Being named executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. For many people, it is the first time they have had to manage anything like it — and doing so while grieving adds another layer of difficulty.
If you are the executor of an estate that includes a property in New Zealand, this checklist covers everything you need to do — from the first week after the death through to the property being handed over to a real estate agent. Work through it in order and you will not miss anything important.
Week One — Immediate Steps
The first week is about securing the property and making sure nothing goes wrong while the estate administration process begins.
- Locate all keys to the property and account for every set — family members, neighbours, tradespeople
- Visit the property and check it is secure — doors, windows, garage
- Notify the home insurer that the property is now vacant — this is important as many policies have conditions around unoccupied properties
- Arrange mail redirection from NZ Post if needed
- Check that power, water, and gas are connected and will remain on — utilities need to stay active in a vacant property
- Identify any pets at the property and arrange care
- Do a brief walkthrough and take photographs — document the current state of the property
- Note any urgent maintenance issues that need attention — a leaking roof or burst pipe will not wait for probate
- Contact the solicitor handling the estate and confirm the probate timeline
- Get in touch with a company like Estate Solutions – to handle the whole clear out and sale ready process
Weeks Two to Four — Planning and Preparation
Once the property is secure and the estate administration is underway, the focus shifts to planning what needs to happen before the property can be sold.
- Consult with beneficiaries about any items from the property they wish to keep — do this before clearance begins
- Arrange a professional property assessment to determine what work is needed before sale
- Get written quotes for clearance, cleaning, repairs, and any renovation work
- Identify any items of value that may need professional valuation — artwork, jewellery, collectibles, vehicles
- Contact local charities about donating furniture and household goods
- Begin speaking with real estate agents — get their input on presentation requirements and likely sale timeline
- Check that the property’s rates account is current and payments are continuing from the estate
- Confirm the property remains insured and that the insurer is aware of the vacant status
The Clearance and Preparation Phase
This is the most physically demanding phase — and for many executors, the most emotionally difficult. Taking a methodical approach helps.
- Family items collected first — give family members a clear deadline and supervised access if needed
- Items of value documented and valued before removal
- Professional clearance team engaged for furniture, rubbish, and general belongings
- Charity donations coordinated — some charities will collect from the property
- Deep clean completed after clearance — professional standard
- All repairs identified and quoted — engage tradespeople in sequence
- Garden and exterior tidied — lawns, hedges, paths, driveway
- Interior repaint if required — neutral colours preferred by agents and buyers
- Any agreed renovation work completed — carpet, flooring, kitchen, bathroom
- Final walkthrough with the real estate agent to confirm the property is listing-ready
Working With a Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent should be engaged early — ideally during the planning phase — so they can provide input on what preparation is worth doing for the Christchurch market. A good agent will also advise on timing and the best sale method for an estate property.
- Choose an agent with experience selling deceased estate properties
- Brief the agent on the probate timeline and any legal deadlines
- Confirm the agent’s listing requirements — presentation standard, photography date, open home schedule
- Make sure the agent has access to the property and knows who to contact for decisions
- Agree on a communication plan — how often will the agent update you, and through what channel
After the Sale
Once the property is sold and settlement has occurred, the executor has a few final steps:
- Confirm settlement with the solicitor and that sale proceeds have been received by the estate
- Ensure all utilities are transferred or cancelled on settlement date
- Retain all invoices and documentation from the property preparation process — these are estate expenses
- File documentation with the solicitor for estate accounts
A Note on Doing This From Another City
If you are managing a Christchurch estate property remotely — from Wellington, Auckland, or overseas — the logistics are significantly more complex. Finding reliable tradespeople, coordinating access, and managing timelines from a distance is a real challenge.
Many executors in this situation choose to engage a local property preparation company to manage the entire project on their behalf. This means one phone call, one point of contact, and regular updates — without the need to fly to Christchurch to supervise individual contractors.
| Need help with a deceased estate property in Christchurch? Estate Solutions manages the entire process — clearance, cleaning, repairs, and preparation for sale. We visit the property, assess the scope, and provide a written quote within 48 hours. Free assessment, no obligation. Call us or get in touch at estatesolutions.co.nz/contact |
Read next: What to Do With a House When Someone Dies in New Zealand