Settlement day is exciting, but the final inspection can feel a little overwhelming. Let’s reframe it. Think of this as your chance to proudly present the home at its best one last time. It’s a positive final step before you hand over the keys.
As a Wellington real estate professional, I, Halina, see this as a key moment in the selling journey. It’s not about finding new faults; it’s simply the buyer’s opportunity to confirm the property is in the same great condition as when they agreed to buy it. With a little preparation, this step can be smooth and stress-free.
What Buyers Are Really Looking For
When a buyer walks through your home for their final inspection, whether it’s a character villa in Aro Valley or a modern apartment in Te Aro, their checklist is straightforward. They are simply confirming that you’ve held up your end of the agreement.
Here’s what they will be checking:
- Same Condition: The property is in the same condition it was in when the contract was signed.
- Agreed Repairs: Any repairs you agreed to make have been completed.
- Chattels are Present: All the items included in the sale (like curtains, appliances, and light fittings) are still there and in working order.
- Keys are Ready: All keys, remotes, and access cards are accounted for.
- Clean and Tidy: The home is reasonably clean and completely clear of your personal belongings and any rubbish.
This timeline shows where the final inspection fits into the overall settlement process.

How Your Lawyer and Agent Help
You are not alone in this final stage. Both your lawyer and I are here to support you and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Your lawyer can:
- Clarify exactly what items must remain in the property according to your ADLS Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate.
- Explain what “reasonable condition” means in practical terms.
- Step in immediately if the buyer raises any concerns, helping to find a quick and fair solution to avoid any settlement delays.
As your agent, my role is to proactively manage this process, making sure you are prepared and confident.
Friendly Tips for a Stress-Free Inspection
A little preparation goes a long way to making the final inspection a breeze.
- Do Your Own Walk-Through: Before the buyer arrives, do a quick check of your own. Test the appliances in your Karori kitchen or the heat pump in your Wadestown lounge.
- Double-Check Inclusions: Review the list of chattels, so nothing is accidentally packed and removed.
- Organise a Final Clean: An option maybe a professional clean after you’ve moved out, this makes a huge difference and is always appreciated by buyers.
- Keep Communication Open: Staying in touch with your lawyer and myself means we can handle any surprises quickly and efficiently.

Wrapping It Up Positively
Most final inspections are straightforward and trouble-free, especially when you’re well-prepared. Seeing it as a positive handover, rather than a final hurdle, helps set the right tone for a successful settlement.
Selling your home in Wellington? A little preparation makes the final stages feel easy. As a highly recommended Ray White Wellington agent helping homeowners in suburbs from Tawa to Miramar achieve great results, I am here to guide you. If you are curious about your home’s value in the current market, let’s connect. I can provide a complimentary no-obligation appraisal to help you understand its potential.
I also have a fantastic network of professionals from cleaners and gardeners to advisors, who can assist with every aspect of your sale. Let’s make your real estate journey a seamless success together.
You can book your free appraisal right here >, let’s talk or call me now 📱+64212263917
Contact Halina today to discover your home’s full potential.

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Disclaimer: Contact Halina Kuchciak of Ray White for a property assessment and appraisal for your specific property and Wellington suburb. The real estate related content shared on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and industry observations. The content may reflect opinion and reference third-party sources or AI, however it is not a substitute for specific tailored professional services advice, real estate decisions often involve legal, financial, and regulatory complexities, and readers should seek independent guidance from qualified specialists such as legal advisors, financial consultants, or compliance professionals before acting on any information presented here. No warranty is given as to the accuracy, completeness, or current relevance of the material.


