Buying guide

Tools to help you find your dream home

Buying property in New Zealand? These handy tools will help make the journey smoother.

Hannah Hilliam
Last updated: 23 April 2025 | 2 min read

Let’s be honest – buying a home in Aotearoa New Zealand can be a time-consuming process. But with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're just starting your search or ready to attend open homes, here are some smart ways to make the process simpler.

🏡 Property Research Tool

Know the numbers before you make a move.

Want to know what a house sold for, or what it might be worth now? Head to Trade Me Property Insights, powered by homes.co.nz, where you can check estimated market values and past sale prices for almost any home in New Zealand – even if it’s not on the market.

Get a feel for neighbourhood values and recent sale prices so you can make confident offers.

📱 Search on the Trade Me Property App

Find property on the go – anytime, anywhere.

The Trade Me app (available on Android and Apple) puts powerful search features in your pocket:

  • Save properties to your watchlist
  • Enquire about listings
  • Add open homes to your calendar
  • See sales history, council valuations & estimated values
  • Get notifications about price changes
  • Subscribe to property updates

Perfect for browsing between meetings – or school pick-up!

Learn more about how to maximise your property search.

🔍 Saved Searches

Trade Me Property’s saved search function is a game-changer. Set your preferences – like location, property type, and price range – and we’ll email you when something new pops up.

You can create as many saved searches as you like and choose how often you hear from us. Stay in the loop without lifting a finger.

📊 Property Pulse Report

Stay informed with market insights.

Keep your finger on the pulse with Trade Me’s Property Pulse Report. Updated monthly, it tracks sale prices and rental trends across 15 regions and major cities in New Zealand – giving you a snapshot of the latest market movements by property type and size.

Explore the latest trends now →

Author

Hannah Hilliam
Hannah Hilliam

Hannah is a staff writer at Trade Me, contributing to Trade Me Property. Having bought, sold, and renovated homes herself, she knows first-hand how exciting — and overwhelming — the property journey can be. With a knack for making complex topics feel simple, Hannah focuses on sharing practical, down-to-earth advice to make daunting decisions feel a little less overwhelming.