What's your home worth?

In New Zealand, real estate agents are required by law to give you a written appraisal before you agree to work with them. This is called a current market appraisal (CMA), and it's based on things like:

• The agent's knowledge of the area
• Sale prices for similar properties in the suburb
• The characteristics and condition of your home

Just a heads-up: you might get a range of different valuations from agents. That’s because part of the CMA comes down to each agent’s personal opinion of your home’s standout features.

Request an appraisal here.

If you're looking to sell privately (without a real estate agent), you can ask a registered valuer to provide you with an independent valuation. While it does cost a bit, the report tends to be more detailed than an agent’s estimate, giving you extra confidence when setting a price — whether you’re selling, refinancing, or just curious about your property’s worth.

At the end of the day, what your home is worth comes down to the market — how many people are looking to buy and how attractive your place is in terms of location and condition. And since things can change pretty fast, even within six months, it pays to stay in the loop.

Check out our Property Price Index to see what’s happening in your region. It’s based on data from properties listed on Trade Me Property over the last three months, so you’ll get a feel for the latest trends in prices by property type and size.

1. Capital Value (CV)

This is the likely price a property would sell for at the time of a revaluation. It’s based on the property’s combined land value and improvements value but doesn’t include any chattels that may be included in the sale of the property.

Keen to see how your property stacks up? Compare the CVs of similar properties for sale in your area.

2. Rateable Value (RV)

Your home’s rateable value (RV) is what the council uses to figure out your rates. If you’re using this number to help price your property, keep in mind they only update these values every three years. So, any upgrades you’ve done since the last review won’t be included.

Wondering how it all works? Find out how RVs are calculated and how they affect your rates.

3. Registered Valuation

A registered valuer will give you an up-to-date market value of your property — but you’ll need to cover the cost. It’s a handy tool when you're selling — if the registered value comes out higher than your property’s CV, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate a better price with buyers.

Find out exactly what property valuers are looking for.

4. Rebuild Value

This is what insurance companies will ask for when you insure your home. If it’s destroyed and needs to be replaced, how much would it cost to rebuild? Insurance companies usually have calculators to help you work out an approximate rebuild value.

Learn how they calculate house insurance in NZ.

5. Land Value

The most likely selling price of the bare land at the date of valuation. It includes bare land and development including drainage, retaining walls and levelling.

Compare current land listings in New Zealand.

6. Improvement Value

The difference between the capital value and land value. This includes the value of the buildings, other structures and any landscaping.

Find out how to improve your property to increase the sale price.

1. How can I increase my home’s value before selling?

Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, sprucing up the garden, and making small improvements in the kitchen and bathroom can work wonders. For more in-depth ideas, check out our guide to DIY upgrades that can add value to your home.

2. Should I sell my home privately or through a real estate agent?

Selling on your own can save on fees, but real estate agents know the market inside and out and can negotiate like pros, potentially scoring you a better price. It’s a tough choice. If you’re leaning towards the DIY route, check out our article on how to sell privately on Trade Me to help you figure out what’s best for you.

3. When is the best time to sell my home?

Spring and summer are often the golden months for selling because homes look their best then. But it’s not just about the seasons — things like buyer demand and your personal situation matter, too. Talk to your local real estate agent so you can make a smart move.

4. How important is home staging?

A well-staged home makes a killer first impression and helps buyers picture themselves living there, which can lead to higher offers. But that doesn't mean you have to fork out — see our top tips for home staging on a budget.

5. How do I choose the right real estate agent?

You want someone who knows the area, has great reviews and has successfully sold homes like yours. So, don't be shy — ask about their marketing strategies and how they plan to showcase your home. Our blog on picking the right real estate agent has some handy tips to help with the selection process.

6. What are the hidden costs when selling a home?

Besides the agent's commission, you'll need to think about legal fees, moving costs, and maybe some marketing expenses like photography and staging. Here's a breakdown of all the hidden costs.