Offers & Settlement

From making an offer to moving into your Wānaka home

A successful purchase needs more than an agreed price. Your offer must give you enough time to investigate the property, arrange funds and plan possession. If you are buying from outside Wānaka, book local inspections and travel around the actual contract dates, rather than assuming every purchase follows the same timetable.

Before you sign: agree the whole package

Ask your lawyer or conveyancer to review the agreement before you sign. Confirm the legal property description, price, deposit, conditions, chattels, settlement and possession arrangements. An attractive price can come with dates or obligations that do not suit your circumstances. The selling agent works for the seller, while also owing buyers duties of fairness and honesty; your own advisers help protect your position.

Make a written list of what you expect to remain. Curtains, appliances, heating equipment and other items should be dealt with in the agreement where relevant. For a holiday home, do not assume the furniture, outdoor equipment or a future accommodation booking is included. For a section or lifestyle property, identify any water equipment, tanks or other assets and ask your lawyer how their ownership and rights should be documented.

Choose conditions that match the property

Discuss finance, title, building inspection, LIM and any other necessary investigations with your lawyer. A lender’s general pre-approval does not necessarily mean it has accepted the particular home or your final borrowing amount. Allow enough time for the lender, insurer, council and inspectors to supply what is needed. Ask who must do what, by which date, and how satisfaction or any issue must be communicated.

A new build, shared-title home, commercial property and rural holding can require different investigations. Use our sections and building guide, lifestyle and rural checklist or commercial property guide to prepare questions. Your lawyer should tailor the contract; a checklist does not create a contractual right to cancel.

Plan the deposit separately from the balance

The agreement determines the deposit amount and when it must be paid. Check the timing before signing, including how any KiwiSaver withdrawal or sale proceeds will be available. Confirm payment instructions through a trusted contact before transferring money. The balance is generally dealt with through your lawyer or conveyancer on settlement, so arrange signing, identification and cleared funds early enough for their requirements.

Auctions have a different starting point: successful bidding normally creates an unconditional commitment under the auction terms. Complete the necessary checks beforehand and arrange any proposed changes before bidding. Our buying at auction guide explains that preparation.

After the agreement becomes unconditional

Keep your lawyer’s timetable in one place, including finance documents, insurance arrangements, funds and any agreed access. Check when your insurance needs to begin with your lawyer, lender and insurer. Book movers and accommodation with some flexibility, especially if you also have a sale to complete. There is no single settlement period that applies to every Wānaka purchase.

Ask about a pre-settlement inspection and the access allowed by your agreement. Use the agreed chattels list and raise concerns promptly through your lawyer and agent. This visit is not a substitute for the earlier building inspection or an opportunity to assume new terms. If you cannot attend, discuss an appropriate representative in advance.

Settlement, possession and the first week

Confirm the process for releasing keys and when you can take possession before sending a moving truck to the door. Settlement and possession can differ, particularly where a property is tenanted. Do not assume tenants must leave simply because ownership changes; get legal advice about the tenancy and any proposed vacant-possession terms before committing.

Arrange utilities, internet and mail around the confirmed handover. Request available operating instructions for heating, ventilation, water systems and security. For a home you will leave empty between visits, organise a local contact and discuss insurer requirements. Our moving to Wānaka guide helps you plan everyday life after the transaction.

Talk through your buying timetable

Tell Ray White Wānaka what you are looking for, whether you have another property to sell and which dates matter. We can explain the seller’s sale process and available property information so you can take a clear set of questions to your advisers. Use the form below or call 03 443 8912.

Further information: Settled’s guide to sale and purchase agreements. General guidance; obtain advice about your own agreement and circumstances.