How to Sell a Home with Unconsented Improvements in Palmerston North

You're thinking about selling, thinking through what needs to be done before going to the market–and then a thought springs into your mind:
“Wait — did we ever get consent for that?”

It's a common moment for many homeowners. You've lived in the house for years, made it your own, and now you're wondering how certain changes might hold up under the microscope of a potential buyer.

The good news? Unconsented work doesn't always cause problems. But, the way that you approach it–proactively, early, honestly, and with the right advice–can make all the difference.

In Palmerston North, we see these situations more often than most people realise. By identifying work that may be unconsented sooner rather than later, with a bit of forward planning, they're usually very manageable.

Let's take a closer look at what actually matters—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls:

Then vs Now

It’s easy to assume that if something was already part of the house when you bought it, it must be fine to sell it that way too. Years ago, that might have been true. Paperwork wasn’t always checked closely, and buyers were often more focused on how the place felt rather than what was signed off.

But expectations have shifted. Today’s buyers are more thorough, their solicitors are more cautious, and there's less tolerant for unresolved issues. If something’s been altered, added, or looks like it might not have gone through the proper channels—people want to know about it upfront.

That’s why the responsibility sits not just with you as the owner, but with your salesperson as well. Between us, it’s our job to surface the right information early and raise any red flags before they become deal-breakers. It’s not about overcomplicating the sale—it’s about keeping things clean, clear, and above board.

Unconsented Changes Fall on a Spectrum

When it comes to unconsented changes, not everything is a dealbreaker—but not everything is minor, either. There’s a broad spectrum, and context matters. At one end, you might have something like a basic carport added a number of years ago–simple, functional, and unlikely to raise many concerns. But, at the other end, a home that was never fully signed off when it was built, which can raise serious legal and lending issues.

In between those two examples, there’s a long list of changes we often see across Palmerston North that may not have been formally signed off by the Council:

• An internal wall removed to open up a living area
• Windows or doors swapped out without formal approval
• An extra toilet added to an existing bathroom

In the majority of cases, the work was completed with good intent–and often, consent was applied for, by never formally completed. Other times, the thinking was, “We’ll be here forever—no need to worry about signoff.”

Over the past few decades, New Zealand’s building regulations have become more regulated, with greater emphasis on documentation, safety standards, and Council oversight. Work that may once have flown under the radar, or simply wasn’t subject to the same level of scrutiny, would likely require formal consent today.

That’s not to say the work was done incorrectly at the time—but the regulatory environment has evolved. When older alterations weren’t formally recorded or signed off, it can leave a lack of documentation that raises questions later on, even if the work itself is well built and functional.

Buyers Want Clarity

Most buyers are realistic, and don't often expect a home to be perfect. They know that every home has its quirks, and most are prepared to take a few things in stride–as long as they know about them early.

That’s the key. When issues are disclosed upfront, buyers have time to ask questions, talk to their lawyer or builder, and make an informed decision. It doesn’t have to derail anything. In fact, it often builds trust.

But when something surfaces late, for instance, after the price has been negotiated, the building report is done, and the buyer’s already picturing their furniture in the lounge, that’s when things get emotional. When emotion is high, buyers are far more likely to walk away, even over issues that could've been handled easily at the start.

Final Thoughts

If you're not quite sure whether all the work on your home was formally signed off, don’t wait until it’s a buyer, or their solicitor, raising the question. Clarity around such works early on can save you a lot of stress later on.

Sometimes, it's as simple as confirming a few details, contacting the Council, or completing a disclosure statement. Other times, it might mean speaking to a builder, or a solicitor to formally tidy things up. Either way, your salesperson should be able to guide you through that process–pointing you in the right direction and helping you get ahead of any potential concerns.

More often than not, once you've got the facts, you can move forward without needing to make any changes at all. But if there is something that needs addressing, better to deal with it now—not when your ideal buyer is already emotionally invested and ready to sign.

Because the best sales aren’t just about price. They’re about momentum, trust, and keeping things clean from start to finish.