In New Zealand’s property market, competition can be fierce, especially in popular suburbs or for homes in first-home buyer price brackets. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, getting your offer accepted often comes down to how well you prepare and structure your offer. Sellers want certainty, speed, and simplicity. This article shares proven strategies to help your offer stand out and get across the line.
Secure Unconditional Pre-Approval from Your Bank
Submitting an offer without a finance clause can dramatically improve your chances of success, especially in a multi-offer situation. Many buyers already have unconditional pre-approval from their lender, which means their financial situation has been fully assessed and approved. But here’s the critical part: most banks still need to approve the specific property before they confirm the loan is fully unconditional.
While your personal finances might be green-lit, banks also assess the risk profile of the property itself. If the home doesn’t meet their lending criteria, the bank could decline finance, even if you’ve already been pre-approved.
Why Property Approval Still Matters
Even with unconditional pre-approval in place, the bank may say “no” to certain properties due to issues such as:
Leasehold or cross-lease titles
Unconsented or non-compliant work
Flood zones or geotechnical risks
Apartments with cladding or weathertightness concerns
Tiny homes, relocatables, or unusual construction types
That’s why it’s crucial to get your bank to assess the property before you submit your offer. Once the bank confirms the home meets their criteria, you can confidently make an offer without a “subject to finance” clause.
Why This Strengthens Your Offer
Offers with finance conditions add uncertainty for sellers. Even if the price is attractive, the risk of the sale falling through can make them nervous. In contrast, a clean, unconditional offer:
Gives the seller confidence
Reduces delays
Makes your offer more competitive, especially if others still have conditions attached
Can win over a higher-priced, conditional offer in some cases
How to Get the Property Approved in Advance
Contact your mortgage advisor to organise this for you.
Pro Tip
Most lenders can complete property checks within 24–48 hours, especially if your financial approval is already in place. Speed matters, so act early to avoid missing offer deadlines.
Complete Your Due Diligence in Advance
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your offer is to remove or reduce the number of conditions. A key way to do this is by completing your due diligence before you submit the offer, rather than relying on standard conditions like “subject to LIM” or “subject to builder’s report.”
In competitive markets, particularly during multi-offer situations, sellers prefer clean, uncomplicated offers that are less likely to fall through. When you’ve already done your homework, you can present an offer that’s not only confident but also easier for the seller to accept.
What Due Diligence Should You Complete?
Ideally, you should review the key documents and reports before making the offer, especially if you’re aiming to submit an uncoditional or low-condition offer. This typically includes:
LIM report – Check for any red flags like unconsented works, zoning issues, or future developments nearby.
Builder’s report – Hire a qualified building inspector to assess the condition of the property, including the roof, plumbing, structure, and moisture levels.
Meth testing (optional) – If the property has a rental history or shows signs of past use, a test can offer peace of mind.
One thing to keep in mind is the above reports come with a cost. It’s likely a good idea to check with the real estate agent if the property currently has any offers on it as you don’t want the property to be sold before you can complete all of the above due diligence.
I would recommend getting your finance sorted and maybe a builders report sorted before putting a offer in. LIM and Meth reports often don’t lead to a sale falling through and can take more time.
For more information on Sale and Purchase Agreements and their associated clauses, read this article by settled.govt.nz
Offer a Competitive, Market-Aligned Price
It’s natural to want a bargain, but in multi-offer situations, submitting a lowball offer can do more harm than good. While market conditions can vary across New Zealand, most sellers are looking for realistic, fair offers that show the buyer understands the property’s value and is ready to proceed without unnecessary complications.
Why Low Offers Often Backfire
Sellers typically want more than just the best price—they want certainty, speed, and a smooth process. An offer that’s too far below market value can:
Offend the seller and damage your negotiating position
Get ignored entirely, especially if there are stronger offers in play
Signal that you haven’t done your research, or that you might cause problems later in the deal
Even in a cooler or buyer-friendly market, offering well below recent sales data can backfire, particularly when other buyers are still active.
What a Market-Aligned Price Looks Like
To show you’re a serious buyer, your offer should be based on recent comparable sales in the same suburb. Look for:
Similar property types (e.g., standalone homes, townhouses)
Comparable bedroom and bathroom counts
Land size and condition of the home
Recent upgrades or renovations
Sale dates within the last 3–6 months
By aligning your offer with realistic market data, you position yourself as informed, fair, and serious, which builds seller confidence.
The Price Isn’t Everything
It’s important to remember that the highest offer doesn’t always win. Sellers often prefer offers that come with:
Fewer conditions
Flexible settlement dates
Certainty of finance
If you combine a competitive price with these other strengths, you can often win over higher offers that carry more risk.
Be Flexible on Settlement Dates
Settlement flexibility is one of the most underrated ways to make your offer more appealing, especially in a market where multiple buyers are competing for the same home. While most buyers focus on price and conditions, smart buyers also look at how they can make the process smoother for the seller. Often, the right settlement date can tip the scales in your favour, even if your offer isn’t the highest.
Why Flexibility Matters
Every seller has a different situation. Some may have already bought their next home and need a quick settlement. Others may be waiting for a new build to finish or are still house hunting themselves, in which case, they may prefer a longer timeline.
Being able to accommodate the seller’s ideal timeframe helps your offer stand out by:
Reducing stress and logistical challenges
Helping the seller coordinate their move
Avoiding the need for bridging finance or short-term rentals
Showing that you’re cooperative and solutions-focused
In many cases, sellers will accept a slightly lower offer if it gives them the flexibility and certainty they need.
Creative Solutions That Win Offers
If you’re serious about a property, ask the listing agent what matters most to the seller. Then, consider offering options such as:
Flexible settlement range – e.g., “any date between X and Y” to give the seller room to move
Delayed possession – allowing the seller time to vacate even after settlement
Rent-back agreement – letting the seller stay on in the property and pay market rent for a few weeks or months after settlement
Early settlement – if the seller wants to wrap things up fast, having your finances and legal team ready can help you act quickly
These solutions are particularly valuable in downsizing, upsizing, or relocation scenarios, where timing is a key concern for the vendor.
Final Thoughts
The key to getting your property offer accepted is to present an offer that is simple, confident, and low-risk from the seller’s perspective. Sellers want certainty just as much as they want a good price, so the more obstacles you can remove upfront, the stronger your offer becomes.
To maximise your chances of success:
Remove finance conditions by having unconditional approval for both your finances and the specific property
Complete your due diligence early to avoid adding standard clauses
Offer a fair, market-aligned price based on recent comparable sales
Be flexible on settlement dates to suit the seller’s timeline
Each of these steps helps reduce friction and gives sellers confidence that your offer will go through without delay or drama.
In a competitive market, certainty often matters more than price. By preparing well, staying flexible, and understanding what the seller truly values, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons and give yourself the best possible chance of having your offer accepted.
FAQ
What is unconditional pre-approval?
Unconditional pre-approval means your bank has fully approved your lending with no further checks required. This allows you to make an offer without a finance clause.
Can I still make a conditional offer?
Yes, but understand that sellers may favour unconditional offers. If you need to include conditions, keep them minimal and relevant.
How do I stand out in a multi-offer situation?
Make your offer as clean and simple as possible: unconditional (if safe), flexible on dates, and priced competitively. Include a personal letter and complete due diligence early.
Can I make an offer before a property goes to auction?
Yes, many sellers will consider pre-auction offers. These usually need to be strong and unconditional to be taken seriously.
What happens if my offer is accepted but I change my mind?
If your offer is unconditional, you’re legally committed. Backing out can result in losing your deposit or legal action. If conditional, you may withdraw if a condition isn’t met.
