Start with how you will use the property and what you can comfortably afford. A permanent home, an apartment and a coastal bach can raise different questions, even when they are close together. Good preparation gives you time to compare those choices before you make an offer.
Talk with your lender or mortgage adviser about your budget, deposit and finance conditions. Pre-approval may still depend on the particular property and further checks. Allow for legal work, reports, insurance, rates, moving and ongoing maintenance as well as the purchase price. First-home buyers can use Settled’s first-home buyer guidance to work through the process; check any assistance or withdrawal eligibility directly with the relevant provider.
Choose a lawyer or conveyancer early. Tell them about your plans, ownership arrangements and any timing constraints. If you are also selling, discuss how the two transactions will fit together before committing to dates.
Browse our current properties and open homes. At a viewing, consider the layout, light, storage, parking and outdoor space as well as appearance. Ask about alterations, known defects, included chattels and the information available for buyers. An open home is a first look, not a building inspection.
For a home you will use every day, try the practical trip to the places that matter to you and check services at the address. For a bach, think about guest space, boat parking, security, maintenance between visits and the cost of ownership through the year. Confirm what can stay with the property rather than assuming the furniture in the photographs is included.
Read Settled’s property-research guidance and Thames-Coromandel District Council’s LIM information. Allow time to obtain and understand documents before an auction or offer deadline.
For a unit-title apartment, have your lawyer review the disclosure documents, body corporate rules, levies, financial information and maintenance plans. Ask about proposed work and how it will be funded. Check whether your intended use, parking, pets or visitor arrangements fit the rules.
For a section, establish what can actually be built. Check title conditions, zoning, building platform, access, service connections and their costs. Ask Council about the proposal before you commit; an advertised land area or a neighbouring house does not guarantee development approval.
For a lifestyle property, investigate boundaries, legal and physical access, water supply, wastewater, power and maintenance responsibilities. Consider the equipment and time the land will require. Use suitably qualified advisers for the site and your proposed use rather than relying on residential assumptions.
Discuss the sale method and required documents with the listing salesperson. Have your lawyer help with the price, deposit, chattels, settlement date and any finance, building, LIM or other conditions you need. Conditions and deadlines must be drafted to suit the transaction; a verbal understanding is not a substitute for the agreement.
For auction properties, obtain advice and complete the necessary investigations before bidding. Confirm registration, deposit requirements and the auction terms, including whether the property may be sold beforehand. Do not assume you can add finance or inspection conditions after a successful bid.
The listing salesperson acts for the seller. They can explain the property and process, while your lawyer, lender and other advisers look after their respective parts of your purchase. Ask promptly about anything you do not understand.
Keep track of condition dates with your lawyer and confirm when the agreement becomes unconditional. Arrange insurance and funds for settlement, book your move and agree the pre-settlement inspection. Check the agreed chattels and condition, and raise any concerns through your lawyer before settlement. Keys are released through the agreed process once settlement is confirmed.
Meet our Whitianga team to discuss a property or your search. Call 07 866 2190 or email whitianga.nz@raywhite.com with your preferred area, budget and property needs.
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