Which chattels should stay when you sell a house?

Start with the agreement, not assumptions

The Real Estate Authority (REA) defines a chattel as moveable and removable personal property. The stove, carpets, blinds, curtains and light fittings are familiar examples, but an item is not safely included just because most homes have one. The chattels written into your sale and purchase agreement are the ones the buyer can expect to receive.

The line between a chattel and a fixture can be legally important. Something screwed down, wired in or built into the house may not be as simple as “I bought it, so I can take it”. Ask your lawyer about anything unusual, valuable or difficult to remove before the agreement is signed.

Make the list match your Tauranga home

Agreement forms include common items, but a pre-filled schedule will not capture every property. Walk through your home room by room and name what is actually there. REA's agreement guide explains that listed chattels are generally sold with the property, while fixtures are normally included automatically.

Separate must-stay items from optional extras

Your agreement determines what must remain. Optional extras can be negotiated, perhaps a fridge that fits a difficult recess, outdoor furniture made for the deck, spare flooring, a mower or a spa pool. An inclusion may be useful to the buyer, but that does not mean it adds its retail price to the property's value.

Before offering an extra, check that it works, the buyer wants it and you can hand it over cleanly. Leased, financed or subscription-linked equipment needs particular care because you may not own it outright or be able to transfer the service.

Remove special items before marketing

Settled advises sellers to remove or replace a chattel they do not want to sell before marketing, such as a favourite lightshade. Buyers then see the house as it will be sold. If early removal is impractical, make the exclusion obvious and keep the advertising and agreement consistent.

Write down the handover details

Use the quantity, location, make or model where confusion is possible. Match each included item with its keys, remotes, chargers, manuals and codes. For a fuller handover, the home operations book guide shows how to organise instructions without giving away personal information.

REA's seller settlement checklist says appliances and other listed chattels should be in working order. Your agreement may add specific warranties, so tell your agent and lawyer about a known fault rather than assuming the buyer will accept it.

Treat smart-home gear as a package

A buyer may want the wired switches, thermostat, doorbell and hub but not your personal speakers or cameras. List the hardware that stays, the accessories needed to run it, and any subscription that is excluded. Use the smart-home handover guide to plan resets and ownership transfers, and never give a buyer your personal account password.

Frequently asked questions