Buying a Home

Finding the right home starts with knowing what you need, what you can afford and what is available. Whether this is your first purchase or your next move, a clear plan helps you compare properties and act with confidence.

Start with the way you want to live

Separate your must-haves from your preferences. Think about household numbers, accessibility, work space, parking, outdoor maintenance and how long you expect to stay. Visit an area at different times and try the journeys you will make regularly. Check school enrolment zones directly with the school rather than relying on an address description.

Understand your budget

Speak with your lender or mortgage adviser early. Allow for legal advice, property reports, insurance, moving and any immediate work, as well as the purchase price. Ask what conditions apply to pre-approval and what the lender needs for the particular property. Pre-approval does not automatically make every offer safe to make unconditional.

First-home buyers can use Settled’s first-home resources and check any KiwiSaver withdrawal or lending eligibility with the relevant provider. Check the current rules for your circumstances before including assistance in your budget.

Search and compare

Browse current listings and open homes, then tell a salesperson your preferred areas, budget and priorities. Ask how they can keep you informed about suitable properties and agree the contact that works for you. Compare recent similar sales as well as asking prices; differences in condition, land, title, aspect and layout can matter.

Do the property checks before you commit

• Have your lawyer review the title, ownership type, easements, covenants and agreement.
• Review the LIM and council property file, including consents and any alterations.
• Arrange an independent building inspection and specialist advice where needed. Ask whether you can rely on a report supplied by someone else.
• Confirm insurance availability and any conditions or exclusions with an insurer.
• Understand the chattels, boundaries, shared access and ongoing obligations. Unit titles and cross leases need their own careful checks.

For Christchurch homes, ask about earthquake claims, repairs, engineering advice and any outstanding work. A record of a claim is a starting point for questions, not proof that a home is unsuitable or that every repair has been completed. Match the documents to the actual property and discuss them with the right professionals.

Use Settled’s property research guidance to plan your enquiries.

Making an offer or bidding

Find out the sale method, any deadline and whether the seller may consider an early offer. Get legal advice before signing and have any conditions drafted for your circumstances. Compare the price, deposit, settlement date and chattels together. Do not assume a verbal understanding changes the written agreement.

For an auction, complete your due diligence and confirm finance before bidding. Read our auction preparation guide and follow the deposit and settlement terms in the actual auction documents.

From agreement to keys

Keep in touch with your lawyer and lender about conditions and the funds needed for settlement. Arrange a pre-settlement inspection to check the agreed condition, included chattels and any agreed work. Report concerns promptly to your lawyer and salesperson. Confirm insurance and moving arrangements, and wait for confirmation that settlement is complete before collecting the keys.

Ready to start looking? Meet the Cashmere team or call 03 337 5024 to talk through your requirements.