Getting ready to sell: pre-listing checklist
Helps you plan what to sort before an agent comes to appraise your home.
- Consider a builder's report and a LIM of your own, so nothing surprises you when the buyer's checks arrive.What does Building report mean?A building report is a written check of the property by an accredited inspector that lists any defects; settled.govt.nz suggests one that meets the standard NZS 4306:2005. settled.govt.nz (Te Kāhui Kāinga Ora / REA): Learning about the propertyWhat does LIM mean?A LIM (land information memorandum) is a report from the local council about the property, such as its rates and what the council's records hold on it. settled.govt.nz (Te Kāhui Kāinga Ora / REA): Understanding the sale and purchase agreement
- Ask your lawyer to check the title for caveats, easements and any unit title or cross-lease papers.
- Fix the small visible faults and tidy the section; large renovations are rarely needed before you sell.
- Decluttering and clean, uncluttered rooms help photos show the home well.
- Gather maintenance records, consents and a written list of chattels, and talk to your accountant about any tax timing.
Check the details. Ask your lawyer about the title and your accountant or IRD about tax before listing, and your agent about the process.
Official pages
Shortened from a Berry article first written 2026-05-16. Figures we could not check against a public source were taken out. This is general information, not advice.