The task of selling a deceased estate in New Zealand can seem like a huge responsibility for families and executors. 

Ownership may be in a Family Trust or in the name of a sibling, or siblings, whose job it is to represent the whole family's best interests, including in the price obtained on a sale. The property may be full to the brim of belongings that need to be sorted through, or at the very least 'over-furnished', the property could be zoned for development, in a high value suburb, be sub-dividable or there may be a family member living in it wishing to remain there. The variables are many.

Siblings, often living in different locations, have differing opinions on what real estate agency or agent is best to use, what the property is worth to sell, whether to get a property valuation, when to sell the house and how to avoid exhorbitant real estate commission and fees. All crucial decisions to be made. In addition to vetting licensed real estate agents NZ-wide, we can also advise on how best to proceed, and how to prepare well to sell a deceased estate as smoothly as possible.

Find out how we vet real estate agents at no cost to vendors.

TIPS FOR A DECEASED ESTATE SALE IN NZ

• Don’t market the home as a 'deceased estate'. It is far better to pick out its most attractive features and highlight those as you would for any other property sale such as the number or size of rooms, location to schools or land size. Highlighting property features will likely attract a higher volume of interest rather than aiming for those hoping to find a bargain.
• Do home stage the house to appeal to younger buyers, either by hiring professionals or doing it yourself. This is one of the cheapest yet most effective ways to sell a house for a prime price quickly most often halving the days on market.
• Understand what to look out for and be aware of in regard to real estate appraisals. You can use our real estate agent questionnaire to guide you through interviews with property agents.
• Compare real estate agents objectively and understand how much real estate commission you will pay before signing an agency agreement. We can advise you on all of these matters.
• Talk to your lawyer before signing an agency agreement - being a deceased estate, there may be special clauses required.

If you would like to discuss your property in confidence, call us on 0800 789 532. We're here to help and it's a free service.

AGREEING ON THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT

Using vetted real estate agents that have been assessed according to our selective criteria will ensure you don't end up with an agent you don't trust. It can take a lot of pressure off families when done objectively and professionally for them, and will come to you in a shortlist you can share and discuss with other family members as required. Often there is disagreement among siblings or simply a matter of heading off in different directions - we can help make it simpler by giving the family a vetted list to choose from.

Our shortlists are tailored to you, taking into account family needs and situation along with the location and the property type and value range. For example, if selling a deceased estate in Auckland, you may want to know more about whether the property is zoned for development in the Unitary Plan, or whether best sold as a residence.

These are all matters we can advise you on, so you can do your due diligence in an efficient, streamlined and thorough manner.

“Being a deceased estate, the real estate process was stressful enough without  'pushy' real estate agents approaching us …  having a professional, unbiased selection of three vetted real estate agents was a brilliant place to start.” Gay | North Shore

Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to compare or send an enquiry now.

Updated September 2026 - Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Independent Property Advisor 2023 | Property Institute of New Zealand

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards

• Best Property Advice Hub - APAC New Zealand 2021

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service New Zealand - 2018