When we talk about low competition, especially as a homeowner in New Zealand, we’re usually talking about how easy—or hard—it is to get what you want without a stack of other people fighting for the same thing. Whether it’s buying a house, renovating, or even just getting a tradie to answer the phone, the amount of competition out there seriously changes your options.

Here’s what matters…

Low competition means you’re not up against heaps of other people for the same thing. Think of it like trying to nab the last parking spot at the supermarket. If everyone else is circling for it too, it’s a mission. But if it’s just sitting there waiting for you? Too easy.

So, what does that actually mean for things like housing or home improvements?

Buying property in a low competition market
This one’s big. If you’re looking to buy a house and there’s low competition, you’ve got less pressure. You don’t have to rush in with your best offer or go crazy with your budget. You can actually take time to look around. Maybe you even put in a cheeky offer below asking price—sometimes you get lucky.

Real Estate NZ (realestate.co.nz) is a solid place to check out listings and gauge what areas are quieter. If you notice properties sitting on the site for a while without the “under offer” tag, you might be looking at a lower competition zone.

Tradies and renovations
It’s kind of like when everyone in your street decides to redo their kitchens at the same time. Suddenly, all the good tradies are booked out for months and charging a premium. But if there’s less competition—say, fewer people chasing renos right now—you’ve got your pick. They’re easier to book, and sometimes even cheaper.

A good site to help here is Builderscrack.co.nz. You can post a job and see how many responses you get. If you get a bunch within a day or two, chances are competition is low. You’re in a good spot.

Low competition doesn’t mean “bad deal”
This bit trips people up. Just because something’s not being chased after doesn’t mean it’s not worth having. In fact, sometimes it’s the opposite. If you find a quiet suburb with homes getting passed over, dig into the local info. Maybe people just haven’t caught on yet.

Use sites like QV.co.nz to check property values over time. If things are stable and trending upwards (even if slow), it might be a hidden gem.

Places in NZ that usually sit on the low comp side
Obviously this changes over time, depending on mortgage rates, jobs, and the market in general. But as of late, smaller towns or satellite cities outside Auckland and Wellington often see less buyer fuss. Think Whangārei, Invercargill, or even bits of Palmerston North. These spots aren’t always on everyone’s radar—but that’s exactly why you might find an easier road in.

The same goes for tradie work—if you’re in a region where fewer people are doing home renos, you’ll probably find more availability and better rates. Check your local Mitre 10 or Bunnings to see how pumped the reno scene is—if they’re quiet, it’s a good sign.

Oh, and if you’re looking at building or subdividing… low competition in council applications can make approvals quicker. Some councils, like the Christchurch City Council, show turnaround times for consents on their website. If those numbers are low, that’s your window.

How to take advantage when competition’s low

• Do your research: Check sites like Trade Me, Homes.co.nz, and OneRoof to see how quickly stuff’s moving.
• Ask around: Real estate agents, local contractors, even mates doing renos—they’ll tell you if things are feeling quiet.
• Be ready: When things are calm, it’s your chance to act fast and negotiate well. Like when the lines are short at New World—you don’t wait till the rush hits, you just go.

Let’s cut to the chase…

Low competition puts you in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re buying, building, or fixing, it’s easier to make smart calls when you’re not battling the crowd. Keep an eye out for less-hyped locations, move when things feel quiet, and don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal—chances are, the seller or service provider has time to chat.