A new survey from Trade Me has revealed Kiwi house hunters open home behaviours - with admissions of peeking in bathroom cabinets and at family photos, to insights on time spent at viewings.

Those seriously considering a property spent an average of 28 minutes at an open home, according to the survey of more than 1,000 people who have attended a viewing in the last two years.

Trade Me Property figures show the average asking price for a property in Aotearoa in June was $829,650 which puts time spent deciding to buy at $29,630 a minute.

Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd says the survey findings are illuminating.

“Purchasing property is a huge decision and likely the biggest financial one people will have to make, and yet you could spend longer listening to The Beatles Hard Day’s Night album or watching an episode of Shortland Street, than some do at an open home for a place they wish to buy.

“No doubt, by the time you factor in due diligence the overall decision time increases; however, it does serve as a timely reminder for those seriously considering buying to take the time to scrutinize the purchase, get a building report, check the LIM and titles and research the neighbourhood. Being well-informed can not only save unforeseen costs down the line, but can lead to a more confident decision.”

Further survey findings found nearly a quarter (23%) of those who had recently purchased property, visited more than 20 open homes before buying and 59 per cent agreed to feeling an emotional attachment to a property.

“Finding and buying a home is as much an emotional journey as it is a financial one. There are many feelings tied up in the process, from the excitement of finding 'The One' to the stress that can come with making what is a significant investment - it can be a rollercoaster.”

Of those polled, 72 per cent said they looked inside wardrobes, 69 per cent in cupboards and drawers, 58 per cent tested the water pressure, 39 per cent admitted to peeking in bathroom cabinets and 14 per cent spent time looking at photos and personal items on display.

“More than half admitted to placing a fair to great amount of attention on cosmetic features such as the colour of walls, flooring and other surfaces which was somewhat surprising given these features are not permanent, or easily changed to better suit a buyer's taste,” says Gavin Lloyd.

Survey methodology

The survey was conducted by Trade Me’s User Experience team in June 2025 and collated responses from 1,008 New Zealanders aged 18-80 years old.

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