Selling Tips
Your complete guide to selling a property in Porirua, Kāpiti, Tawa, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington.
From preparing your contract of sale through to marketing, pricing and getting your home market-ready.
5
Steps to sell your property
7
Renovation areas to prioritise
4
Seasons, each with an edge
Selling a property well takes more than putting a sign on the lawn. Work through the five-step process below, then use our practical, room-by-room guide to get your home presenting at its absolute best.
The 5-step process for selling your property
Tap each step to expand it.
Next: Preparing Your Home for Sale
Now that you know the process, here's how to get your home market-ready.
Selling your property is an exciting yet often overwhelming task. Whether you're a seasoned seller or a first-time homeowner looking to move on, showcasing your property in its best possible light is essential for a successful sale. From curb appeal to interior presentation, every detail matters when it comes to attracting the right buyers.
Below, we navigate through steps for preparing your property for sale and offer strategies for highlighting its best features — along with practical advice to help you get to market feeling confident.
It's important to plan your pre-sale improvements wisely. What you spend on renovations will be determined greatly by the outcome you're trying to achieve, and the last thing you want to do is spend money you won't see returned. Your agent is the best person to talk to about where to prioritise your renovation budget — there's no point spending big on luxe landscaping when buyers in the area are time-poor and seeking low-maintenance gardens instead. Agents are helpful in picking out the flaws we can't see in a property, which often happens when we're attached to a property we've lived in for years.
Our top renovation tips for getting your property ready
Remember, it's all about prioritising value-adding improvements and sticking to a carefully considered plan and budget.
Clean, declutter and repair
Start by thoroughly cleaning the property and address any minor repairs or improvements such as leaking taps, broken tiles, or chipped paint. Not only will this make rooms appear larger, but people can mentally plan the space for their own belongings. An organised house gives the impression it's been well-cared for. Items that might be sentimental to you but are awkward in a room are best kept in storage. Remember, people want to imagine a space where they can create their own memories.
Enhance curb appeal
Buyers need to feel a warmth and connection to your property at first inspection. While a fresh coat of exterior paint is always a great start, it's costly. Not feasible? Consider painting your front door and fence instead. Maintain the lawn, trim hedges, and refresh the garden with new plants to create an inviting entrance.
If your front path looks tired, pressure cleaning is a great way to breathe new life into your pavers without having to actually replace them.
Update the kitchen
New kitchens are expensive, costing anywhere from $20–35K for something mid-range. Talk to your agent about whether replacing your kitchen is worth the investment. If not, simply replacing dated handles on cabinetry is a great way to start. A fresh coat of paint can help to modernise, too. Replace dirty or stained grout and consider a new splashback — this is only a small area to cover, so it can be a good place to spend a little more on quality tiling or even stone. Old tarnished taps are an immediate turn off for buyers, so replace tap ware with something fresh. New appliances will instantly lift the space — a new kettle or coffee machine can make the world of difference.
Refresh the bathroom
Bathrooms are where buyers see themselves spending the most on fixes and updates. People often don't feel ‘handy’ in this space, so they only need to glance at a tired old bathroom before they start tallying the costs of bringing in the professionals.
If your tiles are dated but still in great shape, consider a fresh coat of tile paint. Replace any cracked tiles and clean or replace damaged grout.
Styling is key here. Luxurious towels, a glowing scented candle and an indoor plant will help transform the space (and of course the room should be sparkling clean!).
Paint
We're yet to meet a buyer that doesn't appreciate a fresh coat of paint. Nothing screams ‘buy me’ more than a house that's clean and inviting, ready to be moved into straight away. It's often best to keep your colour palette neutral so that it appeals to as many buyers as possible.
Flooring
Timber flooring or alternatives like bamboo or laminates are popular amongst buyers. If you can't afford to replace all your flooring, consider high-traffic areas. Stained or damaged carpet needs replacing, so prioritise your budget accordingly. Likewise, make sure your skirting boards are in good condition. Replacing the odd panel won't break the bank and will ensure a polished final look.
Gardening & landscaping
Kerb appeal starts with the garden. Keep lawns mowed, hedges trimmed and beds weeded, and consider fresh mulch or a few well-placed potted plants near the entrance. Low-maintenance, tidy landscaping generally appeals more to buyers than an elaborate garden they'll need to maintain themselves.
Styling and staging
You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Personal touches are great but remember, people want to imagine themselves in the space.
If the property is vacant, consider hiring a professional stylist to furnish and decorate the space. Staged homes often sell faster and for a higher price than vacant or poorly-furnished properties.
When is the best time to sell?
While certain times of the year tend to be more favourable for sellers, the only real right time to sell is when it suits your circumstances. Downsizing, upsizing, relocating for work, debt reduction, or a growing family are just some of the motives for sellers to relocate.
Each season offers unique advantages that sellers can leverage to maximise their chances of a successful sale.
