RealyWhere to get help buying a house in NZ — without paying for advice you don't need
Buying a house in NZ is one of the most stressful financial decisions you'll ever make, and there's no shortage of people offering to help. The problem is knowing which help is free, which is paid, which is independent, and which is just sales. This guide breaks down every source of help — from Kāinga Ora's free first-home advice through to lawyers, brokers, and buyer's agents — and tells you when to use each one.
Free help — start here
- Sorted.org.nz — independent, government-funded calculators for mortgages, KiwiSaver, and budgets. No sales pitch, no commission.
- Kāinga Ora — First Home Grant team — call 0508 935 266. They'll confirm your eligibility for the First Home Grant, First Home Partner, and First Home Loan in one call, free.
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) — free advice on tenancy, contracts, and disputes with agents.
- Community Law — free legal information (but not a replacement for a property lawyer at signing).
- Tenancy Tribunal & Real Estate Authority (REA) — REA's rea.govt.nz is the go-to for complaints about agents and for free buyer information sheets you must legally be given before signing.
Paid professionals — what each one actually does
| Who | What they do | Who pays | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate agent | Markets and sells the property — works for the seller, not you | Seller (commission) | 2.5–4% of sale price |
| Mortgage adviser / broker | Compares loans across multiple banks, handles the application | Lender (commission) | Usually free to buyer |
| Property lawyer / conveyancer | Reviews the contract, title, and LIM; handles settlement | You | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Building inspector | Inspects the house and writes a NZS 4306 builder's report | You | $500–$900 |
| Valuer | Independent registered valuation (sometimes required by lender) | You | $600–$1,200 |
| Buyer's agent | Searches, shortlists, and negotiates on your behalf | You | $5,000–$15,000 flat, or 1–2% |
| Insurance broker | Sources house and contents insurance (especially in EQC/flood zones) | Insurer (commission) | Usually free to buyer |
Two important things most buyers miss: the agent legally works for the seller, even when they're friendly to you; and mortgage advisers usually cost you nothing because banks pay them — there's almost no reason not to use one.
Which order to engage them
- Mortgage adviser — first, to know your real budget. Free.
- Lawyer — choose one before you find a property, so you can send agreements over within hours, not days.
- Building inspector — once you have an accepted conditional offer.
- Insurance broker — during due diligence (insurance pre-approval is often a deal-breaker in flood or coastal areas).
- Valuer — only if your lender requires it, or if you're worried you're overpaying.
How Realy helps you keep this all in one place
Realy is a free workspace built for NZ home buyers. You add your lawyer, broker, agent, and building inspector to a single shared deal, with private chats, document storage, a due diligence checklist, and a timeline that tracks every condition and deadline. Instead of WhatsApp threads, email chains, and lost PDFs, everyone sees the same status. Start a deal free →
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a lawyer to buy a house in NZ?
Yes. Only a lawyer or licensed conveyancer can legally lodge the transfer with LINZ and run the settlement funds through a trust account. They're also the only person legally permitted to advise you on the contract — the real estate agent cannot.
Is a mortgage adviser really free for buyers?
In almost all cases yes — the lender pays the adviser a commission when the loan settles. A handful of advisers charge a separate fee for complex cases (e.g. self-employed with multiple income sources); always ask up front.
Should I use a buyer's agent in NZ?
Buyer's agents are still rare in NZ but growing. They make sense if you're time-poor, buying remotely (especially overseas-based Kiwis), or competing in a hot Auckland/Queenstown market. For a straightforward first home, the cost usually outweighs the benefit.
Where can I complain about a real estate agent?
The Real Estate Authority (rea.govt.nz) handles complaints under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. Complaints are free and the REA can fine, censure, or cancel a licence.
Manage your whole purchase in one place
Realy gives buyers a private workspace to track LIM, builder's report, finance, KiwiSaver, and settlement — free to start.
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