Your must-read guide for spotting red flags—and protecting your future.

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones—but how do you know if the house you’re falling in love with is actually a smart buy? New Zealand’s housing stock varies widely, and many homes come with hidden issues that could cost thousands to fix.

Whether you’re browsing open homes or about to make an offer, this guide will help you know exactly what to look for when buying your first home in NZ—and when to call in the experts.

First Home Checklist: Key Features to Look For

When viewing a property, bring a checklist (or better yet, take notes on your phone). Here are must-have features and desirable traits for a first home:

• Healthy Homes compliance: Insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture barriers

• Natural light and airflow: Well-ventilated homes reduce mould and damp

• Good storage: Closets, garages, sheds or under-house access

• Off-street parking: Especially important in high-density suburbs

• Renovated kitchens and bathrooms: Major upgrades here are expensive

• Orientation: North-facing homes get better sun exposure in NZ

• Safe neighbourhood: Check school zones, transport, noise, and safety

Want expert eyes on your potential home? Fairview Building Inspections can uncover what you might miss.

Common Red Flags First-Home Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all issues are immediately visible. Here are some warning signs that deserve a second look—or a professional inspection:

1. Dampness or Musty Smells
Damp odours often indicate water ingress, leaky cladding, or poor ventilation. Look under carpets, behind curtains, and inside wardrobes for signs of mould or mildew.

2. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
While minor hairline cracks can be cosmetic, larger or diagonal cracks may suggest foundation movement or structural stress.

3. Sagging Floors or Bouncy Boards
Uneven or creaky flooring can point to underfloor rot, moisture issues, or poor workmanship—especially in older homes.

4. Peeling Paint or Stains
Water stains on ceilings or bubbling paint around windows are signs of leaks or poor weather-tightness.

🛠 Not sure what’s serious and what’s not? Fairview Building Inspections provides detailed, easy-to-read reports for first-time buyers.

What a Building Inspector Looks for (That You Might Miss)

Even if a home looks perfect, there could be problems beneath the surface. A qualified building inspector will assess:

• Roof condition: Age, leaks, rusting, flashing issues

• Subfloor: Moisture, borer damage, poor ventilation

• External cladding: Cracks, weather-tightness risk (e.g. monolithic cladding)

• Plumbing and drainage: Slow drains, leaks, or older pipe materials

• Moisture levels: Checked with specialised meters to identify hidden leaks

A building report gives you a professional opinion—so you don’t rely on gut feel or the vendor’s word alone.

Download a Free First-Home Buyer Property Viewing Checklist

Want a step-by-step list to take to open homes? Here’s what to include:

• Exterior: Cladding, roof, guttering, gardens/drainage

• Interior: Walls, windows, ceilings, doors, switches

• Floors: Levelness, stains, movement

• Utilities: Heat source, water pressure, ventilation

• General: Sunlight, layout, noise, nearby development

✔ Add a note at the top: “Book a professional inspection before going unconditional!”

Why a Building Inspection Is Essential for First-Time Buyers

It’s tempting to save money where you can—but skipping a building inspection is a mistake many first-home buyers regret.

Here’s what a building report helps you do:

• Avoid financial surprises (like $10k+ roof repairs)

• Negotiate a better price or request repairs

• Walk away if the issues are too big

• Buy with confidence—not blind hope

💬 “Fairview’s report helped us renegotiate $7,500 off the asking price—and we still got the home we loved!”
— Rebecca, first-home buyer in West Auckland

When to Book Your Building Inspection

You should book your pre-purchase building inspection as soon as your offer is accepted with conditions (or earlier for auctions). This gives you time to:

• Read the report

• Ask questions

• Make an informed decision

⚠️ Going unconditional without an inspection is risky—especially if you’re using every cent of your KiwiSaver and loan approval.

⏱ Need fast service? Fairview Building Inspections offers quick turnarounds and expert advice to help you act with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term, Not Just First Impressions

It’s easy to fall for staging, styling, and polished finishes—but remember: cosmetics are easy to change. Structure, weather-tightness, and moisture problems are not.

Your first home should be a stepping stone to security and financial freedom, not a trap full of expensive surprises. Be smart, be thorough, and get the right support before you commit.

✅ Ready to take the next step?

Get a qualified, friendly professional to walk you through the risks—and protect your future.