Questions to Ask at a Christchurch Open Home

The agent at a Canterbury open home is there to assist you - and the questions you ask directly affect the quality of information you gather. Most buyers leave without asking anything beyond the price. Here is what to ask every time.

Earthquake and Structural Questions

These are the most important Canterbury-specific questions. Ask: what is the TC land category for this property? Has the property had any EQC or private insurer claims from the 2010-2011 earthquakes, and is documentation available? Have there been any building consents issued for earthquake repairs, and are consent completion certificates available? Are there any outstanding council notices or orders affecting the property? A good agent will have this information ready. An agent who cannot answer these questions or who deflects them is a red flag - either the information is unfavourable or the agent is underprepared.

Reason for Sale and Campaign Status

Ask: what is the reason for sale? How long has the property been on the market? Have there been any offers? These questions provide critical context. A property that has been on the market for 60 days with multiple rejected offers tells a very different story than one that listed yesterday. The reason for sale - job relocation, upsizing, deceased estate, divorce - sometimes reveals timeline pressure that can benefit a buyer's negotiating position.

Price and Process Questions

Ask: what price is the vendor expecting? For auction or deadline sale, is there a price indication or will all offers be considered? What is the sale method and timeline? Are there other registered bidders or interested parties you should know about? Understanding the price expectation and competition level before committing to due diligence costs (building inspection, LIM) saves money on properties where the vendor's expectation is already beyond your budget.

Practical Property Questions

Ask: what chattels are included in the sale? What is the rates amount per year? Is the property currently tenanted and if so what notice period applies? What are the body corporate levies if applicable? Are there any covenants, easements, or encumbrances on the title beyond standard? When is the preferred settlement date? These questions can all affect your offer terms and your ongoing cost of ownership.

For general information only. Always obtain independent legal advice before making any offer on a Canterbury property.