Selling guide
Selling a House in NZ: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about selling your home in New Zealand, from valuation to settlement.
Selling your house is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or simply ready for a change, it's important to understand the full process. From working out what your home is worth to choosing the right agent and marketing it effectively, this guide will walk you through every key step.
Use it as your go-to resource for how to sell a house in New Zealand with confidence.
What we'll cover:
- Understanding Your Property’s Value
- Choosing When to Sell
- Deciding Whether to Use an Agent
- How to Sell: Methods of Sale in NZ
- Preparing Your Home for Sale
- Marketing Your Property Effectively
- Understanding the Financial Side
- Receiving Offers and Going Unconditional
- Legal Requirements and Settlement Day
The experience of selling your house will vary every time you do it and it’s your biggest asset, so you need to get this right. Here’s an introduction or a refresher of the house selling process from start to finish, laying out all the key decisions you’ll need to make during this journey.
1. Understanding Your Property’s Value
Before you do anything else, it’s essential to get a clear idea of your home’s current market value.
Where to start:
- Use a free platform like Trade Me Property Insights to track your property's estimated value over time.
- Request a free appraisal from a local real estate agent. They’ll assess recent sales in your area and provide a price guide.
- For a more detailed figure, consider a registered property valuation. This is especially useful for unique or high-value homes.
You can also read the Trade Me Property Pulse Report to monitor the current trends across New Zealand.
Research is a key and ongoing part of a successful sale.
2. Choosing When to Sell
Timing can impact your sale price and the number of potential buyers. While there's no perfect time for everyone, a few factors can help guide your decision.
Things to think about:
- Spring and early summer are usually the busiest times for property sales in NZ.
- Watch for wider market trends like interest rate changes or economic shifts.
- Think about your own plans, especially if you're buying and selling at the same time.
3. Deciding Whether to Use an Agent
You can sell your home privately, but most sellers choose to work with a licensed real estate agent. A good agent brings market knowledge, negotiation skills, and marketing tools that help you attract the right buyers.
Benefits of using an agent:
- Expert help with pricing and presentation
- Access to buyer networks and major property websites
- Support with negotiation and paperwork
- Help navigating legal and compliance steps
- To find a good fit, ask agents about their recent experience in your area, how they plan to market your home, and what results they've delivered for similar clients.
Start your search with the Find an Agent tool on Trade Me Property.
Your agent will be an integral part of your selling journey, so you need to find the right person.
4. How to Sell: Methods of Sale in NZ
Your agent will help you choose the right method of sale based on your property type, location, and market conditions.
Common options include:
- By negotiation: Buyers make offers and you negotiate.
- Auction: Buyers compete in a public auction setting.
- Deadline sale: All offers must be submitted by a set date.
- Tender: Buyers submit confidential offers that you review after the deadline.
Advertised price: You list with a set price and receive offers accordingly.
5. Preparing Your Home for Sale
Presentation is key. Buyers are more likely to offer top dollar for homes that feel tidy, well-maintained, and welcoming.
Steps to get ready:
- Complete any maintenance jobs or minor repairs.
- Declutter and remove personal items to help buyers imagine themselves living there.
- Deep clean or hire a professional cleaner to get everything sparkling.
- Consider home staging to highlight your property’s best features.
You need to get your home looking spick and span in preparation for viewings.
6. Marketing Your Property Effectively
A well-marketed home will attract more attention and generate stronger interest from buyers.
Your agent should recommend a customised marketing plan that suits your home, target audience, and budget.
Marketing essentials:
7. Understanding the Financial Side
There are costs involved with selling a property, and it’s important to factor these into your overall budget.
Costs to plan for:
- Real estate commission, usually 2 to 4 percent of the sale price plus GST
- Legal or conveyancing fees, typically $1,500 to $3,000
- Marketing costs, depending on the package
- Cleaning, staging, and maintenance expenses
- Potential bank fees if you’re breaking a fixed-term mortgage
If you’re also buying a new property, you might need to explore bridging finance or time your settlement dates carefully.
8. Receiving Offers and Going Unconditional
Your agent will present all written offers to you. They’ll also help you compare terms, negotiate if needed, and accept the offer that works best.
What happens next:
- Sign the sale and purchase agreement
- Buyer pays the deposit, usually 10 percent
- Both parties work through any conditions (like finance or building reports)
- Once conditions are met, the contract becomes unconditional
9. Legal Requirements and Settlement Day
Settlement day is when the buyer pays the remaining balance and officially takes possession of the property. This is also when keys are handed over and your sale is complete.
You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of your sale. They will:
- Manage communication with the buyer’s lawyer
- Prepare and finalise the sale and purchase agreement
- Hold the deposit in a trust account
- Complete the transfer of ownership
Selling a house in New Zealand doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right advice, a clear plan, and good support around you, you can approach the process with confidence and clarity.
Whether you're just starting out or preparing for settlement day, use this guide as your roadmap. And remember, every home sale is different. Ask questions, do your research, and lean on the professionals where needed.
*We hope this article has provided some helpful information. It's based on our experience and is not intended as a complete guide. Of course, it doesn’t consider your individual needs or situation. If you're thinking about buying or selling a property, you should always get specific advice.
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