Change real estate agents in NZ: the simple, safe way
TL;DR
● You can cancel a residential sole agency by 5 pm on the next working day after you receive a copy of the agreement; do it in writing. The Real Estate Authority
● If you were signed up after an uninvited approach, you can cancel within 5 working days. Written notice isn’t required in that specific case. The Real Estate Authority
● Where standard clauses are used for a general agency, you can cancel on 7 days’ written notice. Always check your signed agreement.
● If a sole-agency term runs longer than 90 days, either party can end it any time after day 90 (in writing).
● Avoid double commission: ask your current agency for an introduced-buyer list when cancelling. Under the residential standard clauses, commission can still be payable if an introduced buyer purchases within 6 months of the contract ending (e.g., via a private sale).
● You can switch the salesperson within the same agency without changing the agency agreement if that’s all you need. settled.govt.nz
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Intro
Change real estate agents in New Zealand can be straightforward: you can cancel a residential sole agency by 5 pm the next working day after receiving a copy, and many general agencies with REA standard clauses allow 7 days’ written notice. Review your agreement, note dates, and plan a clean handover with buyer lists. Find your top local agent to compare proven options fast.
First decide: switch salesperson or switch agency.
Start simple: if your agreement is with an agency, you can usually keep the same agency but change the salesperson you deal with — a clean option when the relationship, communication, or follow-through isn’t right. Settled confirms you can change the agent you work with within that agency.
Switch the salesperson when:
● You want better communication or follow-up, but the marketing plan and pricing logic still make sense.
● You value the agency’s reach/brand but prefer a different point of contact.
Change agencies when:
● The strategy is misaligned (weak marketing, poor buyer targeting, or unrealistic pricing that isn’t evidence-based).
● You’re not getting transparent advice on commission exposure or introduced-buyer risks if you move — red flag. The Real Estate Authority
60-second checklist (decide today):
● Results so far: enquiries, viewings, offers — are they tracked and reported weekly?
● Feedback quality: Do you receive honest buyer feedback and pricing evidence?
● Marketing reach: Are photos, copy, portals, and social targeting fit for your property?
● Agreement fit: sole or general; key dates and notice rules noted? (You’ll use these shortly.)
● Commission risk: Do you understand the introduced-buyer list and how to avoid double commission on relaunch?
Know your agreement type and your rights
Sole vs general agency: A sole agency gives one agency the exclusive right to market your home for a set term; a general agency lets multiple agencies compete at once. Your switching options and notice periods depend on which one you signed, so check the front page of your agreement.
Your cancellation windows (confirm in writing):
● 5 pm next working day - sole agency cooling-off. You can cancel a residential sole agency by 5 pm on the next working day after you’re given a copy. Do it in writing (email/letter).
● Uninvited/direct approach — 5 working days. If you signed after a door-knock or similar uninvited approach, you may cancel within 5 working days; in this case, written notice isn’t required.
● Over-90-day sole agencies — cancel after 90 days. If a residential sole-agency term is longer than 90 days, either party can end it any time after day 90, in writing. If renewed, the 90 days reset from the renewal date. New Zealand Legislation
● General agency — 7 days’ notice (where standard clauses apply). When the REA/REINZ standard clauses are used, a general agency can be cancelled on 7 days’ written notice; always check what your signed agreement says.
Double-commission risk (know the “introduced-buyer list”): ask your current agency for a list of buyers they introduced before you switch. Under the standard clauses, an agent may still claim commission if a buyer they introduced (or were instrumental in introducing) purchases within 6 months of the agreement ending, including in a private sale. Give this list to your new agent to avoid overlap.
Tip: Some sole-agency agreements revert to a general agency if you cancel the sole. If you want a complete reset, cancel both as required by your paperwork.
The 5-step path to change agents (clear and low-stress)
1) Re-read your agreement and note every key date.
Change real estate agents the right way by finding the term, notice rules, and commission triggers on your signed agreement; for residential sole agencies, you can cancel by 5pm the next working day after you receive your copy, and for over-90-day terms, you can end it after day 90 (in writing).
2) Ask for the introduced-buyer list when you give notice.
Change real estate agents without double commission by requesting a list of all buyers the agency introduced; under REA/REINZ standard clauses, a general agency can be cancelled on 7 days’ written notice, and commission ties relate to buyers introduced or where the agent was instrumental.
