Homes.co.nz

The first website to check out is homes.co.nz. This site has over half a million users every month. It calls itself “The home of property in New Zealand.” Since 2021, it has been owned by Trade Me. The website is simple to use, and the layout helps you find what you need easily. Just type in your address, and it will show you a map of the property and its area. You can pick the property you want or look at nearby listings and recent sales. This is helpful for learning about the neighbourhood! If you need a housing agent, you can also search for agents by location.

We think the information on homes.co.nz is very good. While many sites just give a range for property prices, homes.co.nz also offers rental estimates for some homes. It has great historical data to see how prices have changed over time. You can also find estimated home loan rates and average monthly costs, like electricity and insurance for your property. These extra features are a big plus.

Property owners can keep track of their property by getting updates as information changes. They can also monitor the property value and add images and updates to HomesEstimate. You can view:

• The market value of the property from homes.co.nz

• Information on Capital Valuation (CV)

• Past sales data for the property

• Property details from the council (like floor area, land area, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms)

• Estimated home loan payments

• Expected rental price and yield

• Potential solar power generation estimate

• A map showing nearby properties - their valuation, for sale or rent

• Locate property agents nearby

• Basic info about the neighbourhood (such as the number of schools and the distance to the CBD)

Hot tip: Considering upgrades to a property you're eyeing? Learn how renovations could affect insurance premiums.

OneRoof

OneRoof is owned by media company NZME. We think it gives users less information than homes.co.nz and lacks some extra features. However, it still offers important details that home buyers want. This includes mortgage rates, price estimates, sale history, and property listings. Users can also read the latest property news and insights from Newstalk. A nice addition is the overview of suburbs. This section provides demographics and property data for Kiwi buyers. It also includes updates throughout the year, like changes in asis points influenced by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand that can impact mortgage rates.

This site stands out from others because it offers more than just residential property. It includes commercial properties, rural land, and even businesses for sale. This adds variety but takes the focus away from what the site originally aimed to do. Like homes.co.nz, you can also sign up to watch a specific property and get updates if anything changes.

You can view:

• Market value of property by OneRoof

• Registered Valuation (RV) details

• Previous sales data for the property

• Property information (like floor area and land area) but not as detailed as homes.co.nz

• Estimated home loan payments

• “About the area” - displays flood zones, underground services (wastewater, etc.), school locations, and zoning

PropertyValue

PropertyValue is owned by CoreLogic, a leading property information and insights firm with a global presence.

PropertyValue allows users to access some of this information for free. However, people can also buy extra reports. Their Property Report is available for $29.95, which includes a $20 discount as of now. The Title Details Report costs $5.95. This is different from homes.co.nz and OneRoof, as they do not sell information.

One important difference is that PropertyValue gives a range for home values instead of just one number like other sites do. For example, homes.co.nz and OneRoof will show a value like $1.33M or $1.47M. In contrast, PropertyValue will show a range, such as $1.3M to $1.4M.

PropertyValue does not have all the extra features that homes.co.nz provides. However, it puts more attention on data. You can see this in its Suburb Insights feature.

This feature is different from OneRoof’s because it looks at market data. It includes the median sale price, median rent, price changes over 12 months, and Average Days on Market. Because of these details, we believe that investors, sellers, and buyers who want to explore the data more will find PropertyValue helpful and a better option.

We believe that homes.co.nz and OneRoof provide a better experience for users of the platform.

• An estimated range for the property's market value by Property Value

• Details on Rating Valuation (RV)

• Basic property information, like floor area and land area, but fewer details compared to other sources

• History of sales for the property

• Information about median sale price, price change, median rent, and average days on the market

• View similar properties nearby that have sold or are for sale

• Pay to get a more detailed Property Report and Titles Report.

Relab

Relab is a property data startup in Auckland. They launched their new website last year and have grown a lot since then. In May 2023, they told NZ Business that now 25% of real estate agents in NZ are using Relab.

The newest kid on the block is trying to stand out with map based features. They offer a free version, but it's only for REINZ members. Others can try out a free trial that lasts for 14 days.

You can get more value by buying a Pro Plan for $59.90 each month. Or, you can choose the Prospect Plan for $320 a month to unlock all their features. If you pick a yearly subscription instead of monthly, you will save 38% on both plans. With these plans, you will have access to many helpful features. These include advanced maps, details about subdivision potential, and title information. These tools are very useful for property investors, real estate agents, or anyone who loves data when buying property.

Overall, Relab is a useful tool for those interested in real estate. It's great for investors, developers, and even serious home buyers who rely on data. This is especially true if they have a premium subscription. You can view:

• An approximate property market value (powered by QV)

• Information on council valuations and rates

• A rental estimate

• A map view of the area with options to show flood zones, services, and consents

• Details on past sales of the property

• A calculator for subdivisions

• Information on school zoning

• Demographic details about households like income, age, education, ethnicity, housing, and jobs

• A fee is required for access to Market Analysis, Title & Planning Report

How accurate are the price estimates?

These property information websites are helpful for buyers and investors. But if you are like us, you often use them to satisfy your curiosity. You want to know how much your neighbour's home is worth. No matter your reason for checking, you might be thinking about how accurate these price estimates really are.

It's important to know that the estimates you see come from a computer. They can't fully consider all market factors. If you want an accurate estimate, it's best to hire a professional valuer. However, this doesn't mean the estimates are worthless. They can be very helpful as a first indication.

