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New Zealand – Finding Property to Buy

Popular Estate Agencies

  • Harcourts: Founded in 1888, Harcourts is one of the largest and most well-known estate agents in New Zealand. They offer a wide range of services including residential and commercial sales and rentals, property management, and valuations.
  • Barfoot & Thompson: This agency has been operating in New Zealand since the 1920s and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in the country. They specialize in residential and commercial sales and rentals, as well as property management.
  • Ray White: With offices all over New Zealand, Ray White is a well-established agency that offers a wide range of services including residential and commercial sales and rentals, property management, and valuations.
  • Bayleys Real Estate: Founded in 1976, Bayleys is a leading agency that offers a variety of services including residential and commercial sales, property management, and valuations.

Qualifications and Licenses for Estate Agents in New Zealand

  • In New Zealand, estate agents are required to hold a Real Estate Agent’s License, which is issued by the Real Estate Authority (REA).
  • To obtain a license, agents must complete a Real Estate Agent’s Licensing Course, pass a licensing examination, and meet other requirements set by the REA.
  • Additionally, agents must be a member of a licensed Real Estate Agent, and abide by the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and the REA’s Code of Conduct.

Breakdown of Estate Agent Fees in New Zealand

  • Estate agent fees in New Zealand are typically charged as a commission on the sale of a property.
  • The commission rate varies, but is usually around 2-3% of the sale price.
  • In addition to the commission, agents may also charge additional fees for advertising, marketing, and other services.
  • Some agencies will also charge a tenant finder fee for managing rental properties.

Other Resources for Finding Property in New Zealand

  • Online property websites such as Trade Me Property, Realestate.co.nz, and Open2view.
  • Local newspapers and magazines such as The New Zealand Herald, The Dominion Post, and Your Home and Living.
  • Expat websites such as Expat Arrivals and Expat Focus.
  • Word of mouth from friends, family and colleagues.

Buyer’s Agent in New Zealand

  • The Use of a Buyer’s Agent is not common in New Zealand.
  • No specific qualifications or license required for a Buyer’s Agent in New Zealand.
  • Buyer’s Agent fees can vary, but it is usually a percentage of the purchase price, or a flat fee.

Organizations for Foreign Property Buyers in New Zealand


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  • New Zealand Property Investor Network (NZPIN): A network of property investors that provides information and support for people interested in buying property in New Zealand. Website: https://www.nzpin.co.nz/
  • New Zealand Property Investors Federation (NZPIF): A federation of property investor groups that provides education and advocacy for property investors in New Zealand. Website: https://www.nzpif.org.nz/
  • New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA): The IAA is a government agency responsible for regulating immigration advisers, including those who assist with purchasing property in New Zealand. Website: https://www.iaa.govt.nz/


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