Property decisions can move quickly. Use these checks to protect your budget and understand the home and agreement before you sign. They apply whether you are buying in Marshland, Christchurch or a nearby district.
Allow for rates, insurance, maintenance, utilities, legal work and inspections as well as your deposit and loan repayments. Conditional finance pre-approval may still need lender approval for the particular property. Our buyer preparation guide helps you plan the next steps.
Look at relevant completed sales and the differences in land, condition, layout and location. Decide on a maximum that fits your finances before a competitive viewing or auction. A regional median or online estimate cannot value a specific property. Use recent office sales as examples, then do property-specific research.
Ask for the title, council property file or LIM, available inspection reports and known disclosures. Have your lawyer explain legal interests, consents, chattels and agreement terms; consider an independent building inspection and specialist advice where the property calls for it. A brief open-home walk-through or a seller-supplied report does not answer every question. Settled explains property research.
Check the offer deadline, deposit and settlement date. Auction bids are normally unconditional, so finance and property checks need attention before bidding; negotiation and deadline sales can allow conditions, although a seller may accept a deadline offer early. Read our sale-method comparison and offer checklist before deciding what to sign.
The listing agent works for the seller and must treat buyers fairly. Choose your own lawyer or conveyancer and, if useful, a lender or mortgage adviser and property inspector. Ask the agent for facts, documents and viewing details, then get independent advice on risks and contract terms. Settled explains the buyer support team.
To start with a property, browse current Marshland listings or contact the team for the available documents and sale process.