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New Research Reveals Homebuying Stress: Here's How We Can Help
Feeling overwhelmed by the NZ property market? Our new research reveals why.

Buying a house can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but our latest research shows it’s also one of the most stressful. A significant 80% of Kiwi homeowners told us they found the homebuying process stressful.
From the fear of missing out (FOMO) to the pressure of picking the perfect place, it’s clear that house-hunting can be an emotional rollercoaster.
That’s why we’re highlighting a suite of tools designed to help you through every step of the property journey, making things a bit easier and giving you more control.
The Stress of the Search is Real
It’s not just you – the pressure of the property market is getting to a lot of us. Our survey of over 1,008 New Zealanders revealed just how challenging the journey can be:
FOMO is high: Over half (58%) of Kiwi have experienced a fear of missing out while house hunting. This jumps to a massive 79% for those aged 18–29.
Decision fatigue is setting in: Nearly one in four Kiwi (24%) feel overwhelmed by having to choose the perfect property.
The process is tough: A huge 81% of under-30s find buying a home stressful, a feeling shared by 77% of those aged 30–53.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland says this makes perfect sense. “The process of moving can be a significant source of psychological stress. It often involves financial pressure, time constraints, and a series of high-stakes decisions, all of which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and mental strain”.
Dr Sutherland notes that support tools can help. They offer “a greater sense of control, confidence, and emotional reassurance during what is often a very challenging time”.
We've Got Your Back
We are committed to helping buyers and homeowners navigate what can be an incredibly overwhelming experience.
“Trade Me has your back, whether you’re searching for your first or your forever home,” says our Property Spokesperson, Casey Wylde.
Our goal is to guide you through the property market by equipping you with everything you need for every stage of your journey.
Trade Me spokesperson Casey Wylde.
Tools to Simplify Your Property Journey
Feeling prepared can make all the difference. Here are some of the tools that can help you feel more in control:
Filter the FOMO: Avoid comparison anxiety with smart recommendations and tailored saved searches that keep you focused on homes that actually fit your needs. Dive into our suburb insights to find the right community for you.
Choose ‘the one’: Feeling overwhelmed with options? Our saved search alerts and smart filters ensure you’re only seeing properties that meet your specific criteria, making the shortlisting process much simpler.
Find your footing: With our step-by-step guides, checklists, real Kiwi stories, recent sales data, and mortgage calculators, you’ll have a trusted framework to build your confidence and feel in control.
Ready to get started? Visit trademe.co.nz/property or download our app to explore all the tools, tips, and support.
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