If you own a home in Christchurch and you are thinking about selling, you may have come across the phrase as is where is. It often appears when a property needs repairs, has compliance complications, or the seller wants a clearer path to settlement without doing extra work first.
For Christchurch homeowners, as is where is can be especially relevant because local housing includes older homes and properties that may have repair history or paperwork gaps that can impact buyer confidence.
This guide explains what as is where is means, when it makes sense for Christchurch sellers, how to reduce risk, and what to do next if you want a clear plan.
Quick definition (for Christchurch homeowners)
An as is where is home is sold in its current condition, and the buyer accepts the property with its existing defects, incomplete work, or compliance issues. For sellers, it can reduce pressure to repair before selling, but it still requires accurate marketing and smart preparation.
If you are unsure whether your situation fits, start with a quick conversation, you can reach out via the My New Start Contact page.
Why “as is where is” matters more in Christchurch
Christchurch has some unique realities that can make as is where is sales more common:
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Homes with earthquake history, repairs, or remediation questions
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Older properties where renovations have occurred over time, sometimes without complete documentation
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Deferred maintenance that becomes obvious during inspections
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Cautious buyers, lenders, and insurers when information is unclear
If your goal is certainty, it helps to understand your options early rather than waiting until a buyer raises concerns late in the process.
Related reading: How the selling process works in NZ.
What does “as is where is” mean for sellers?
Selling as is generally means:
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You are selling the property as it stands today
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You are not committing to repair defects before settlement
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Buyers are expected to do their own due diligence before they go unconditional
It can be a practical strategy if you want a cleaner sale, but the safest approach is to be factual and consistent across marketing, documents, and the sale and purchase agreement.
If you want help deciding the right approach for your home, see Your Selling Options with My New Start.
When does an as is where is sale make sense in Christchurch?
1) The home needs major repairs
Roofing issues, moisture, rot, drainage problems, piles, or general deterioration can make a standard sale feel stressful. An as is where is sale can reduce the expectation that you will fix everything.
2) There is a complicated property history
Some owners simply want to avoid months of investigations and quotes. If your property has a complicated history, clarity matters more than perfection.
3) Unconsented work or missing paperwork exists
Unconsented bathrooms, decks, sleepouts, garage conversions, or internal changes can create hesitation. Buyers often want proof or a plan.
4) You need speed and certainty
Estate sales, separations, financial pressure, or relocation timelines can make speed more important than renovating.
Pros and cons for Christchurch homeowners
Pros
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Less pressure to renovate or repair
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Clearer expectations for buyers upfront
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Potentially quicker sale when priced correctly
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Appeals to renovators, builders, and investors
Cons
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Smaller buyer pool in many cases
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Finance and insurance may be harder for buyers
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More due diligence questions
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Pricing may be lower if the risk is unclear
If you want a realistic view of what your home could sell for in its current state, book a quick chat via the Get in touch page.
How to price an as is where is home in Christchurch
Pricing is often the difference between a fast sale and a listing that goes stale.
A practical approach:
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Estimate what the home would sell for in good condition
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Subtract realistic costs for repairs and risk, including:
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quotes for major work
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compliance or consenting costs (where relevant)
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buyer risk buffer for unknowns and time
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If you would like a second opinion on price expectations and likely buyer type, My New Start can help you map this out quickly, Book an appraisal to talk to one of our experts, and get a cash offer in under 48 hours.
Selling options in Christchurch: list traditionally vs direct sale
Option 1: List on the open market
Best if:
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the home is liveable or appealing despite needing work
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you want maximum exposure
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you can handle a standard campaign timeline
- you don’t mind paying for agent fees
Option 2: Sell to a specialist buyer
Some sellers prefer a direct sale option for clarity and speed. If you explore this route, compare:
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the price
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settlement timeframe
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conditions
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what costs are included or excluded
If you want help comparing your options without pressure, reach out through the Contact My New Start page.
FAQs
Does as is where is mean I do not have to disclose anything?
No. The buyer accepts the property’s condition, but sellers should avoid misleading statements. Your solicitor can advise on the best approach for your situation.
Will an as is where is home be harder to sell in Christchurch?
Not always, but it often attracts a different buyer pool. Pricing and documentation are the two biggest factors in how quickly it sells.
Can buyers still negotiate?
Yes. Many buyers negotiate based on building reports, LIM findings, or finance and insurance outcomes. Good preparation reduces renegotiation.
Can I sell as is where is at auction?
Yes, but auctions are typically unconditional, so buyers will do all checks before bidding. Clear documents and positioning matter even more.
Ready to talk through your Christchurch situation?
If you are considering selling as is where is in Christchurch, the fastest way forward is a short conversation to clarify:
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what the property issues are (condition, compliance, paperwork)
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whether you should list or explore a more direct sale
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what price range is realistic for your timeline
Next step: Visit the Contact page on My New Start and tell us a little about your property. We will help you understand your options and choose the simplest path forward.