Should I Sell Now, or Rent My Property Out First?

This Week’s Tip: Should I sell now, or rent my property out first?

There isn’t one answer for everyone. If you’re buying again in the same market, selling in a softer market isn’t necessarily bad — you may sell low, but also buy low.

If you’re moving to Australia, look beyond your Auckland sale price. Some Australian markets are now starting to soften too, so compare the market you’re leaving with the one you’re entering. Exchange rates can also make a surprisingly big difference.

If you’re thinking about renting and waiting, calculate the real holding cost. Rent may look attractive, but rates, insurance, management, maintenance, vacancies and mortgage interest quickly add up.

Will 2027 be better? Possibly. New Zealand has already been through more than four years of adjustment, but higher interest rates, the election and economic uncertainty may keep 2026 challenging. And even if confidence returns in 2027, more sellers may return too — meaning more competition.

So I wouldn’t try to pick the perfect market. Look at your destination, holding costs and timeframe, then decide what makes sense for you.