Buying & Selling

Before beginning your property search, it’s important to establish a realistic budget and understand what you can comfortably afford.

Consider your income, existing financial commitments, available savings and any equity you may have in another property. It is also important to account for additional purchasing costs, including legal fees, building inspections, property reports and moving expenses.

Having a clear understanding of your finances will help you focus your property search and make informed decisions when the right opportunity arises.

If you are looking to purchase another property and need to sell your current home first, our team can also provide a property appraisal to help you understand its potential market value.

Securing home loan pre-approval is an important step in preparing to purchase a property.

Pre-approval is an indication from a lender of how much you may be able to borrow, based on factors such as your income, existing debts, deposit and regular expenses. Knowing your potential borrowing capacity can help you establish a realistic purchasing budget and approach the market with confidence.

At REMAX Enterprise, we work closely with a network of trusted and experienced mortgage brokers who can help make the finance process easier. Whether you are purchasing your first home or expanding your investment portfolio, we can connect you with professionals we know and trust, who will take the time to understand your circumstances, explore suitable lending options and guide you through the process.

Having the right people supporting you can make all the difference, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

It is important to understand that pre-approval is not a guarantee of lending. Your lender may still need to assess the specific property, confirm its value and check that it meets lending requirements before granting final approval.

Once you’ve established your budget and finance options, the next step is finding a property that suits your lifestyle and long-term goals.

Consider the location, property type, size, layout and features that are most important to you. It is also worth thinking about future requirements, potential maintenance costs and how the property may suit your needs over time.

Our team can help you explore available properties throughout Queenstown and the surrounding region, providing local market knowledge and information about suitable opportunities.

With access to both advertised listings and potential off-market opportunities, we can help you identify properties that align with your requirements.

We encourage buyers to attend viewings, ask questions and compare properties before making a decision.

Before purchasing a property, it’s essential to understand exactly what you’re buying.

Due diligence involves reviewing relevant property information and arranging appropriate inspections to identify potential concerns before becoming fully committed to the purchase.

Depending on the property, important checks may include:

• Land Information Memorandum (LIM): A report issued by the local council containing information such as building consents, resource consents, property rates and known natural hazards. This can help identify matters that may affect the property’s use or value.
• Record Of Title: A legal document showing ownership and registered interests affecting the property, such as easements, covenants or restrictions.
• Building Inspection: An assessment carried out by an independent building inspector to identify potential defects, structural concerns or maintenance issues that may not be obvious during a viewing.
• Body Corporate Information: For properties held under unit title, it is important to review body corporate levies, financial statements, meeting minutes, insurance arrangements and any planned maintenance or significant upcoming expenses.
• Insurance And Finance: Confirming that suitable insurance is available and that the property meets your lender’s requirements.

We recommend engaging an independent solicitor or conveyancer early in the process. They can review the property’s legal documents, explain potential risks and advise you on suitable conditions to include in your offer.

Our team can assist with obtaining available property information and coordinating access for inspections, helping make the due diligence process more straightforward.

Once you’ve found a property you’d like to purchase, the next step is preparing an offer.

In New Zealand, offers are made in writing through a Sale and Purchase Agreement. This legally binding contract outlines the agreed purchase price, deposit, settlement date, included chattels and any conditions attached to the purchase.

Offers can be either conditional or unconditional.

A conditional offer includes requirements that must be satisfied within an agreed timeframe before the purchase becomes unconditional. Common conditions include finance approval, a satisfactory building inspection or solicitor’s approval.

An unconditional offer has no outstanding conditions. Once accepted, it creates a binding commitment to complete the purchase, so it is important to have your finances and property checks in order before proceeding.

Properties may also be marketed using different methods of sale:

• Negotiation: Buyers submit offers to the seller, who can accept, decline or negotiate the proposed terms.
• Deadline Sale: Buyers are invited to submit offers by a specified date. Depending on the marketing terms, the seller may consider offers before the deadline.
• Tender: Buyers submit confidential written offers by a set deadline, generally using tender documentation. The seller then considers the offers in accordance with the tender terms.
• Auction: Buyers compete through public bidding, with the property generally sold to the highest bidder once the reserve price is met. Auction purchases are usually unconditional, and the deposit is generally payable immediately.

Our team will explain the relevant sales process, assist with preparing and presenting your offer, and keep you informed throughout negotiations.

We strongly recommend seeking independent legal advice before signing any Sale and Purchase Agreement.

Once both the buyer and seller have signed the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the property is under contract.

If your offer is conditional, the next stage involves satisfying the conditions outlined in your agreement. This may include obtaining final finance approval, completing a building inspection or having your solicitor review relevant property documentation.

Each condition has an agreed deadline, so it is important to complete the necessary checks within the required timeframe. If concerns arise or additional time is needed, you should discuss the available options with your solicitor promptly.

