It’s the first question every homeowner asks when they begin to think about selling. Understanding your property’s current market value is the essential first step in making a confident and informed decision about your future. This guide explains how your property’s worth is determined and how you can get a clear, realistic picture of its value in today’s market.
The best first step: a property appraisal
The most accurate way to determine your property’s value is to get a property appraisal from an experienced real estate agent. Also known as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), an appraisal is a detailed estimate of what your home could sell for in the current market. It’s a simple, no-obligation process that is almost always offered free of charge by local agents.
What factors determine your property’s value?
A professional appraisal is not a guess; it’s an analysis based on several key factors. As local Blockhouse Bay experts, we look at your property through the eyes of a potential buyer, considering everything that makes it unique.
- Location: This is the classic real estate rule, and it holds true. We assess your property’s proximity to key local amenities that buyers in our area value, such as the Blockhouse Bay village shops and cafes, local parks like the Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve, and sought-after school zones like Blockhouse Bay Primary and Lynfield College.
- Property features: We look at the specifics of your home, including the size of the land and the house itself, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the condition of the kitchen and bathrooms, and the quality of any outdoor living areas. The classic 1960s weatherboard and brick homes common in Blockhouse Bay are always popular with families.
- Recent sales data: A key part of the process is comparing your home to similar properties that have recently sold in Blockhouse Bay. This gives us a powerful, data-driven benchmark for what buyers are willing to pay in the current market.
- Current market conditions: The property market is always changing. We provide insight into current buyer demand, the number of properties for sale in the area, and how quickly they are selling. For example, the median number of days to sell a property in Blockhouse Bay is currently around 33 days, which tells us about the pace of the market.
What’s the difference between an appraisal and a valuation?
It’s important to understand the distinction between a property appraisal and a registered valuation, as they serve different purposes.
- A Property Appraisal is an estimate of market value provided by a licensed real estate agent. It’s used to help you set a realistic price for selling your home. Appraisals are typically free and are a vital part of planning your sale.
- A Registered Valuation is a formal assessment of a property’s value conducted by a qualified and registered valuer for a fee. A valuation is a legal document often required by banks for mortgage lending purposes. In Auckland, this can cost between $600 and $1,080.
For the purpose of understanding what your home might sell for, a property appraisal is the perfect starting point.
Get your free, no-obligation appraisal
We believe in providing honest, insightful advice to help our neighbours make the best decisions for their families. Our appraisal process is simple, confidential, and comes with no strings attached.
- We visit your home: One of our local agents will arrange a time to briefly visit your property to understand its unique features.
- We do our research: We analyse the latest sales data and market trends specific to Blockhouse Bay.
- We provide a detailed report: We’ll present you with a comprehensive report outlining your property’s estimated value and answer any questions you have about the market or the selling process.
Ready to take the next step?
Every property journey is unique. If this guide has sparked any questions, or if you’d simply like to talk through your own situation with a local expert, please feel free to get in touch. We’re here to help, with no obligation.
Call us today on (09) 626 6119 for a friendly, confidential chat.