Date: 27th Jan 2026
If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, one of your first questions is probably: How fast will my house sell? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some houses sell within a couple of weeks, while others take longer.
The average number of days to sell a house (from the moment it hits the market until a sale and purchase agreement is signed) is 50 across New Zealand. However, this can vary depending on the region, price point, and time of year, which can see it taking as many as three to four months.
This guide breaks down how long it typically takes to sell a house, what factors influence the timeline, and practical ways to speed things up while ensuring you get the best property value possible.
So, how quickly can you sell a house? In New Zealand, the average time to sell a house from listing to sale is generally 6-10 weeks, depending on market conditions. After an offer is accepted, settlement usually takes another 4-6 weeks before the keys officially change hands. During this time, legal paperwork, finance approvals, and property transfers are all finalised before settlement day.
Real estate agents often track something called Days on Market (DOM), or the number of days a property stays listed before going under contract. When getting your property ready for sale, it’s also useful to research the median number of days to sell in today’s market, which gives a more accurate picture of typical selling times by removing outliers.
No two property sales are the same.
How quickly your home sells depends on a mix of factors, some you can control, and others you can’t.
Setting the right price from the start is one of the biggest influences on your sale’s timeline.
A property priced in line with the current market value and similar properties listed tends to attract more buyers and sell faster. Overpricing, on the other hand, can put people off and lead to price drops later, meaning your property takes longer to sell.
Market conditions also matter a lot and often determine the best time to sell a house. In a seller’s market, where demand outweighs supply, homes often sell quickly and may attract multiple offers. In a buyer’s market, where listings are plentiful, sales can take longer as buyers have more options.
The type of property and where it’s located can have a big impact on days to sell. Family homes in popular suburbs tend to move faster. On the other hand, larger or high-end properties and apartments that require a specialised buyer take longer to sell.
Even seasonality plays a part. The spring and summer months are traditionally the busiest for property sales in New Zealand, with more active buyers and better weather for viewings, which can reduce the average days to sell during this window.
Make a good first impression right off the bat. If your property doesn’t impress, it’ll quickly be forgotten.
Professional staging, photography and well-written listings make a huge difference in how quickly buyers show interest, especially when competition is high. Marketing strategies that combine online and traditional methods ensure your property reaches the right audience.
You’ll also want an experienced real estate agent with local market expertise on your side. The right agent knows how to position your property, attract genuine interested buyers and negotiate efficiently, which can help sell your house faster.
If you’re hoping for a quick, smooth sale, here are some practical steps to help you sell faster:
Selling a home involves several professionals who each play a part in how quickly things move. Your real estate agent drives buyer interest through marketing, communication, and negotiation. The conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal side, checking titles, drafting agreements, and overseeing settlement.
In addition to crucial industry professionals, the most important party to a successful sale is the buyer. Keep in mind that they often need time for finance approvals, valuations, and building inspections.
Engaging professionals early and keeping communication open with interested buyers helps keep the process on track and avoids delays.
Even the best-prepared sale can hit a few snags. Common delays include:
You can reduce these risks by working with your agent to time the market (listing in a seller’s market, if possible), reviewing documentation early, and choosing serious, well-qualified buyers when offers come in.
You can technically sell a property at any time after buying it, but it pays to think it through. If you sell within a short period, say, within a couple of years, you might be caught by the bright-line property rule, which means any profit could be taxed.
The timeframe for this depends on when you bought your home and whether it’s your main residence. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get advice from your lawyer or an accountant before listing.
It depends on your situation and the local market. Generally, spring and early summer are the busiest times to sell, when more buyers are out and about and homes look their best. But good properties can sell well year-round, especially if there’s strong demand in your area.
If you’re thinking about selling, have a chat with a local real estate agent to get a feel for what’s happening in your neighbourhood right now.
From start to finish, the full process usually takes around 10 to 14 weeks. That includes roughly 6-10 weeks to find a buyer and agree on a sale, plus another 4-6 weeks for settlement and legal steps.
Some homes sell faster, others take a bit longer, depending on pricing, market conditions, and how ready you are with paperwork and marketing.
Selling your home isn’t something that happens overnight, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to drag on either. While the average time it takes to sell a house in New Zealand sits at 6 to 10 weeks, every property is different. The key is getting your price right, presenting your home well, and staying organised from the start.
Every sale is different, and local market knowledge can be your ticket to the successful sale you deserve. If you’re thinking about selling, chat with a Tremains real estate agent or request an appraisal. We’ll help you understand how the market’s moving in your area, what buyers are looking for, and how to get your home sold faster and with less stress.