Buyer preferences shift in 2025 real estate market
Real estate professionals from New Zealand have outlined the significant factors making properties less appealing to prospective home buyers in 2025.
The emerging trend indicates a strong preference for homes that are move-in ready, with various other concerns influencing home buyer decisions in a competitive market.
Critical factors for sellers to address
In a recent interview with OneRoof, real estate agents said one of the most prominent hurdles in selling a property in 2025 is its completion status.
Buyers increasingly favour homes that require no additional work, particularly in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Tommy’s Real Estate agent Alexia Stoddart (pictured above left) said that properties in Wellington with difficult access or those requiring renovations are notably hard to sell, despite offering stunning views.
“Properties with awkward access and steep climbs are often challenging to sell in Wellington, although many offered some of the best views in the capital, and for some buyers, the steps were worth it,” Stoddart told OneRoof.
Building costs and home buyer resistance
The post-pandemic landscape has seen a significant rise in building costs, which has added to buyer hesitancy towards properties that need further investment.
Amanda Evans (pictured above right) from New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty said that buyers in Remuera are particularly reluctant to take on homes that aren’t fully finished.
“People do not want to spend money on having to do up the bathroom or kitchen,” Evans said.
Parking and accessibility concerns
The issue of insufficient parking has become a dealbreaker for many, as noted by Ray White Mangere’s Pat Lapalapa.
Lapalapa shared an anecdote about a client who passed on a property because it lacked adequate parking for family vehicles.
Flooding and the risk associated with natural disasters have also emerged as significant concerns, particularly in regions like South Auckland, which have experienced severe impacts.
Market dynamics and home buyer concerns
With a high volume of listings and home buyers taking their time, real estate professionals stress the importance of addressing any possible drawbacks that could deter potential buyers.
Factors such as proximity to large developments, the stigma of leaky homes, and even the type of neighbors can play a critical role in the desirability of a property.
By understanding these key concerns, sellers can better prepare their properties for the current market, ensuring they appeal to the discerning buyer of 2025 and stand out among the competition, OneRoof reported.
Read the OneRoof report here.
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