The right team to sell your property in New Zealand

We have made it a little bit easier finding someone to entrust with the sale of your home.

The Independent Agent team forms a nationwide network of agents selected for their ability to work at a high level in marketing, negotiation and customer service, the most important skills when it comes to selling your property.

With access to all of the up to date technology and marketing, plus decades of specialist knowledge and a culture that encourages success your asset is in good hands.

Reach out to us today as we help guide you in the right steps to take to get your property sold.

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Find an Agent

With a distinguished career in property, Baha joined IA in 2...
Baha Mabruk
Commercial Leasing
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Matt Shirley has been involved in the real estate industry s...
Matt Shirley
Compliance Manager
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Louise’s success in real estate comes down to her profession...
Louise Payne
Licensed Salesperson
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Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and I’m here to ...
Kathy Elliott
Licensed Salesperson
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Hi, I’m Hayley, and I’m excited to help you on your real est...
Hayley Colley
Licensed Salesperson
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When New Zealand went into lockdown due to Covid-19, Matt kn...
Matt Jones
Director
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More than 25 years in the property industry has provided Roc...
Rochelle Henderson
Licensed Salesperson
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I have a successful sales record that spans the entire city....
Marcus Fava
Licensed Salesperson
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Michelle Stanborough is super excited to be working with the...
Michelle Stanborough
Licensed Agent AREINZ
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Thanks for reading this resume about me. If you are looking ...
Ron Nieubuurt
Commercial Leasing
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Hadleigh brings a wealth of experience to the commercial & i...
Hadleigh Mitford-Burgess
Commercial Leasing
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As the Operations Manager at Independent Agent, Kim brings a...
Kim Metahysa
Operations Manager
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With over 14 years in real estate and a flair for marketing,...
Tess McGuinness
Marketing Manager
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Michelle Corpuz works remotely for Independent Agent from he...
Michelle Corpuz
Administrator
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Leese joined the Independent Agent team as an Executive Assi...
Leese Rogers
Executive Assistant
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With over 9 years of Real Estate administration experience, ...
Claire Wilkins
Listings Administrator
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Leanne joined Independent Agent as an award winning and expe...
Leanne Prinsloo
Agreements Coordinator
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Allan Clark
Licensed Salesperson
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Why sell your property with Independent Agent?

We understand that selling your property can be an exciting journey, especially when you have the guidance of a knowledgeable local real estate professional who brings valuable expertise and insight.
With a strong commitment to a client-centred approach, we’re here to support you through every stage of marketing and selling your home, ensuring we deliver outstanding results.

Selling your home is a significant decision, and we’re dedicated to keeping you well-informed throughout the entire process, so you know what to expect at every step.

While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, Independent Agent’s team is here to provide the services and resources you need—before, during, and after the sale—to make your experience smooth and rewarding as you take your next big step.

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SELLING WITH INDEPENDENT AGENT

Selling your home can be a stressful process, after all there is a lot to consider. We make it possible for you to stay well informed about the selling process and know what to expect every step of the way.

