Buying guide

Selling your home privately: The ultimate NZ guide

Everything you need to know to get a great result when selling privately

Hannah Hilliam
Last updated: 24 March 2026 | 5 min read
AI

AI summary

Selling your home privately can save thousands in commission and give you total control, but requires managing the process yourself. You will still need a lawyer for legal requirements like the sale and purchase agreement.

For a successful sale, you must:

- Engage a lawyer early.

- Price your home accurately using tools like Trade Me Property Insights.

- Invest in quality marketing and professional photos.

- Legally disclose all known property issues.

This approach is rewarding but requires significant time and effort.

What we'll cover:

What is a private sale?

Why sell privately?

5 tips for a successful private sale

1. Disclosure is a legal must

2. Get a lawyer on board early

3. Get your pricing right

4. Don’t rush the result

5. Invest in your marketing

Real estate agents have market insights and knowledge you could miss out on by selling privately.

Things to consider

Frequently asked questions

Author

Hannah Hilliam Hannah Hilliam
Content Writer