Date: 21st Jul 2020
Selling your home is a big move, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just ready for something new, we've pulled together a list of things to do when selling your house in New Zealand. From figuring out your next steps to getting the best price, this is your practical, no-fuss guide to selling smart.
Let’s dive into our top 10 tips for selling your house.
Making the decision to sell your property is a personal one, and it can depend on factors such as lifestyle changes, family needs, financial goals, or current market trends.
So, to start, clarify what you want to achieve from your property sale:
If you're unsure where to start, tools like interest.co.nz can give you a broader picture of financial conditions, lending trends, and buyer sentiment.
Before listing your house for sale, it's essential to understand your property's market value.
This gives you a realistic idea of what to expect and helps you plan your next steps.
How do you determine what to sell your house for?
Should you get an appraisal before selling your house? We recommend you request a current market appraisal from a licensed real estate agent or pay a registered property valuer. A real estate agent can provide insight into how your property stacks up against others in your area and what buyers might be willing to pay.
Read our blog to understand the difference between a market appraisal and a registered property valuation.
Choosing the right agent is one of the most crucial steps in the process of selling your house. You want a real estate agent who knows your local area, understands recent sales trends, and can guide you through all the legal requirements of selling a house.
You don’t have to use one, but selling your house without a real estate agent comes with challenges. Most sellers prefer the support and peace of mind a professional brings.
A good real estate agent will:
Read our blog to compare the different types of agency agreements. And if you need help finding a local real estate agency? Visit the Tremains office directory to get in touch with an experienced team near you.
There are several common ways to sell property in New Zealand, and your agent can advise which is best for your situation. The main methods include:
The right method of sale depends on current market conditions, property type, and your own comfort level. An experienced agent will walk you through the pros and cons of each.
Not sure which method is right for you? Read our blog on the ways to sell your property in New Zealand.
Presentation matters.
If you're wondering what to do before selling your house, this is the step where you roll up your sleeves.
Some of the top things you can do to your house before selling include:
How clean should you leave your house when selling? If you want to sell your house quickly, first impressions count. Buyers need to visualise themselves living in the space — not your life, but theirs.
If you're unsure how to make your house more appealing when selling, we offer practical advice and tips for selling your house fast in our blog on presenting your home in its best light.
Marketing is about making sure the right buyers see your home at the right time.
Your agent will create a customised marketing plan tailored to your property and budget.
The marketing checklist for selling your house might include:
Marketing your property effectively helps you reach more serious buyers and can lead to a faster sale at a better price. Learn more about the proven tools and tactics Tremains uses to make sure your property gets noticed in our blog post.
Once your listing goes live, it’s time to welcome potential buyers.
Open homes are a great way to show off your home and gather feedback. Your agent may also arrange private viewings to suit buyers with different schedules.
One of the best things to do when selling your house is to make a good impression, so be sure to:
Your agent will follow up with visitors, gather feedback, and provide advice on any tweaks that could help increase buyer interest.
This is where the paperwork kicks in. When someone wants to buy your home, they’ll submit a written offer using a Sale and Purchase Agreement. Your agent will present all offers to you and assist you in deciding how to respond.
You can:
Common conditions include building reports, finance approval, or the sale of another property. Offers can be conditional or unconditional, and your agent will help you understand the implications of each.
Can you pull out of selling your house? Only if conditions aren’t met. Once an agreement is reached, both parties sign the legally binding contract, and the process moves toward settlement.
With an offer accepted, your property lawyer steps in to manage the legal side. They’ll:
Yes. A lawyer or conveyancer is essential for handling legal documents and transferring ownership.
So, what happens on settlement day? This is the final step in the process of selling your home, when ownership changes hands, and the balance of the purchase price is paid.
Your lawyer will confirm receipt of the money and then release the keys to the buyer. It's a big day—but once everything is signed off, you can celebrate a job well done!
Need help understanding the lingo? Our glossary of real estate terms breaks down all the key terms.
Properties listed by experienced, vetted real estate agents are currently spending an average of 29 to 31 days on the market in 2025. This can vary depending on location, season, and the method of sale.
Yes, but this is a crucial thing to consider when selling your house. Some homeowners choose to buy first so they can move straight into their next home. However, this can create financial pressure if your current property doesn't sell quickly. If you’re considering this approach, consult with your mortgage advisor about bridging finance or other lending options, and ensure you're clear about your borrowing limits.
How does selling your house work when you’re still paying the mortgage? You will continue to pay it until the settlement day. After that, your mortgage is cleared using the sale proceeds.
It depends on your situation. If the property you’re selling is your main home, you typically won’t pay tax on the profit. Is selling your house considered income? If you bought the property with the intention of resale, or you're selling an investment property within the bright-line period, you may need to pay income tax on any gains.
How long after settlement do you get paid? Funds are typically transferred to your account on the day after the transaction is completed.
Thinking about putting your property on the market? Work with the local experts who live and breathe New Zealand real estate. Tremains will guide you from free appraisal to settlement, making sure you achieve the best price with zero fuss. Contact us or request your free property appraisal and get moving today.