3) Give proper notice in writing (use the right window).
Change real estate agents safely by using the correct path: 5pm next working day for sole-agency cooling-off; 7 days’ written notice for general agencies that use standard clauses; or after 90 days if your sole-agency term exceeded 90 days. Keep emails/letters and timestamps.
4) Pause marketing cleanly and avoid overlap.
Change real estate agents without headaches by asking the outgoing agency to suspend ads/signage and remove listings; confirm that no active buyer negotiations remain and be cautious with private sales during any tail period, as commission might still be payable to the first agency.
5) Sign with the next best-fit agent and brief them fully.
Change real estate agents with momentum by getting a fresh appraisal, updated campaign plan, and giving the new agency your notice email and introduced-buyer list so they can avoid conflicts and restart marketing confidently. (If your sole agency auto-reverts to a general agency, cancel that too.)
Get your free agent shortlist — we compare proven local performers for your suburb and property type at My Top Agent.
Costs, “tail” clauses, and how to avoid paying twice
Know what you might still owe: Under the REA standard clauses for general agency agreements, commission is payable only if a sale and purchase agreement is signed during the term. The agent was instrumental in the sale, or the buyer was introduced by the agent. Sole-agency agreements can differ, and a stand-down (‘tail’) may also apply after the term ends — check your signed agreement; these conditions are spelt out in the REA/REINZ residential standard clauses.
Understand the “tail”: if you cancel and later sell privately to a buyer previously introduced by the agent, the standard clauses allow the first agency to claim commission if the sale happens within 6 months of the agreement ending (residential). That’s why the introduced-buyer list matters.
Get the introduced-buyer list in writing: when an agency agreement is cancelled, the agent must advise the client in writing of each customer for whom they would claim commission if a transaction occurs (Code of Conduct rule 9.11). Ask for this list at the same time as giving notice.
Expect marketing costs to be separate: most vendors pay extra for marketing, and you’ll still pay for those extras even if the property doesn’t sell. Ask what’s included vs optional and get a written plan with costs and timing before you switch.
Avoid double commission with these safeguards:
● Give proper notice and keep timestamps (email/letter). Then wait until the end date before re-marketing with a new agency.
● Request the introduced-buyer list and share it with your new agent so they avoid contacting those buyers during the tail window.
● Document everything (notice given, end date, list received) and make sure the new listing date is after the prior agreement ends.
Quick reality check on general agencies: where an agency uses the standard clauses, a general agency can be cancelled on 7 days’ written notice, and commission is limited to buyers introduced or where the agent was instrumental. Always confirm what your signed agreement says
Red flags that justify a change (practical, not petty)
● No written, realistic appraisal. You should receive an appraisal in writing that realistically reflects current market conditions and is supported by comparable local sales; repeated price “pumping” without data is a warning sign.
● Offers aren’t being presented. Licensees must submit all written offers to you; if offers are delayed, filtered, or not shown, escalate. rea.govt
● Poor disclosure of key terms. Before you signed, the agent should have explained the commission, when the agreement ends, and the marketing plan and costs in writing; if that never happened, reconsider the relationship.
● Conflict of interest concerns. Any situation in which the agent’s interests may conflict with yours (e.g., related-party buyers) must be identified and handled transparently.
● No introduced-buyer list on cancellation. On cancellation, you must be given the names of buyers for whom commission could still be claimed; resistance to providing this list is a red flag.
● Unauthorised or misaligned marketing. Advertising must match what you’ve authorised; going off-plan (wrong price, channels, or copy) is non-compliant.
● Complaints go nowhere. Every agency must have an in-house complaints process; if issues aren’t resolved, you can make a complaint to the REA.
Choosing your next agent - fast, fair, data-driven
Start with licensing: only work with a licensed salesperson or agency; check the REA public register to confirm licence status and any recent upheld complaints. It’s illegal to do real estate agency work without a licence.
Compare like-for-like evidence: invite 2–3 agents to appraise your home and ask for recent comparable sales, likely days on market, and the recommended method of sale for your property type and suburb. Government of New Zealand
Demand a written plan and costs: request a written marketing plan (channels, timing, photography/copy refresh) with itemised costs and an explanation of why those choices suit your target buyer. Marketing and commission are negotiable — ask about options.