Spring
Spring is often regarded as the optimal season for selling property. As the weather warms up and gardens come back to life, potential buyers are more inclined to venture out and attend open houses. Additionally, families with children often prefer to move during the warmer months to avoid disrupting the school year, making spring an ideal time for them to start their property search. The increased demand during spring can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher selling prices.
Summer
Properties with pools, decks, barbeque facilities or cubby houses/play equipment tend to shine during the summer months. Buyers are often in a more relaxed mindset and can better imagine the lifestyle on offer from certain properties. Buyers often like to be settled in their new homes before Christmas, so it's best to have a discussion with your agent on how to best navigate your sale around the holidays.
Autumn
With the return of cooler weather, buyers are often motivated to find a new home before winter sets in. Additionally, properties tend to showcase well in the autumn months, with colourful foliage adding curb appeal. Buyers who missed out on purchasing during the spring and summer may be more determined to secure a property before the end of the year, potentially leading to quicker sales.
Winter
While winter is generally considered a slower season for real estate activity, it doesn't necessarily mean that selling during this time is going to be any more difficult. Serious buyers often continue their search regardless of the season, and there may be less competition from other sellers. Thoughtfully-staged homes offering a warm and inviting aesthetic are incredibly appealing to buyers looking for a cosy retreat.
Marketing and advertising
Your marketing campaign is arguably your most important tool in appealing to the greatest pool of buyers and your agent is going to be the best person to talk to about strategy.
We suggest:
Investing in professional photography
Quality photographs are essential for online listings and marketing materials. Hire a professional photographer who specialises in real estate photography to capture your property's best features. Consider that interstate or even international buyers are going to appreciate an immersive experience. Videos plus digital walkthroughs are an excellent marketing tool, especially if you're advertising through social media. They allow buyers to get a proper feel for the layout of your home, meaning people are more likely to connect with the space.
Highlighting key selling points
Identify and emphasise the property's unique features and selling points, such as a renovated kitchen, spacious backyard, or desirable location. Prepare a list of amenities, recent upgrades, and nearby attractions to include in marketing materials.
Marketing the property effectively
Work with your real estate agent to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy. Utilise online listings, social media, print advertising, signage, and open houses to attract potential buyers. You'll also need to consider the costs of a digital floor plan, or any additional print or advertising material. Real estate agents have a network of these services that they utilise, and top agents are going to insist on quality.
Setting realistic pricing
Research comparable properties in the area to determine a competitive listing price. Your agent should work with you to set a realistic price based on market conditions, recent sales data, and the property's features.
Getting a pre-sale inspection
Consider hiring a qualified inspector to identify any potential issues that could arise during the sales process. It's best to address any significant issues before listing the property to avoid delays or negotiations during the sale.
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to expand it.
What are the main steps involved in selling a property in New Zealand? +
The process typically involves five key steps: preparing a contract of sale with your lawyer or conveyancer, preparing the property to look its best, choosing the right sales method with your agent (private treaty, auction, tender or expressions of interest), effectively marketing the property to reach the widest pool of buyers, and determining a realistic selling price or auction reserve. One Agency Select Realty guides sellers through every step of this process across Porirua, Kāpiti, Tawa, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and the wider Wellington region.
What is the single most important thing I can do to prepare my home for sale? +
Decluttering. It's consistently the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvement a seller can make — it makes rooms appear larger and helps buyers picture their own belongings in the space. From there, completing outstanding repairs and presenting a tidy, well-maintained garden make the next biggest difference.
Should I renovate before selling, or will I be over-capitalising? +
It depends on the property and the local market. Before undertaking any major renovation, talk to your agent — they can advise whether a specific upgrade is likely to be recovered in the sale price, or whether buyers in your area would simply prefer to renovate to their own taste. Smaller, value-adding changes such as fresh paint, new door handles, or a tidy garden usually offer a better return than large-scale renovations.
Which sales method is best — auction or private treaty? +
There's no single answer — it depends on your property, current market conditions, and recent comparable sales. Private treaty and auction are the two most common methods in New Zealand, while tender and expressions of interest are occasionally used for high-end properties. Your agent will recommend the method most likely to maximise your sale price based on the specifics of your property and the current Wellington region market.
Is there a best time of year to sell in Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, Tawa, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt? +
Spring is traditionally considered the strongest season, as gardens look their best and buyer activity tends to increase. However, the right time to sell ultimately depends on your own circumstances rather than the calendar — serious buyers keep searching in every season, and a well-presented, well-marketed property can perform strongly at any time of year.
Does One Agency Select Realty cover the cost of preparing my home for sale? +
Yes — through our no-costs-upfront offer, One Agency Select Realty covers advertising and marketing, home staging, a building report, a LIM report, gardening and landscaping, cleaning, house wash, temporary storage, and cosmetic maintenance and upgrades, all paid for upfront with nothing to pay until settlement. See the full no-costs-upfront offer →
Ready to start your selling journey?
Get expert, no-obligation advice from a local agent — request your free property appraisal today.