Thinking of Selling

Planning to sell

Start with the why — and the where-to

Why are you selling? Your reason sets your priorities — top price, quick sale, or a settlement date that fits your next move.
Where will you go? Sell first (budget certainty, maybe a gap to bridge) or buy first (no gap, but possibly two mortgages)? Most people sell first or make their purchase conditional on their sale.
When? Well-presented homes sell year-round — your own timeline usually matters more than the season.
What's it worth? Get a market appraisal early — free, evidence-based, and it turns guesswork into planning. (Start here.)

Think about your finances

The costs of selling

Agent's commission — agreed up front, usually paid from the deposit once the sale goes unconditional.
Marketing — agreed in advance; payable even if the property doesn't sell, so be comfortable with the plan.
Legal fees — mortgage discharge, the agreement and settlement.
Getting sale-ready — repairs, tidy-ups, maybe staging. Usually the best-returning money you'll spend.
Moving costs — plus overlap accommodation if dates don't line up.

Your mortgage

Talk to your bank early — breaking a fixed-term loan can trigger break fees; porting it to your next home may avoid them. Buying before you sell? Ask about bridging finance.

Tax

Selling the family home is usually tax-free, but the bright-line rule can tax gains on a quick resale, and different rules apply to investment properties. If your situation isn't plain vanilla, an accountant is cheap certainty.

Build your support team

Lawyer first

Involve your property lawyer before you sign anything — agency agreement included. They'll handle the title, any pre-emptive fixes (like an old un-consented carport), and settlement.

Your agent

Choose real results in your area, a marketing plan they can justify, and an appraisal backed by comparable sales — not just the biggest number in the room. Check any agent's licence at rea.govt.nz; our reviews are public at what our clients say.

The practical people

Tradies for pre-sale fixes, a gardener, maybe a stager. Your agent should have a trusted list — coordinating this is part of what we do.

One thing to do this week: get an appraisal. Even 12 months out, knowing the number — and what would lift it — lets you plan everything else.

← Guide overview Next: Preparing to sell →

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always get independent advice before signing anything. See also the Real Estate Authority's settled.govt.nz.