Once all conditions have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the agreement, the purchase becomes unconditional. At this point, both parties are legally committed to completing the transaction.

A deposit is payable at the time specified in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. This is often around 10% of the purchase price, although the amount can be negotiated.

The purchase deposit is different from the deposit or equity required by your lender. The purchase deposit forms part of the overall purchase price, with the remaining balance paid on settlement day. Deposits paid to the real estate agency are held in a trust account and released only when legally permitted.

Our team will continue working with you and the relevant parties to help ensure the purchase progresses smoothly towards settlement.

Once your purchase becomes unconditional, the focus shifts to preparing for settlement and taking possession of your new property.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will coordinate the legal transfer of ownership, work with your lender to arrange the remaining funds and confirm the settlement requirements.

During this period, you will also need to arrange any required property insurance, organise utilities and prepare for your move.

Before settlement, buyers are generally entitled to a pre-settlement inspection in accordance with their Sale and Purchase Agreement.

This inspection allows you to check that the property is in the condition required by the agreement, that included chattels such as appliances, curtains and fixtures remain in place and in the agreed condition, and that any agreed work has been completed.

If you identify any concerns, it is important to raise them with your solicitor before settlement so they can advise on the appropriate next steps.

Our team can assist with coordinating access for your inspection and answering any final property-related questions.

Settlement day is when the remaining purchase price is paid and the legal transfer of ownership is completed.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will coordinate the transaction with the seller’s legal representative and confirm when settlement has been completed.

Once settlement has been confirmed and possession is due under the agreement, we will arrange for you to collect the keys to your new property.

Congratulations, you’re officially a property owner.

Before putting your property on the market, it is important to understand its current market value and what buyers may be willing to pay.

A property appraisal, often referred to as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), provides an estimated selling range based on recent comparable sales, current listings, market conditions and the unique features of your property.

Unlike a formal registered valuation, a market appraisal focuses on how your property is likely to perform in the current real estate market.

Our team will assess factors such as location, property condition, land and floor area, views, improvements and any features that may appeal to potential buyers.

We will also discuss recent market activity, buyer demand and competing properties to help you understand where your property sits in the market.

At REMAX Enterprise, we offer complimentary, no-obligation property appraisals, giving you the opportunity to understand your property’s potential market value, explore your selling options and receive professional advice without any pressure or commitment to sell.

Every property is different, and choosing the right method of sale can play an important role in attracting buyers and achieving a successful result.

Our team will recommend a sales strategy based on your property’s characteristics, current market conditions, buyer demand and your individual circumstances.

There are several common methods of selling property in New Zealand:

• By Negotiation: Your property is marketed with an advertised price, price indication or by negotiation. Buyers can submit offers at any time, allowing you to consider and negotiate the proposed price, conditions and settlement terms.
• Deadline Sale: Buyers are invited to submit their offers by a specified date and time. This can create urgency and encourage interested buyers to put forward their strongest offers. Offers may be conditional or unconditional, allowing a broader range of buyers to participate. Depending on the agreed marketing terms, offers may also be considered before the deadline.
• Auction: Buyers compete through public bidding, with the property generally selling once the reserve price has been reached. Auction sales are usually unconditional, meaning buyers must complete their due diligence and arrange finance before bidding.
• Tender: Interested buyers submit confidential written offers by a specified deadline. You can then review the offers and their conditions before deciding whether to accept, decline or negotiate further. The tender terms determine whether offers can be considered before the deadline.

There is no single approach that suits every property. We will explain the advantages and considerations of each method and help you select a strategy that aligns with your goals.

First impressions matter, and presenting your property well can make a significant difference to how buyers perceive its value.

Before launching your property onto the market, we recommend considering any maintenance, cleaning or presentation improvements that may enhance its appeal.

Simple changes such as decluttering, tidying outdoor areas, completing minor repairs and ensuring the property is clean and well-presented can help buyers appreciate its features.

Depending on the property, professional staging or furniture styling may also help buyers visualise how the space can be used.

Our team can provide practical recommendations on preparing your home for photography, viewings and open homes, helping ensure your property is presented at its best.

A successful sales campaign is about more than simply advertising a property. It is about reaching the right audience, generating genuine interest and creating opportunities for buyers to take the next step.

At REMAX Enterprise, we believe every property deserves a marketing strategy that highlights its unique features and attracts suitable buyers.

Our marketing approach may include professional photography, engaging property descriptions, online property advertising, social media promotion and targeted communication with prospective purchasers.

We also work with an established database of active buyers, including local purchasers, investors and buyers relocating to Queenstown.

As an extension of our Auckland team, we are connected to a nationwide network of over 100 real estate agents, allowing us to reach potential buyers and investors beyond the local Queenstown market.

This wider network helps us introduce your property to a broader audience while maintaining the personalised service and local knowledge of our Queenstown team.