You will see that most websites provide a price range or a single number. We found that PropertyValue usually showed the smallest range. After that were homes.co.nz and OneRoof.

While the ranges and estimates from these sites were mostly similar, there were some differences. This is normal because each site uses its own methods and data to figure this out. Valuing a property is not an exact science.

If you're looking at these websites just for fun, the price estimates should be fine for what you need. However, if you need more accurate information, it's best to check several sites. You might also want to look for professional help or more in-depth reports.

Using property data for insurance comparisons

Comparing properties isn’t just about finding the perfect home—property information websites can also help you make smarter insurance decisions. The value of your home, its location, and potential risks all play a big role in your insurance costs. Tapping into this data can help you choose the right cover without paying more than you need to.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

Rebuild costs: make sure you're fully covered

Start by checking your home's estimated value on property information websites like Homes.co.nz or Property Value. But remember—market value and rebuild costs aren’t the same thing.

To get a more accurate rebuild cost estimate:

• Use online rebuild cost calculators from insurance providers

• Get a professional valuation if you're unsure

• Talk to your insurer to clarify your cover

Many Kiwi homeowners are underinsured because they set their cover based on market value rather than what it would actually cost to rebuild. Make sure your policy covers the full rebuild cost in case of a major event like a fire or earthquake.

Neighbourhood risks: know the potential hazards

Where you live affects how much you’ll pay for home insurance. While sites like One Roof can offer insights, it’s worth checking more reliable sources:

• Crime rates: Look at police or government websites for accurate crime data in your area.

• Natural disaster risks: The Earthquake Commission (EQC) and your local council provide info on flood zones, fault lines, and other risks.

Homes in high-risk areas such as flood zones or near fault lines usually attract higher insurance premiums. In New Zealand, the EQC provides natural disaster cover as part of your home insurance policy, but it has limits—so it’s important to check whether you need extra cover.

Using data wisely

Property data is a great starting point, but insurers use more advanced risk models to set premiums. To make the best decision:

• Use property data to start conversations with insurers

• Get professional advice to understand what affects your cover

• Regularly review your policy to stay up to date with changes in rebuild costs and risks.

By combining property insights with expert advice, you’ll be in a better position to choose the right home insurance—without overpaying or being caught short when it matters most.

Save time by comparing insurance with Quashed

Once you’ve gathered key information about your property—like its rebuild cost or potential risks in the neighbourhood—the next step is to find the right insurance.

This is where Quashed makes a difference. For example, let’s say you discovered a higher flood risk for a home using Relab. With Quashed, you can compare insurance policies on that property.

Quashed saves you time by offering real-time comparisons in one place, helping you secure the cover you need without the hassle of searching multiple sites.

Protect your property with smart, real-time insurance comparisons

Your dream home or investment deserves more than guesswork.

Why waste hours researching insurance when Quashed provides real-time comparisons tailored to your property's unique risks and budget?

Join 45,000+ Kiwis who’ve made smarter insurance choices with Quashed. Sign up today!

Further reading

Protecting your property goes beyond just knowing its value—it’s about protecting its value.

• House Insurance – A Homeowner’s Guide: Everything you need to know about house insurance.

• Compare House Insurance Quotes: Tips for making comparisons.

• Why Are House Insurance Premiums Increasing?:Factors driving rising costs.

• Rising House Insurance Premiums and Climate Change: The impact of climate risks on insurance.

FAQs

Why do property information websites show different valuations for the same property?

Property information websites rely on different data sources and valuation methods, which is why you might see varying figures. Local councils determine a property's Rating Value (RV) every three years, covering Capital Value, Land Value, and Value of Improvements. However, the RV isn't necessarily reflective of the current market value that these websites estimate.

When should I get house insurance during the home-buying process?

It's best to arrange home insurance well before settlement day as many lenders in New Zealand require proof of insurance for mortgage approval. Getting a head start is a good idea, especially for properties in areas with higher risk factors.

How do insurers determine my property's risk level?

Insurers consider various factors such as natural hazards, previous claims, and property characteristics. The Earthquake Commission (EQC) provides a Natural Hazards Portal with insights on risks like earthquakes and floods. Insurers may also use their own proprietary tools to assess risk.

What factors can increase house insurance premiums?

Several factors can drive up your premiums, including the property's location, exposure to natural hazards, building materials and any past insurance claims.

Are online property valuation tools accurate for insurance purposes?

Online property valuations can give you a general idea, but they might not accurately reflect your property's rebuild costs. For insurance purposes, it’s always a good idea to use an insurer’s rebuild cost calculator or consult a professional valuer.

What information do I need to get an insurance quote for a property I'm interested in?

You'll typically need the property address, details about its construction, age, size, and any special features. Information on past claims and natural hazard risks can also be helpful. Be sure to check how your data is being used and stored in line with privacy regulations.

How can I compare house insurance policies easily?

You can compare house insurance policies by using independent comparison platforms like Quashed or by reaching out to multiple insurers directly. Be sure to look at factors such as coverage, exclusions, and premiums to find a policy that suits your needs.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute insurance or financial advice. Insurance policies vary between providers, and you should check with your insurer or a licensed adviser for guidance specific to your situation. For full details, refer to Quashed’s terms and conditions.