Real Estate FAQs

Q. Do I need to obtain a LIM report before purchasing a home?

A. It is not a necessity to obtain a LIM report, however it is recommended as it gives you information on the zoning of the property and will identify whether the proper building consents have been obtained for any additions or alterations.

Q. Do we have to pay GST on the purchase of a property?

A. GST is not payable on residential property sales in New Zealand.

Q. How do I choose an agent?

A. A good starting point is to ask friends and family who they would recommend to you. You will probably find that someone you know has used an agent who they were extremely happy with. This will also give you an idea of where not to go. An agent should be able to show you testimonials from those that have sold through him/her in the past. These will give you a fair idea of the level of service they provide. Also important is your level of comfort around the agent. You need to feel confident that this person will do the job well, as well as feel you can talk frankly to them so that they understand your needs.

Q. How do I find information about the Professionals Property Management Service?

A. Our Real Estate Information section on our website contains information on the Property Management Services offered by our Professionals team.

Q. How long does the average sale take, from offer to closing?

A. This is dependent on the offer made and agreed on. Any settlement date can be set by agreement between the two parties. Generally, 4-6 weeks, from the time all conditions of the offer are satisfied, is common.

Q. How much commission can we expect to pay?

A. The commission paid does vary from sale to sale, and area to area, so you should contact your real estate agent for accurate figures. However, as a rough indication, you could expect fees of approximately 4% of the sale price.