Through REMAX’s national agreement with Trade Me Property, we are able to offer more affordable advertising packages, helping our vendors access premium property marketing at competitive rates.

We also offer a List Now, Pay Later financing option, allowing eligible vendors to market their property without paying marketing costs upfront. Instead, the costs can be deferred in accordance with the finance provider’s terms and conditions.

This means you can benefit from professional property marketing while having greater flexibility over when those costs are paid.

Before launching your campaign, we will discuss the available marketing packages, payment options and any associated fees, helping you choose an approach that suits your property and budget.

Before your property can be marketed for sale, you will need to sign an agency agreement with your chosen real estate agency.

An agency agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the services your agent will provide, the agreed marketing arrangements, commission structure and the terms of the appointment.

It will also specify whether you are entering into a sole agency agreement, where one agency is appointed to market your property, or a general agency agreement, where multiple agencies may be involved.

Your agent must provide a written property appraisal, explain the proposed sales strategy and outline the commission and any additional costs before you sign.

At REMAX Enterprise, we believe in clear communication and transparency. We will take the time to explain the agreement, answer your questions and make sure you understand the process before moving forward.

We also recommend obtaining independent legal advice before signing any legally binding documents.

Once your property is on the market, prospective buyers will have opportunities to view it through scheduled appointments and open homes.

Open homes allow multiple buyers to inspect the property during an advertised viewing period, while private viewings provide flexibility for interested purchasers who may be unable to attend.

Our team coordinates buyer enquiries, viewing arrangements and follow-up communication throughout the campaign.

We will also keep you informed of buyer feedback, levels of interest and relevant market activity, helping you understand how your property is being received.

For properties that are tenanted, viewings must be arranged in accordance with applicable tenancy requirements. Our team can help coordinate access while respecting the rights of your tenants.

When a buyer is ready to purchase your property, they will submit a written offer through a Sale and Purchase Agreement.

This agreement outlines the proposed purchase price, deposit, settlement date, included chattels and any conditions attached to the offer.

All written offers must be presented to you, and you have the opportunity to review the proposed terms before deciding how to proceed.

Offers can be either conditional or unconditional.

A conditional offer includes requirements that must be satisfied within an agreed timeframe, such as the buyer obtaining finance approval, completing a building inspection or receiving their solicitor’s approval.

An unconditional offer has no outstanding conditions and, once accepted, creates a binding commitment for the buyer to complete the purchase.

When considering an offer, it is important to look beyond the purchase price. Conditions, deposit arrangements, settlement dates and the buyer’s circumstances can all influence how suitable an offer may be.

If an offer does not meet your expectations, you may choose to negotiate the price or terms, make a counteroffer or decline it.

Our team will guide you through the negotiation process, explain the implications of each offer and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

We recommend seeking independent legal advice before signing a Sale and Purchase Agreement.

Once you and the buyer have signed the Sale and Purchase Agreement, your property is under contract.

If the agreement contains conditions, the buyer will generally need to satisfy those requirements within the specified timeframes.

During this period, the buyer may be arranging finance approval, completing a building inspection or reviewing property documentation with their solicitor.

If concerns arise during due diligence, the buyer may seek further information, request an extension or propose changes to the agreement. Any changes must be agreed upon by the relevant parties.

Our team will keep you informed of progress, coordinate property access where required and communicate with the relevant parties throughout this stage.

Once all conditions have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the agreement, the sale becomes unconditional.

At this point, both parties are legally committed to completing the transaction, subject to the terms of the agreement.

The buyer’s deposit is payable at the time specified in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. Deposits paid to the real estate agency are held in a trust account and released only when legally permitted.

Once your property has sold unconditionally, the next step is preparing for settlement and the transfer of ownership.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will coordinate the legal requirements, including preparing the necessary documentation, arranging any mortgage discharge and confirming the final financial arrangements.

Before settlement, the buyer will generally have the opportunity to complete a pre-settlement inspection in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

This allows them to confirm that the property remains in the condition required by the agreement, any included chattels are present and in the agreed condition, and any agreed work has been completed.

As the seller, you will need to ensure the property is ready for handover, remove any belongings that are not included in the sale and complete any obligations outlined in your agreement.

Our team can help coordinate the pre-settlement inspection and keep you informed of the remaining steps.

Settlement day is when the buyer pays the remaining balance of the purchase price and the legal transfer of ownership is completed.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will coordinate settlement with the buyer’s legal representative and arrange for any outstanding financial obligations, including mortgages and agreed costs, to be dealt with.

Once settlement has been confirmed and possession is due under the agreement, we will arrange for the keys to be released to the new owner.

The net proceeds from the sale will be distributed by your solicitor after the relevant deductions and settlement requirements have been completed.

Congratulations, your property sale is complete.