026 | 4 min read
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AI summary

A mortgagee sale is when a lender sells a property due to mortgage default. While potentially offering a lower price with less competition, these sales carry significant risks for buyers.

The sale agreement heavily favours the bank, with no vendor warranties on the property's condition or chattels. The sale can be cancelled before settlement, and vacant possession isn't guaranteed.

Protecting yourself requires extensive due diligence. It is crucial to engage a solicitor to review all documents and understand the heightened risks.

What is a mortgagee sale?

How are mortgagee sales different for buyers?

The good

The bad

Make sure you get good advice from a lawyer with experience in mortgagee sales if you're buying one.

How to protect yourself when buying at a mortgagee sale

You can specifically search for mortgagee sales on TradeMe - just use the keyword function.

Buyer beware

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer