What To Expect When Selling Your Home

13 Apr

Selling your home in Christchurch? Here's what you need to know:

Planning: Start by determining your home's market value. Use a professional appraisal rather than relying on council valuations.
Timing: Spring is popular, but summer and early-year listings often attract serious buyers too.
Presentation: First impressions matter - tidy gardens, declutter, and repair any visible issues.
Marketing: Invest in professional photography, clear property descriptions, and well-run open homes.
Pricing: Use market research to set a competitive price. Consider fixed pricing, "enquiries over", or negotiation strategies.
Selling Methods: Auctions are common in Christchurch, offering transparent and competitive sales.

Christchurch's property market is growing steadily, with an average home value of $769,984 as of February 2025. Proper planning, effective marketing, and professional guidance can help you sell successfully.

The Christchurch Property Market Today

Christchurch's property market continues to show resilience and steady growth, creating favourable conditions for sellers. Knowing the current trends can help you make informed decisions about timing and pricing.

Market Data and Price Trends

Christchurch's housing market remains strong, with the average property value reaching $769,984 as of February 2025 ^[1]. Over the past three months, property values have increased by 1.16% ^[1], and between February 2005 and February 2025, they grew at an average annual rate of 4.88% ^[1].

Different suburbs show varying trends:

Suburb	Current Average Value	24-Month Price Change
Scarborough	$1,818,750	Stable
Spreydon	N/A	+6.77%
Kennedys Bush	N/A	-1.02%
Phillipstown	$458,550	Stable

The rental market is also thriving. As of November 2024, the average weekly rent reached $550, a $140 increase over four years ^[1]. These trends highlight the importance of timing your sale to maximise returns.

Best Times to Sell

While spring is often considered the best time to sell, data shows other periods can also offer advantages.

"A 2018 study found the second-best day to sell a home is Feb. 15, with sellers netting an average premium of 9% above their house's estimated market value" ^[2].

Here are some key timing insights:

Early-year advantage: Listing in February or March can help you beat the spring rush, attracting more serious buyers ^[2].
Summer opportunities: The lower number of listings from December to March often leads to above-asking-price offers.
Winter sales: Even during quieter months, corporate relocations and other factors can sustain buyer demand ^[2].

With Christchurch properties still considered undervalued ^[1], alongside steady price growth and strong rental returns, the current market offers a promising environment for sellers. Keep an eye on seasonal trends and mortgage rates, as lower interest rates often bring more buyers into the market ^[2].

Getting Your Home Ready for Sale

Home Presentation Tips

A well-presented home can increase buyer interest and even the final sale price. To get an idea of what buyers are looking for, visit local open homes and assess your property with a critical eye.

Start with the exterior - it’s the first thing buyers see. Poor curb appeal can lower offers by as much as 25% ^[3]. Focus on these areas to make a strong first impression:

Keep lawns mowed and gardens tidy
Water blast concrete areas, fences, and pathways
Clean exterior paintwork
Repair any visible damage to fences or cladding

Inside, aim to create a neutral, inviting space where buyers can imagine themselves living. Personal items like family photos should be removed. Use these tips for each area of your home:

Area	Tasks	Impact on Buyers
Living Spaces	Declutter and deep clean	Makes rooms feel more spacious
Kitchen	Clean thoroughly and update appliances	Adds a sense of modernity
Bathrooms	Replace old fixtures and regrout tiles	Signals good upkeep
Storage	Organise cupboards and clear excess	Highlights storage potential

Once your home is well-presented, tackle essential repairs to make it even more appealing.

Must-Do Fixes and Updates

Taking care of necessary repairs before listing your home can significantly enhance its value and attractiveness. These updates complement your presentation efforts, ensuring buyers notice the details.

Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

Replace old tapware and fix any plumbing issues
Repair or replace damaged tiles and grout
Update vanities and hardware
Install energy-efficient appliances

Structural and System Maintenance

Inspect and repair roofing for leaks or weak spots
Service heating systems and heat pumps

"Maximise your home's appeal to potential buyers." - eRealEstatePro.com ^[4]

A fresh coat of neutral paint can quickly refresh outdated spaces. If your home has bold colours or retro wallpaper, consider painting in soft, universally appealing shades ^[3].

Quality Photos and Marketing

Once your home is updated and ready, professional photography is key to capturing buyer interest. High-quality images make your property stand out in online listings and promotional materials ^[5]. Here are some photography options to consider:

Wide-angle shots to highlight room size
Elevated shots for showcasing hidden features
Twilight photos to emphasise lighting and atmosphere
Aerial photography to highlight outdoor spaces and lifestyle features

Video tours are another effective way to showcase your property, often attracting serious buyers before they even step foot inside ^[6].

Prepare your home for photography by:

Opening curtains and blinds to maximise natural light
Ensuring all lights are functional
Removing personal items and excess furniture
Staging outdoor areas to highlight their potential

With these steps, your home will be ready to make a strong impression on potential buyers.

How to Price Your Home

Finding Your Home's Market Value

Figuring out your home's market value requires some thorough research. While Council valuations (CV) are available, they’re often outdated and shouldn’t be your main guide ^[7].

Start by looking into recent sales of similar properties in your area. Focus on homes with comparable size, features, condition, and location (like proximity to good schools). These are your best indicators of what buyers are willing to pay.

You can also turn to professionals for more precise insights. Here are a few valuation methods to consider:

Method	Benefits	Things to Keep in Mind
Real Estate Agent CMA	Free and provides market insights	May be influenced to secure your listing
Registered Valuation	Independent and detailed	Comes with a cost
Online Tools	Quick and easy for an initial idea	Accuracy varies due to limited data sources

Once you’ve got a clear idea of your home’s value, you can choose a pricing method that fits the Christchurch market.

Price Setting Methods

After determining your home's value, select a pricing strategy that matches market conditions and your goals. In Christchurch, different methods work for different scenarios:

Fixed Price (Asking Price): Set a specific price based on your research and comparable sales. This method is ideal for stable markets where buyers value clarity. Use common pricing increments (like $25,000) to align with buyer search filters ^[8].
Enquiries Over: Establish a minimum price while leaving room for negotiation. This works well when the market is climbing, similar homes are selling for strong prices, or your property has standout features that could attract higher offers.
Price By Negotiation: This option is useful in uncertain markets or when your property is unique and difficult to price. It allows buyers to submit offers, helping reveal the true market value.

Keep an eye on buyer feedback. If you’re not seeing serious interest after 3–4 weeks, it might be time to adjust your price. Pricing 10–15% below market value can attract more buyers ^[8].

External factors like interest rates and unemployment levels can also influence buyer behaviour and property values ^[7]. Adjust your pricing strategy based on these conditions to maximise your chances of a successful sale.

Marketing Your Property

Writing an Effective Property Description

A well-written property description can help buyers picture themselves living in your home. Focus on features that resonate with Christchurch buyers, such as:

Key upgrades and standout features
Room sizes and overall layout
Outdoor areas and scenic views
Nearby amenities and public transport
Building materials and construction quality

Accuracy is crucial - not just for trust, but also to meet legal requirements.

Running Open Homes

After crafting a strong listing, the next step is to show off your property in person with successful open homes.

"Marketing your property well can improve the chances of a faster sale and a better price because more people will know about it", says Settled.govt.nz ^[9].

Before the open home:

Deep clean and declutter every room
Remove personal items and tidy surfaces
Ensure good ventilation and lighting
Keep the exterior well-presented

During the open home:

Set a comfortable temperature
Make the most of natural light
Keep an eye on visitor access and security
Safeguard valuables and important documents

Benefits of Using Hayden Roulston Real Estate

Hayden Roulston Real Estate

For an extra edge in marketing your property, consider partnering with a local expert. Here’s what Hayden Roulston Real Estate offers:

Professional Photography
High-quality images that highlight your home’s best features and attract more interest.
Tailored Marketing Plan
A customised strategy that includes budget guidance, advertising options, standout signage, brochures, and targeted online campaigns.
Open Home Expertise
Professional management of viewings, including visitor registration, property presentation, follow-ups with buyers, and gathering feedback.

