Buying a house – A checklist to help home buyers make informed decisions

Buying a house is the biggest investment most of us make, so it is important to get it right.

Home buyers need to remember that the seller’s real estate agent works for the seller. However, real estate agents licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act (and their salespeople) are also bound by a number of statutory and ethical obligations which require them to provide the buyer with information of material importance, and to fully answer buyers’ questions.

Information of material importance is any information about the property that could impact on your decision about buying it.

Sellers of real estate who are not covered by the Real Estate Agents Act are not bound by the same requirements.

  • Of interest to Homeowners, Builders,
  • 1st edition

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: