Making an Offer and Buying at Auction

Before making an offer on a Doubtless Bay property, confirm the advertised sale method, obtain the relevant documents and speak with your lawyer. Ray White Doubtless Bay’s listing salesperson can explain the seller’s process and the information available. Your offer needs to suit your own finance, investigations and timing.

What should I prepare before making an offer?

Ask for the sale and purchase agreement, property information and the process for submitting an offer. Discuss the price, deposit, settlement date, included chattels and any conditions with your lawyer. A signed agreement has legal consequences, so get advice before signing rather than relying on a verbal understanding. Confirm your lender’s requirements before the offer becomes unconditional.

How do negotiation, deadline sale and tender differ?

For a priced or negotiation sale, ask how offers will be presented and whether any timing has been set. For deadline sale, identify the closing date and whether the property can sell earlier. For tender, obtain the tender documents and follow their submission requirements. Conditional and unconditional offers have different implications. Read Settled’s offer guidance and deadline-sale guidance, then ask your lawyer what is appropriate for you.

What changes when buying at auction?

Auction purchases are unconditional. Complete your legal, finance and property investigations before bidding. Obtain the auction terms, confirm registration and deposit arrangements, and set your bidding limit. A remote or online auction option also requires preparation; watching a livestream is not the same as being registered to bid. Use Settled’s auction guidance and ask the salesperson about the particular auction.

What if there are several offers?

Ask the salesperson to explain the multi-offer process and any required acknowledgement. Consider your strongest acceptable offer as a whole, including conditions and timing, with your adviser. Do not assume you will receive another opportunity to change it. The seller’s decision can involve more than the highest headline price.

Which local property checks should I discuss?

For a coastal home, include the property’s exposure, maintenance and insurance questions in your investigation plan. For a rural or lifestyle property, clarify water, wastewater, access and the land or buildings included. If you intend to build or alter the home, investigate feasibility and consents separately. Our property guides and viewing checklist help you prepare questions for the agent and your advisers.

Talk through the next step

For an offer on a particular property, contact its named salesperson. Browse current homes for sale and current auction listings. For help finding the right contact, call 09 406 1005 or email doubtlessbay.nz@raywhite.com. This page and its enquiry form provide information and contact assistance; an enquiry is not a formal offer.