How do I make an offer on a house in New Zealand?

Short answer: Complete Sale and Purchase Agreement with price, conditions, settlement date. Lawyer reviews first. Seller accepts, rejects, or counters.

What this actually means in plain English

Tell the real estate agent you want to make an offer. They will give you a Sale and Purchase Agreement. You fill in your price, conditions, and settlement date. Your lawyer should review it first. Submit it to the agent. The seller can accept, reject, or counter. Do not offer more than you can afford just to win.

Key Facts

Use standard Sale and Purchase Agreement
Include price, conditions, and settlement date
Lawyer review before submission is essential
Seller can accept, reject, or counter-offer
Conditional offers protect you but are weaker to seller
Do not exceed your pre-approval amount

Example

Offer Price: $595,000

Conditions: Subject to finance (10 days), building inspection (5 days)

Settlement: 30 days

Lawyer Review: Completed before submission

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