Buying guide

What to Look for at an Open Home

Check out our open home tips for buyers.

Last updated: 23 April 2025 | 8 min read

Attending open homes is a major step in the home-buying process – and whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. From spotting hidden issues to asking the right questions, here's your ultimate guide to open homes in Aotearoa.

A little guide to open homes

Open Home Tips for Buyers

If you’re actively house hunting, open homes will likely fill up your weekends. Here’s how to make the most of every viewing:

Add open homes to your calendar: On Trade Me Property, you can now save open home times directly to your preferred calendar (Google, Apple, Outlook etc.) with just one click – making it easier to stay organised and avoid clashes.
Group by location: Plan your visits suburb by suburb so you’re not zig-zagging across town.
Attend early in the campaign: Visiting in the first weekend gives you time to revisit or get a head start on your due diligence.
Take notes: Bring a pen and notebook or use your phone to jot down impressions. Grab brochures if available – they’re great for comparisons later.

Your Open Home Checklist

1. Check the Neighbourhood First

Your scrutiny of the property's suitability should start way before you walk through the door. Ask yourself:

Does the suburb suit your lifestyle, family, and commute needs?
How close are schools, shops, public transport, and parks?
What’s the general condition of nearby homes?

Tip: Research the suburb online and ask the agent about local amenities and demographics.

2. Inspect the Exterior

Give the outside of the home a thorough once-over:

Parking: Is there off-street parking? What are the local street parking rules?
Sunlight and shade: Are trees blocking natural light? What’s the home’s orientation?
Garden and upkeep: Is the landscaping low maintenance, or will it be a chore?
Condition of cladding, roof, and gutters: Check for cracks, rot, and signs of damage.
Paths and access: Is the home easily accessible for all family members?
Windows and exterior paintwork: Wooden frames? Check for rot or peeling paint.
Underfloor: Look for piles, insulation, signs of damp or musty smells.

Give the exterior a thorough look over as part of each open home.

3. Take Your Time Inside

Don’t be shy about opening cupboards or checking fixtures. You’re buying a home, not browsing at a market.

Floors and carpets: Are they level? Any signs of water damage?

Plumbing: Test the taps, toilets and showers – you’re checking pressure and flow.

Heating, insulation, and glazing: What keeps the home warm or cool?

Ceilings and walls: Watch out for sagging, mould, or cracks.

Power and gas: Try light switches, check power outlets, and test gas hobs.

Doors and windows: Do they open and close properly? Any draughts?

Storage: Is there enough cupboard space, a usable attic or laundry setup?

Layout: Does the home suit your lifestyle? Consider things like WFH space, flow between rooms, and flexibility.

Security: Are there locks on windows, deadbolts, or a security system?

Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions when viewing a home.

Questions to Ask the Agent at an Open Home

1. Are any reports available?

Ask the agent if they have any of the following documents:

LIM report (Land Information Memorandum): This provides council records on the property, including zoning, consents, drainage and more – helping you spot potential red flags.

Building inspection reports: These can reveal structural issues, weather tightness concerns, or hidden damage that may not be visible during a viewing.

Title details: This confirms ownership and highlights any covenants, easements, or rights of way that may affect the property.

Valuations: An independent valuation gives you a clearer picture of the property's market worth and helps you make a fair offer.

Even if reports are available, always do your own due diligence – a second opinion from your own experts could uncover issues others may have missed.

2. Do you know of any current or historical issues?

Legally, real estate agents in New Zealand must disclose any known problems. Follow up by asking:

Have other buyers done building inspections?
If yes, did they still proceed with an offer? If not, why?

3. Why are the current owners selling?

This can help you gauge how motivated the vendors are. If they’ve already purchased another property or paid for extensive marketing, chances are they’re serious sellers.

4. What is their ideal settlement date?

Knowing their timeline can help you tailor your offer to suit both parties – especially if you’re flexible, which may give you an edge over other buyers.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

Buying a home is as much about how it feels as how it functions. Does the home feel right for you? Can you picture your life there?

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a complete guide, as it doesn’t consider your individual needs or financial situation. Trade Me accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies or omissions in the content. Always obtain independent legal advice before buying or selling property.

Author

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.