Check track record, not promises: ask for the agent’s recent sales in your area, average days on market, and examples of similar homes they’ve sold — plus how they handle buyer follow-up and weekly reporting.
Fit matters: prioritise clear communication, transparency about commission/“introduced buyer” risks, and a plan you understand — then document everything you agree to in the agency agreement.
Get proven real estate agents near you — get an independent, free shortlist tailored to your suburb and property type at My Top Agent
Quick templates
Change real estate agents smoothly with these plain-English emails — just replace the bracketed fields and send from the email you used on the listing.
A) Cancellation email (sole or general agency)
Subject: Cancellation of agency agreement — [Property address]
Kia ora [Manager’s name/Agency],
I’m writing to cancel our [sole/general] agency agreement for [Property address]. My understanding is that the applicable notice is [5pm next working day / 7 days’ written notice / after 90 days] as per our agreement. Please confirm the effective end date in writing and provide the introduced-buyer list and any outstanding marketing invoices.
Ngā mihi,
[Your name] | [Phone]
B) Request for introduced-buyer list (send with A, or separately)
Subject: Request for introduced-buyer list — [Property address]
Kia ora [Manager’s name/Agency],
Further to my cancellation, please email the introduced-buyer list for [Property address] showing all buyers your agency has introduced and the introduction dates. I’ll share this with my new agency solely to avoid any double-commission risk.
Ngā mihi,
[Your name] | [Phone]
C) Switch-within-agency email (keep the agency, change the salesperson)
Subject: Request to work with a different salesperson — [Property address]
Kia ora [Manager’s name],
I’d like to stay with [Agency] but change the salesperson for [Property address]. Could we move my file to [Preferred salesperson, if any] and confirm a 14-day plan covering buyer follow-up, a marketing refresh (photos/copy/portals), and weekly reporting (day/time)?
Ngā mihi,
[Your name] | [Phone]
FAQs
Q: What does “change real estate agents” mean in NZ?
A: It can mean switching the salesperson within the same agency (you keep the contract) or ending your agency agreement and choosing a new agency. Your contract sets the rules, so check the agreement type and dates.
Q: Can I cancel a sole agency after I’ve signed?
A: Yes, you can cancel by 5 pm on the next working day after you receive a copy of the agreement, and the cancellation must be in writing (email/letter).
Q: What if my sole-agency term is longer than 90 days?
A: If a residential sole-agency term exceeds 90 days, either party can end it any time after day 90 (in writing).
Q: What’s the notice for a general agency?
A: Where the REA standard clauses are used, a general agency can be cancelled on 7 days’ written notice. Always check your signed agreement.
Q: How do I avoid double commission when I switch?
A: Ask for the introduced-buyer list when you cancel; under the Code of Conduct, the agent must give you the names they’d claim commission for. Many agreements also include a stand-down (“tail”) period, often six months in the standard residential clauses. Share that buyer list with your new agency and avoid overlap.
Q: Is there extra cooling-off if I was door-knocked?
A: Yes, for uninvited direct sales, you can cancel within 5 working days of receiving the agreement (Fair Trading Act). Follow the cancellation instructions promptly.
Q: Can I just change the salesperson but keep the agency?
A: Often, yes, if your agreement is with the agency, you can ask to work with a different salesperson from that agency.
Q: What happens to my marketing fees if I change agents?
A: Marketing costs are usually separate from commission; you may still need to pay for booked advertising even if you switch. Ask what’s sunk vs transferable before you move.
Q: How do I choose the next agent quickly (and safely)?
A: Check the REA public register to confirm a current licence and any recent upheld complaints, then compare track records and plans. To save time, find your top local agent at MyTopAgent.co.nz for a free, data-driven shortlist.
Closing
Changing real estate agents doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow the timeframes, give written notice, request the introduced-buyer list, pause marketing cleanly, then relaunch with a clear plan and a salesperson who aligns with your goals.
Change real estate agents confidently by comparing evidence, not promises: ask for recent local results, days on market, and a written marketing plan with costs so you know exactly what will happen next.
Find your top local agent, get your free agent shortlist, or start your agent comparison in minutes — all via My Top Agent.
