The Real Cost of House Hunting in New Zealand

Buying your first home or first home in a new country like New Zealand can be daunting. We have some tips from experience, to show that careful planning makes it much easier to understand and manage the costs involved in buying a home.

It can also be helpful to ask for advice specific to your situation from your Mortgage Broker, Bank or Real Estate Agent. Craig Pope of Pope & Co Mortgages says that planning up front can really make a difference. “Although it’s not as exciting as browsing Trade Me or looking through property adverts, mortgage planning is something that if done well, can reduce stress and make the process much easier and more enjoyable,” says Craig Pope.

Legal Fees

In order to buy a house, you need a lawyer to handle the sale and purchase agreement or documentation when you make an offer on a house. Costs vary and many banks offer money towards legal fees when you have a mortgage with them. We recommend you ask your Mortgage broker or bank for advice.  It can be possible to still get cash incentives off banks, especially if the deposit is 20% or more.  If your deposit is less than 20%, then cash incentives will be lower and sometimes not available.  Legal fees need to be budgeted for, especially if using KiwiSaver and in case an offer isn’t accepted. Budget for at least $1500 NZD in legal fees.

Bank Mortgage Fees

A Mortgage Broker service is usually free (with conditions applying). If your deposit is less than 20% then there could be low equity fees and admin fees from your Bank. A Mortgage Broker will help you to negotiate this. Generally, buyers with less than 20% deposit cannot be too picky as often it’s difficult enough just getting an approval, but every situation is different.

Building Reports, LIM Reports and Valuation Costs

Once you are interested in a house you may wish to obtain a building report to ensure there are no major issues that will cost you later on e.g repairs that are needed or a leaky roof. Or you can make a Building Report a condition of your offer to purchase.

For building report, allow $700 NZD to $900 NZD. If you would like valuation done (by an independent valuer), or your Bank requires one, is this will cost around $750-$850 NZD. Your lawyer or bank can provide some advice on this.

A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) is a comprehensive report that has all the relevant information that the Council knows about a property or section. This includes information the Council holds on private and public stormwater and sewerage drains, rates information, and any consents, notices, orders or requisitions affecting the land or buildings. You can read more about this on the Wellington City Council website.

LIM reports cost around $400 NZD.