Pricing your property and choosing how to sell

Last updated: March 2026. Drawn from settled.govt.nz — Planning to sell and Understanding the methods of sale. Licensed agents are optional for private sellers; the REA’s public register is the place to verify an agent’s licence if you use one.

Find out what your property might be worth

Before you set a price, it helps to understand current market value. Settled.govt.nz suggests you can:

• Research online — including recent nearby sales (bear in mind data can lag or miss detail).
• Rating value (RV) — councils use RV for rates; it is not necessarily market value, especially after renovations or market moves.
• Ask agents for a current market appraisal (CMA) — you don’t have to list with them; appraisals should consider the property’s condition and comparable sales.
• Pay a registered property valuer — Property Institute (PINZ) lists registered valuers; cost varies with scope.

Presenting for the best price

Settled.govt.nz recommends presenting the property well and being cautious about major renovations solely for sale — you may not recover the spend. Timing (e.g. season) can matter depending on your property.

Methods of sale in New Zealand

Settled.govt.nz explains that advertised price, deadline sale, and by negotiation are among the most common approaches; offers are usually written on the standard sale and purchase agreement (except auction/tender, which use specific agreements). Outside an auction, buyers may make conditional or unconditional offers.

By negotiation and advertised price

Buyers can submit offers at any time (where your campaign allows). You may accept, reject, or negotiate price and conditions. If several buyers are in play, a multi-offer process can apply — sellers are not obliged to accept the highest offer.

Deadline sale

The property is marketed for a set period with an end date. You may be able to consider offers before or after the deadline depending on how you run the campaign.

Auction

Fast-paced; the property sells to the highest bidder at or above reserve (if using an agent, a sole agency is often recommended). Auction purchases are typically unconditional; special auction sale and purchase agreements apply. Pre-auction offers may be possible if your marketing allows (e.g. “unless sold prior”).

Tender

Buyers submit written offers by a deadline; offers may be conditional. You may have a short period after closing to decide; you don’t have to pick the highest bid.

Private sellers and sale method

If you sell without an agent, you choose how to advertise (fixed price, by negotiation, deadline, etc.) and you negotiate directly with buyers. Whatever method you use, settled.govt.nz stresses getting legal advice before signing an agency agreement or a sale and purchase agreement.

General information only. Not legal or valuation advice. Confirm strategy and price with your lawyer and, where appropriate, a registered valuer.