Date: 27th Jan 2026
You had high hopes that when you listed your home that it would sell quickly. Maybe even imagined it would spark a bidding war, or at least get some strong offers early on. But now? Weeks have passed. Maybe a few months. Still no sale, and barely any interest from potential buyers.
It’s frustrating, stressful, and, if we’re honest, kind of deflating.
So, you’re left wondering, “why won’t my house sell?” In most cases, the reasons are fixable. Our guide will help you decide what to do when you can’t sell your house and boost your chances of a successful sale.
Let’s start with the most common culprit: your price expectations. If your asking price is out of sync with the current market, many buyers won’t even see your listing, thanks to filters on real estate platforms. Even if they do, they'll likely move on fast if the value doesn’t stack up against similar properties.
Some signs your price may be too high:
Buyers are savvy. They research listings, compare homes, and know what value looks like. If your price doesn’t reflect reality, most buyers won’t waste their time.
A good house can still leave a bad impression if it’s not marketed well. Poor lighting in your listing photos. Clutter in every room. A tired, messy garden. All of it adds up and it’s costing you attention.
Many buyers make a decision within the first few seconds of viewing a property online. If your photos don’t stop them from scrolling, you’re missing opportunities.
During open homes, small details, like odours, scuffed walls, or dated furniture can derail what could have been a great showing.
The fix? Professional photography, thoughtful staging, a thorough decluttering, and a deep clean. Those changes can make a huge difference.
Unfortunately, even the most appealing property can struggle to sell if the timing is off. Spring and early autumn are typically busier seasons for selling a home in New Zealand, while mid-winter and the Christmas period often see buyer interest dip.
The broader economic climate matters, too. When interest rates rise or the market cools, buyer sentiment shifts. In a buyer’s market, people take longer to decide, expect sharper deals, and scrutinise every detail.
But a challenging market doesn’t mean your home won’t sell. It just means your strategy needs to adapt. Check the latest insights from REINZ and Trade Me Property to get a snapshot of what’s happening now in the NZ property market.
While you can’t change your postcode, you can work with your real estate agent to highlight the best parts of your local area. Is the home zoned for a great school? Close to scenic walks, cafes, or public transport? These features matter more than you think, especially for families and lifestyle-focused buyers.
Start with the numbers. Has your home been priced based on its market value or based on what you hope to get? Your real estate agent should provide comparable sales data and help you reassess your price expectations based on what similar homes are actually selling for.
Understandably, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price. However, in the current climate, price flexibility often leads to more traction. A well-calculated price adjustment can reopen the door to new potential buyers and help you move forward.
If your photos look like they were taken on a phone from 2010, you’re not doing yourself any favours. Professional listing photos, high-quality video, and virtual walkthroughs help your property stand out online, where most buyers begin their search.
In many cases, poor marketing is a big reason homes don’t sell. This is where a good agent makes all the difference.
Buyers don’t just ‘see’ your home, they feel it. Does the space smell fresh? Is it too dark? Does it feel crowded or dated? These small touches have a big impact when someone walks through the door:
Not all real estate agents are created equal. If you're not getting timely feedback, updated advertising strategies, or clear communication, it might be time for a change. Signs your estate agent might not be the right fit:
A skilled real estate agent won’t just list your home; they’ll position it to sell.
If you’re not after a quick sale, renting out your home (short-term or long-term) could help cover holding costs until the current market conditions improve. Just make sure you understand tenancy rules and long-term implications.
Minor improvements can lead to major results. A fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, or new carpet can completely shift a buyer’s perception and boost your chances of a sale.
Focus on improvements that appeal to the widest audience and offer the best return on investment.
If your current method isn’t working, it might be time to try something new. Auctions can create urgency and competition, while tenders let buyers put their best foot forward without knowing the price upfront.
A real estate professional with local experience will advise you on which method suits your home, buyers, and market conditions.
Selling a home can be emotional, exhausting, and at times, unpredictable. But if your house isn’t selling, don’t panic. With the right advice, a refreshed strategy, and the support of experienced real estate agents, you can turn things around.
At Tremains, we have over 50 years of real estate experience, working with homeowners across New Zealand. Let us help you identify what’s holding your sale back and what to do about it. With offices across the North Island, we help sellers reach the right buyers.
Talk to a Tremains sales consultant about selling your home or request a free property appraisal today.