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Sell with us- 14th Dec 2025
What we're seeing from buyers right now
Understanding what drives buyers is essential to achieving a strong result. Our exclusive New Zealand Property Pulse provides a real-time view of who is active in the market and what they are seeking over the summer months.
These insights don’t come from sales statistics; they reflect open home conversations, buyer briefs, negotiations and day-to-day experience of our agents working directly with purchasers.
What is driving buyer motivation
In our recent Property Pulse survey, agents told us several clear motivators are shaping buyer behaviour right now:
Life-stage change
Many buyers are moving because their lives are moving: downsizers are transitioning into easier living, growing families are reassessing space and first-home buyers are stepping out of renting cycles.
Lifestyle focus
Buyers are currently not as interested in projects or properties that need renovating. Instead, homes that offer ease, low maintenance and strong indoor-outdoor connection are particularly compelling.
Measured decision making
Urgency remains moderate to low overall. Buyers are selective and deliberate, but they will act quickly for a home that ticks the right boxes. Well-presented and well-priced homes attract immediate attention.
Who's active in the market right now
Three buyer groups dominate activity across New Zealand, according to the New Zealand Property Pulse.
Downsizers: the biggest buyer group
63% of our agents say downsizers are active in their market, making them our most dominant buyer segment nationwide. Their presence is strongest in markets with strong townhouse supply, walkable amenities and lock-up-and-leave appeal, with Christchurch standing out as a clear example of this trend.
Downsizers are typically motivated by ease and simplicity, prioritising low-maintenance homes that support a lifestyle shift rather than compromise.
Upsizers: the most urgent segment
55% of agents identify upsizers as active buyers and interestingly, are more urgent than other buyer groups. These buyers are typically motivated by growing families, changing school needs or lifestyle transitions, and often move under natural time pressures such as aligning with the school year or having sold before securing their next home.
First-home buyers: ready to act for the right home
55% of our agents report first-home buyers actively looking at homes on the market. Their presence is strongest in markets where pricing is broadly stable and well-presented, move-in-ready homes are available, with places like Napier and Wellington’s Hutt Valley and Kapiti regions frequently cited by agents.
This group's urgency remains measured but they will act decisively when a home meets their criteria.
What buyers are looking for
When you understand what drives buyers, it becomes clear what they are looking for in a home.
Turnkey homes are in demand across all buyer groups
Move-in-ready homes attract strong interest across all buyer groups. Buyers value properties in good condition, the ability to move in immediately and the prospect of minimal future spend. Turnkey presentation has become one of the strongest advantages in attracting serious enquiry.
Stand-alone homes remain the top preference
Stand-alone homes continue to lead demand nationwide, offering privacy, outdoor space and greater autonomy.
Townhouses appeal strongly to downsizers and urban buyers
Modern, low-maintenance townhouses align directly with downsizer motivations and younger urban buyers seeking convenience without upkeep.
Lifestyle properties remain in steady demand
Lifestyle buyers remain active where space, privacy and proximity to town centres strike the right balance.
Luxury buyers prioritise outlook
For high-end purchasers, proximity to water or strong views is the leading value driver, followed by architectural quality and low-maintenance luxury.
How sellers can use this insight
Aligning your campaign to today’s buyer motivations can significantly improve engagement and results:
- Emphasise move-in readiness. Highlight that your property is new, near-new, renovated or offers modern conveniences. Genuine turnkey appeal strengthens buyer interest across segments.
- For downsizer-oriented homes, emphasise simplicity, modernity and ease of living, along with proximity to local amenities.
- For family buyers, focus on space, layout functionality and access to desirable school zones.
- For luxury homes, promote exceptional outlooks, premium locations, privacy and lifestyle appeal.
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