RealyProperty research NZ and home buying guides
Plain-English guidance for researching a property and buying a home in New Zealand — from comparable prices, LIM reports and due diligence to the Sale and Purchase Agreement and settlement.
Getting started
New to buying? Start here — finances, the process, and where to get help.
How to buy a house in New Zealand
Step-by-step guide to buying a house in NZ in 2026 — from KiwiSaver and pre-approval through to LIM, builder's report, going unconditional, and settlement.
Confused or overwhelmed buying your first home in NZ
Overwhelmed by KiwiSaver, LVR, LIMs, builder's reports and bank pre-approvals? This plain-English guide tells you what to do this week, this month, and what you can ignore for now.
How the NZ home buying process actually works
A plain-English walkthrough of the entire NZ home buying process — what happens at each stage, who's involved, what you sign, and how long each step takes.
Property research
Research a property properly before you commit to an offer.
Property research in NZ
Property research in NZ: check comparable sales, council information, hazards, the title, neighbourhood and likely ownership costs before you buy.
How to compare house prices in NZ
Learn how to compare house prices in NZ using recent comparable sales, price per square metre, property condition, location and total ownership costs.
Your team
Who does what, who works for you, and what each professional costs.
Due diligence
Everything to check before you go unconditional — don't skip this.
Due diligence checklist NZ
Use this NZ property due diligence checklist to track the LIM, building report, title, insurance, finance and agreement conditions before going unconditional.
LIM report explained: NZ buyer's guide
What is a LIM report in NZ? Learn what it contains, how much it costs, how to order one, and why Auckland buyers should keep the property file too.
Building report NZ: pre-purchase guide
Building report NZ guide: what a pre-purchase inspection covers, typical costs, how to choose an inspector and what to do with the findings.
How to do due diligence when buying property in NZ
Step-by-step guide to running due diligence when buying property in New Zealand — timing, order of checks, how to read each report, and how to make the go/no-go call before your deadline.
Making an offer
How offers work in NZ, from private negotiation to auction and the contract.
Conditional vs unconditional offers (NZ)
Conditional offers give you an escape clause; unconditional ones don't. Here's when to use each, what the risks are, and how to make a stronger offer in NZ.
Sale and Purchase Agreement NZ
Understand the NZ Sale and Purchase Agreement: conditions, deposit, settlement, chattels and the checks buyers should complete before signing.
Auction vs negotiation vs tender — NZ property sale methods
Confused by NZ property sale methods? Plain-English comparison of auction, negotiation, tender, and deadline sale — what each means for buyers and which to approach (or avoid).
Finance
KiwiSaver first home withdrawal and getting your purchase funds ready.
Mindset
The emotional side of buying — because it's harder than people admit.
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