Compare Real Estate Agents in New Zealand at Canstar Blue. First National, Barfoot & Thompson, Bayleys, Eves, Harcourts, LJ Hooker, Property Brokers, Professionals, Ray White, Tall Poppy were compared on Overall Satisfaction, Communication & Advice, Contract Handling, Marketing, Problem Resolution, Financial Paperwork and Value for Money.
See our Ratings Methodology.
First National & Tall Poppy rated number one for customer satisfaction
It doesn’t matter if you are buying or selling. An investor, or a renter. Or whether it’s a buyers’ or a sellers’ market, one profession is at the heart of the housing market: real estate agents.
A real estate agent’s expert knowledge of local neighbourhoods, housing trends, and the best ways to market homes, can help smooth any property transaction and ensure the best results.
Over the past few years, as NZ’s property market has boomed, there’s been a proliferation of new real estate agents. Alongside long-established agents, there’s a new breed of recently qualified property professionals, and a wide range of real estate agent businesses, from national chains to international brands.
But how do you choose which agency to use when engaging in a property transaction, and which can you entrust with your family home or investment?
According to Canstar Blue’s latest research, two of the most important traits for choosing a real estate agent are reputation and personal reference. And this is where we’re here to help. As our latest award research is a nationwide snapshot of the reputations and personal references of the country’s real estate agents.
As part of our mission to inform consumers of the best NZ has to offer, this year Canstar Blue canvassed the opinions of 1063 New Zealanders who had used the services of a real estate agent to purchase, sell or rent a home in the past three years, across a range of categories, to measure and track their satisfaction.
To decide which real estate agents offer the best levels of customer satisfaction, each was rated across the following categories:
On top is First National, the clear winner of Canstar Blue’s award for Most Satisfied Customers | Real Estate Agents.
Coming on the back of First National’s win last year, this year’s achievement marks the fourth time the agency has won Canstar Blue’s award over the past seven years.
It’s a remarkable feat, and one reflected in the fact that First National is the only real estate agent in this year’s award to earn a 5-Star rating for Overall Satisfaction. Across the board, it sets itself above its competitors by earning a further four 5-Star ratings, plus two 4-Star results.
Only two other agencies earn 5-Star ratings in the all-important category of Communication & Advice. They are Tall Poppy and Property Brokers, both agencies earn a respectable 4-Star rating for Overall Satisfaction.
Buying homes, selling homes, and renting homes – each is an extremely stressful process rife with possible pitfalls. Not to mention a lot of expense.
These concerns are mirrored in what our research reveals as the most important features of the whole real estate agent experience.
Communication & Advice is the most important consideration when measuring consumer satisfaction with real estate agents, closely followed by Problem Resolution. And, of course, Value for Money.
Value is especially pertinent as 60% of home vendors in our survey think that real estate agents charge too much for their services.
Overall, the main drivers of satisfaction are:
First National was established in New Zealand in 1985. Since then it has spread into a nationwide network of independently owned and operated real estate agencies. It has even expanded across the ditch, into Australia, where it has become the country’s leading real estate network.
Back here in NZ, however, First National prides itself on its unique position of delivering real estate professionals with superior local knowledge, combined with the support and systems that only a national network can provide.
And given First National’s superior performance not only in this year’s award ratings, but previous years’, too, it’s clear that First National’s customers are first to praise it for delivering excellent service, value for money, and overall satisfaction.
So whatever your needs, if you’re dealing in property, deal with the best: First National, the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2022 award for Most Satisfied Customers | Real Estate.
As a seller, think real estate agents charge too much for what they do: 60%
Was happy with the real estate agent they dealt with: 57%
Think they pay too much rent for what they receive in return: 48%
As a renter, think real estate agents charge too much for what they do: 37%
Think they receive better service from a smaller real estate agency: 28%
Generally trust real estate agents: 23%
Think the costs of selling a home are justified: 15%
Bought a house outside preferred area because it was cheaper: 10%
As a landlord, think real estate agents/property managers charge too much for what they do: 2%
| Choice of realtor is based on? | % |
| Local area knowledge | 38% |
| Reputation | 36% |
| Personal reference | 35% |
| Price | 17% |
There can be a lot of costs involved with selling your home. Expenses you will need to consider include:
No matter which agent you engage, in return for the fees and charges, you should expect:
The most important thing is to do your research before you sign with an agent and, where possible, to negotiate. All agreements should be included in your agency agreement (which both you and the agent sign) but make sure you receive and read a copy of the agency agreement guide before you make any decisions.
Every real estate agent needs to be registered and must adhere to a code of conduct. In addition, their licence needs to be renewed with the Real Estate Agents Authority each year.
Canstar Blue surveyed 5080 New Zealand consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from respondents who had used the services of a real estate agent to purchase, sell or rent a home in the past years. In this case, 1063 New Zealanders.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criterion.
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Real Estate Agents - May 5th
The housing market is a hot topic right now. The last few years saw record-low interest rates and record-high housing prices, as thousands of Kiwis surged into the market. But this year, thanks to rising …
– Read more
Consumer News - February 19th
Despite most Kiwis enjoying a summer break in January, the housing market didn’t slow down. According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), the market was busier than we would usually see at …
– Read more
Banking & Insurance - January 21st
Buying or selling a property is a significant undertaking and real estate agents can streamline the process. What do agents do and how can they help?
– Read more
Home Improvement Stores - January 21st
Canstar Blue explains why you need to hire a conveyancer whether you’re buying or selling a home. Find out how much it costs.
– Read more
Lawn Mowers - January 20th
Canstar Blue research shows the majority of Kiwis are happy with their real estate agent. For first home buyers, here’s how to choose your first agent
– Read more