Confusing. That's how we're describing the market right now. Frustrated buyers and sellers, and rising complaints. In this blog we outline our essential 'must-do's for buyers purchasing on their own.
Speaking live on Planet 104.6 FM and the Property Matters Podcast, Alex at Martelli Buyers Agents was asked two important questions:
1. How would you describe the current Auckland market for buyers?
2. What Due Diligence should buyers be conducting right now?
Our pick of descriptors right now is ‘confusing’, with frustration on the part of both the buyer and seller. The latest Real Estate Authority figures reflect this, showing complaints have risen to 541 for the 2025/26 year, that’s a 11.1% increase on the previous year. Some vendors are devastated to be selling for less than they paid back in 2020/21. Some buyers assume a home is as good as theirs, then watch it sell to someone else — often for more than they expected. Frustration leads to finding someone to blame, and confusion all round.
A common theme behind those complaints is disclosure — what was, or wasn't, made known about a property. For a buyer that's the hard part: you don't know what you don't know, and most buyers are time-poor, fitting this around an already busy life.
Here are Martelli Buyers Agents absolute minimum ‘must do’s’ when buying on your own.
1. Get your finances sorted — before you find the house
A pre-approval isn't a right to buy. It's an indication. Banks are declining more properties and asking for more proof, so you want the specific home signed off by your bank well before the tender date or auction —not the week of.
2. Get a thorough legal review from a good property conveyancer
A careful legal review is often what surfaces the things that weren't disclosed. But not all lawyers are the same. Find someone genuinely experienced in property conveyancing — someone who works to facilitate a sound deal rather than kill every deal out of caution. The right conveyancer is a considerable advantage.
3. Sort an insurance quote early
Insurance has changed. After so many floods and more homes being marked high risk, you can no longer assume a property will be straightforward to insure — or insurable at all. Get your own quote early, while you still have room to walk away.
And one more: get a building inspection from an inspector with indemnity insurance
Even for a new build. A proper inspection from someone who carries indemnity insurance gives you an independent review of the home's condition.
If you are buying without a buyer’s agent, these checks are your best chance of protecting yourself and your new home.
Click the link to listen to the full podcast.
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