  • Preparing Your Property for Sale
    • Declutter and clean the property – Make sure the home is tidy, well-presented, and free of unnecessary items.
    • Complete any minor repairs – Fix any obvious issues, such as leaky taps, broken tiles, or peeling paint.
    • Consider home staging – Professional staging can make your home more appealing to buyers.
    • Enhance curb appeal – Tidy the garden, mow the lawn, and refresh the exterior paint if needed.
    • Get a property inspection (optional) – Some sellers opt to get a building report done to provide transparency to potential buyers.
  • Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
    • Research and compare agents – Look for agents with strong local knowledge and positive reviews.
    • Interview multiple agents – Discuss their experience, marketing plans, and commission rates.
    • Sign a listing agreement – Understand the pros and cons between an exclusive or general listing agreement.
    • Confirm the agent’s fee before signing.
  • Legal Considerations
    • Hire a solicitor or conveyancer – You’ll need legal help to review contracts and transfer ownership.
    • Obtain a LIM report – A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) provides buyers with details about the property’s history, zoning, and compliance. Speak to your agent about this for further information. 
    •  Prepare a Sale and Purchase Agreement – Your agent will help you prepare this legally binding document, and you are recommended to seek legal advice.
  • Deciding on a Sales Method
    • Auction – Suitable for competitive markets; sales are unconditional.
    • Tender – Buyers submit confidential offers; the seller chooses the best one.
    • Private Treaty (Negotiation) – The traditional method where buyers make offers and negotiate terms.
    • Deadline Sale – Offers are submitted by a specific deadline, but the seller isn’t obligated to accept the highest offer.
  • Marketing Your Property
    • Create a marketing plan with your agent – Decide on the budget, advertising channels, and strategy.
    • Arrange professional photography – High-quality images are essential for attracting buyers online.
    • Write compelling property descriptions – Your agent will help craft this for online listings and brochures.
    • List your property online – Use platforms like Trade Me Property, Realestate.co.nz, and OneRoof.co.nz.
    • Schedule open homes and private viewings – Work with your agent to arrange open homes on weekends and accommodate private viewings as needed.
  • Handling Offers
    • Review all offers carefully – Your agent and solicitor can help you evaluate each offer.
    • Negotiate terms if needed – You can negotiate price, settlement date, and conditions.
    • Consider conditional vs. unconditional offers – Conditional offers may include clauses for finance approval, LIM report approval, or building inspection.
    • Accept the best offer – Once you agree to an offer, you’ll sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
  • Pre-Settlement Process
    • Organise final inspections – The buyer will conduct a final inspection to check the property’s condition before settlement.
    • Prepare for the settlement date – Ensure everything is ready for the handover, including moving out and disconnecting utilities.
    • Mortgage discharge – If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will arrange for the discharge with your bank.
    • Pay the real estate commission – This is typically paid from the proceeds of the deposit or sale.
  • Settlement Day
    • Handover keys to the buyer – On settlement day, the buyer pays the final amount and you hand over the keys.
    • Transfer ownership – Your solicitor will handle the official transfer of ownership.
  • Post-Sale Tasks
    • Notify utility providers – Contact your electricity, gas, and internet providers to cancel or transfer services.
    • Redirect your mail – Update your postal address or set up a mail redirection service with NZ Post.
    • Finalise your move – Ensure the property is vacated and any moving logistics are completed.
  • Tax and Financial Considerations
    • Consider the Bright-line Test – Property sold after 1 July 2024 is subject to a 2 year brightline test. 
    • Pay any outstanding rates – Ensure all property-related bills are paid up to the settlement date.
    • Confirm any final mortgage payments – If there’s a remaining balance on your mortgage, ensure it’s settled.
  • Understanding the Sales Process
    • Conditional Offers: The buyer has conditions (e.g., obtaining finance, a satisfactory LIM report) that must be met before the sale is finalised.
    • Unconditional Offers: No conditions attached, meaning the sale is certain.
    • Settlement Date: The day the property is officially transferred to the buyer. Typically, this is set between 30 and 90 days after the agreement is signed.
  • Costs Involved in Selling
    • Real Estate Agent Commission: Expect to pay a commission of 2-6% of the sale price.
    • Legal Fees: You’ll need to engage a solicitor for conveyancing, which typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000.
    • Mortgage Discharge Fees: If you have a mortgage, your lender may charge a fee to discharge the mortgage.
    • Marketing Costs: These vary depending on your chosen marketing strategy but can range from $500 to $5,000.
  • Tax Considerations
    • Bright-line Test: If you sell a residential investment property or secondary home within 2 years of purchase  you may be liable to pay income tax on any capital gains.
    • Investment Property: If the property is an investment, you may also need to pay taxes on the profit from the sale, including capital gains and income tax.
  • Foreign Sellers
    • Overseas Investment Act (OIA): If you are a foreign seller, ensure you comply with New Zealand’s OIA regulations, which may apply to certain property transactions.
    • Non-Resident Withholding Tax (NRWT): If you are a non-resident seller, you may be subject to withholding tax on the sale proceeds.
  • Timeline for Selling a Property
    • Average Time on Market: In New Zealand, the average property is on the market for about 30 to 45 days, depending on location and demand.
    • Settlement Time: Once a sale agreement is signed, settlement typically occurs within 30 to 90 days, during which the property is legally transferred to the buyer.
  • Disclosure Obligations
    • Disclose Known Defects: Under the Real Estate Agents Act (Professional Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2012, sellers must disclose any known defects or issues that may affect the buyer’s decision.
    • As-Is Where-Is Sales: If you sell a property “as is, where is,” ensure buyers are fully aware that they are responsible for any repairs or issues post-sale.
  • Settlement Process
    • Final Inspection: The buyer has the right to conduct a final inspection before settlement to ensure the property is in the same condition as when the offer was made.
    • Settlement Date: On the settlement date, the sale is finalised, and the property ownership is transferred. The buyer pays the balance of the purchase price, and you hand over the keys.
  • Post-Sale Considerations
    • Change of Address: Notify utility providers, postal services, and relevant agencies of your address change before the settlement date.
    • Move-Out Logistics: Organise the move-out process, including professional cleaners, removal services, and disconnection of utilities.
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