The whole buying journey in plain English — the same way we'd explain it across the kitchen table.
The buyer journey
Click into any stage for the detail, or start at the beginning and work through.
Get clear on your goals, work out what you can afford, sort pre-approval and line up your support team — lawyer, lender and insurer — before you start looking.
Read the full stage → 2Understand the different property types and forms of ownership — freehold, cross-lease, unit title — and learn what to look for (and ask) at open homes.
Read the full stage → 3Found one you like? Time for homework: the LIM, the title, a building inspection, and checks for leaky-home risk, problem materials and natural hazards.
Read the full stage → 4Confirm your finance, understand the sale and purchase agreement, and learn how auctions, deadline sales, negotiation and multi-offers each work.
Read the full stage → 5Offer accepted — congratulations! Here's how to plan the pre-settlement inspection and settlement day so you pick up the keys without any surprises.
Read the full stage →Before you dive in
Once both parties sign a sale and purchase agreement and any conditions are met, you must complete the purchase — there's no cooling-off period. Do your research before you commit, not after.
Lawyer's fees, a LIM and a building report feel like big spends — but next to the cost of buying the wrong house, they're the cheapest insurance you'll ever get.
Buying in Selwyn or Christchurch? We're happy to talk you through the local market and how the process works — no strings attached. Call Tait on 027 410 2527 or Ferg on 027 608 4768.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always get independent advice from your lawyer before signing anything. Helpful independent resources include the Real Estate Authority's settled.govt.nz and sorted.org.nz.
Tell us what you're after and we'll keep you in the loop when the right property comes up.