How to become a real estate salesperson in New Zealand
3 min read · Updated 22 August 2026
To work as a real estate salesperson in New Zealand you must be at least 18, complete the New Zealand Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) at Level 4, and satisfy the Real Estate Authority that you are a fit and proper person. Once licensed, a salesperson works under the supervision of an agent or branch manager.
The supervision requirement is the part people discover late, and it changes what the first year of the job looks like. Worth knowing before you start paying for a qualification.
What licence do you need to sell real estate in New Zealand?
A salesperson licence, issued by the Real Estate Authority under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. Working in real estate agency work without a licence is not permitted.
What are the requirements?
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 |
| Qualification | New Zealand Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson), Level 4 |
| Fit and proper | Assessed by the Real Estate Authority |
| Supervision | Salespeople work under an agent or branch manager |
| Ongoing | Annual licence renewal and continuing professional development |
What is the NZ Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson)?
The Level 4 qualification required before you can be licensed. It covers agency law and the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, property law and titles, the Professional Conduct and Client Care Rules, AML/CFT obligations, and the practical work of marketing, offers and agreements.
It is delivered and assessed by training providers rather than through a single national exam, a distinction worth understanding, and one covered in worked examples from the rules.
What does fit and proper mean to the REA?
The Authority assesses whether you are suitable to hold a licence, taking account of your history and conduct. Convictions and past conduct in regulated work are relevant, and disclosure matters, an undisclosed matter that surfaces later is treated far more seriously than the matter itself often would have been.
What does working under supervision mean?
A licensed salesperson must work under the supervision of an agent or branch manager. In practice that shapes how you take listings, how agreements are handled and how much independence you have in the early years. It is a legal structure, not a training arrangement you graduate out of by getting good.
What is the difference between a salesperson, a branch manager and an agent?
| Licence class | Position |
|---|---|
| Salesperson | Works under supervision of an agent or branch manager |
| Branch manager | Supervises salespeople within a branch |
| Agent | May operate an agency business; higher qualification requirements |
What are your obligations once licensed?
The Professional Conduct and Client Care Rules 2012 govern how you deal with clients and customers, and they are enforceable: complaints are heard and consequences are real. Separately, AML/CFT obligations have applied to real estate agencies since 2019, which means customer due diligence is part of the job rather than an administrative afterthought.
Real estate is one of many New Zealand careers gated by a test or qualification. See the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to sell real estate in NZ?
Yes. A salesperson licence issued by the Real Estate Authority under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 is required for real estate agency work.
How long does the Level 4 certificate take?
It varies by provider and study mode. Compare providers directly, as delivery formats and durations differ considerably.
How much does it cost to get a real estate licence in NZ?
There are two costs: the qualification, priced by your training provider, and the licence application fee set by the Real Estate Authority. Check both current figures before committing.
Can you get a licence with a criminal conviction?
It depends on the conviction and the circumstances, the Authority assesses whether you are a fit and proper person. Disclose everything relevant; a concealed matter is treated far more seriously than a disclosed one.
Do you have to work under supervision?
Yes. A licensed salesperson works under the supervision of an agent or branch manager. It is a legal requirement of the licence class.
What is the difference between a salesperson and an agent?
A salesperson works under supervision. An agent licence has higher qualification requirements and allows operating an agency business.
Do you need to renew your licence?
Yes: licences are renewed annually, with continuing professional development requirements. Check current requirements with the Real Estate Authority.
Sources
- Real Estate Authority: Required criteria and qualifications · checked 2026-08-22
- Real Estate Authority: Code of Conduct · checked 2026-08-22
- Department of Internal Affairs: AML/CFT information for real estate agents · checked 2026-08-22
- Real Estate Agents Act 2008 · checked 2026-08-22
Requirements and fees change. Confirm current details with the responsible organisation before you rely on them.