Open Home Preparation in New Zealand: Complete NZ Specific Checklist
TL;DR (key facts with official NZ sources) Start with low-cost wins first: declutter, deep clean, small repairs, and street appeal usually beat last-minute big renos. See Preparing your property for sale. Prep for what buyers actually check: water pressure,…
Sell Your House Privately in NZ (2025): A Complete Step by Step Guide
TL;DR — quick checklist with official links Know the official private-sale steps: follow the government guide, “Selling privately.” Use a lawyer and the standard agreement — it sets price, chattels, dates and conditions. See Sale and Purchase Agreement guidance. …
Staging a Home for Sale in New Zealand: A Complete 2025 Guide
TL;DR Be honest in your marketing: the Fair Trading Act prohibits misleading claims or impressions in ads and listings. Consumer Protection Follow REA marketing rules for photos (accuracy, clear disclosures where needed, and correct boundary indications). The Real Estate…
How to Get a Free House Valuation in NZ (and When to Pay for One)
TL;DR A written appraisal must be provided before you sign an agency agreement, and it has to reflect market evidence — it is not a formal valuation. Settled.govt.nz Only registered valuers can issue formal valuations under the Valuers Act…
Top Mistakes Sellers Make in NZ That Lower Your Property Price
TL;DR — key takeaways Selling dates matter for tax. From 1 July 2024, the bright-line test generally considers whether your bright-line end date is within two years of your start date; seek advice before setting the list and settlement timing. Inland Revenue Expect identity and…
LIM report NZ: what it shows, costs, and how to order fast in 2025
TL;DR A LIM report NZ is a council-issued legal document with a statutory maximum 10-working-day turnaround under LGOIMA. Under section 44A of the LGOIMA Act 1987, any person can apply for a LIM and the council must provide it within 10 working days (the application…
What Affects Property Prices in NZ: 2025 Trends and Outlook
Key Takeaways Interest rates lead the cycle: The Reserve Bank cut the OCR to 3.0% in August 2025, easing mortgage costs but amid a soft economy. (RBNZ) Prices broadly flat: QV’s HPI shows values down ~0.8% over the August quarter, with the average home at…
Home Improvements to Increase Value: Best Upgrades for NZ Sellers
TL;DR Summary According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), the national median house price in June 2025 was approximately NZ$770,000, unchanged from the previous year. Kitchens and bathrooms remain top-performing improvements for increasing property value; investments in these areas frequently yield higher buyer interest…
New Zealand property valuation 2025: Complete Guide for Homeowners
TL;DR Summary National house prices stabilised in 2025, with Stats NZ reporting a median value of $790,000 in June, showing modest growth since 2023 (Stats NZ). Rateable Values (RVs) remain for rating only, with Auckland Council confirming they are updated every three years and do…