Steps in the Sales Process

Selling by Auction in Christchurch

In Christchurch, auctions have become a common way to sell property. Typically, an auction campaign lasts three to four weeks. This timeframe allows sellers to attract serious buyers while maintaining control over the terms of the sale.

One of the key benefits of auctions is that they provide a transparent process with clear deadlines for both buyers and sellers ^[10].

During the campaign, your property is heavily marketed to generate buyer interest and competition. Some advantages of selling through auction include:

Setting a reserve price
Receiving unconditional bids
Encouraging competitive bidding
Allowing for pre-auction sales if desired

At the end of the auction campaign, all offers should be carefully reviewed to ensure the best outcome.

Handling Offers

Whether it's during an auction or private negotiations, evaluating each offer thoroughly is essential. Offers are more than just numbers - they include various terms that can impact the sale.

Your agent will present each offer in detail through a Sale and Purchase Agreement. Important factors to consider include:

Flexibility of the settlement date
Any conditions attached to the offer
Deposit amount and payment timing
Chattels included in the sale
Any additional conditions or buyer requests

If a pre-auction offer aligns with your expectations, you can opt to bring the auction forward, giving other interested buyers a chance to participate.

Completing the Sale

Once an offer is accepted, there are several steps to finalise the sale and ensure a smooth settlement process:

1. Legal Requirements

Your conveyancing lawyer will handle all necessary paperwork and coordinate with the buyer's solicitor to transfer ownership.

2. Property Inspections

Allow the buyer to conduct any inspections required before the sale becomes unconditional.

3. Final Settlement Steps

Complete the legal documentation, organise utility readings and address updates, arrange moving logistics, finish any agreed repairs, and prepare the property documentation and keys for handover.

Common Selling Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a solid strategy, certain missteps can derail your efforts. Avoiding these errors can help you stay competitive in the Christchurch property market.

Setting the Right Goals

Getting the price right is key to a successful sale. To do this, research similar properties, get an independent valuation, and consider current market conditions. Avoid relying solely on online tools or council valuations for accuracy.

"Pricing is the most important part of successfully selling your property. By over-pricing it, all you do is help other homes on the market to sell faster. By under-pricing it, you sell quickly but lose valuable profit." – HomeSell ^[7]

Making Strategic Adjustments

If your property isn’t drawing the right buyers or offers, it’s time to tweak your approach.

Improving Property Presentation

Small fixes and updates can make a big difference. Consider:

Fixing sticky doors, damaged walls, or leaking taps
Water blasting driveways and fences
Professionally cleaning carpets
Refreshing walls with neutral paint colours

Reassessing Price

"Homes that are priced correctly out of the gate sell for more than those that get price reductions." – Bill Gassett ^[11]

If offers aren’t coming in after a few weeks:

Gather feedback from buyers and agents
Discuss potential price adjustments
Compare your property’s condition and price with recent successful sales

Enhancing Marketing

Declutter and remove personal items to help buyers imagine themselves in the home. Clearly define the purpose of each room to make the space more appealing.

Conclusion: Keys to a Successful Sale

Selling your home in Christchurch takes thoughtful planning, expert advice, and the right support to navigate the complexities of property transactions ^[13].

The foundation of a successful sale lies in three main factors: accurate pricing, effective marketing, and professional representation. These strategies work together to achieve the best outcome:

Understanding local market trends and buyer behaviour
Presenting your property in the best possible light
Setting a price that attracts buyers while maximising value
Skilled negotiation to secure the best deal

At Hayden Roulston Real Estate, every sale is approached with a personalised strategy. By combining deep local knowledge with tailored service, we aim to deliver outstanding results.

Here’s what one client had to say about their experience:

"Jonny's local market knowledge and thorough sales process enabled us to get an awesome result in selling our property. I doubt we could have achieved the outcome we did without his professional skills and commitment." - Spencer & Bree ^[12]

Selling a home often involves working with lawyers, mortgage brokers, and local councils. An experienced agent can simplify these interactions, making the process smoother while ensuring your property reaches its full potential.

Hayden Roulston