In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Vanessa Williams, GM of Marketing & Media at realestate.co.nz, to unpack what property data is really telling us about how New Zealanders buy, sell, and search.

Vanessa draws on nearly a decade of market insight to explain how buyer behaviour has changed, why people are arriving more informed than ever, and how search habits, pricing visibility, and sold data shape the property journey. From bedrooms and bathrooms to layout, lifestyle, and liveability, this conversation explores what actually adds value — and why the answer is often more nuanced than people expect.

We also tackle the questions buyers and sellers are often too embarrassed to ask: who pays the agent, what a LIM really is, whether you need a lawyer or mortgage adviser, what settlement day means, and how asking prices, valuations, and sales data all differ. Along the way, Vanessa offers practical insight into marketing spend, renovation choices, buyer psychology, and why waiting for the “perfect market” is one of the biggest myths in property.

Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, or trying to better understand what the numbers are really saying, this episode is a clear, empowering guide to making smarter property decisions.

There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.

To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.