AI Is Changing How Buyers Buy Homes…

This Week’s Tip: AI Is Changing How Buyers Buy Homes — But Can You Trust Its Advice?

Over the past year or two, I’ve noticed a growing trend: more buyers are turning to AI for advice when purchasing a property.

AI can be a fantastic tool, but I’m also seeing situations where relying too heavily on it can create unnecessary problems.

In our sales this year, around 25% of conditional deals have fallen over, with building inspections and due diligence among the common reasons.

We recently experienced a case where a buyer uploaded their building inspection report to AI and asked how much the repairs might cost.

AI estimated around $100,000.

The buyer became concerned, the vendor disagreed with the estimate, and what had been a promising deal ultimately fell through.

The problem? AI hadn’t physically inspected the property, spoken to a builder or obtained any actual repair quotes.

We’re also seeing buyers ask AI how to fix building issues, what work requires consent, and whether certain defects are serious. While some answers can be helpful, others may be inaccurate or miss important details specific to New Zealand properties.

My advice: Use AI to help you understand the questions you should be asking, but don’t rely on it alone to make major property decisions.

Speak with a qualified builder, building inspector, lawyer or other relevant professional who can assess your specific situation.

AI may be free and convenient, but it cannot replace real-world experience, professional judgement or accountability.

When you’re making a decision involving hundreds of thousands, or millions, of dollars, getting the right advice matters far more than getting a quick answer.