Winners and losers as market swings back

It may be early days in the recovery of New Zealand’s property market, but new research has shown an almost nationwide resurgence in confidence.

With 566 suburbs recording value growth in the past three months, it’s worth studying the national picture so you get a sense of how this might affect your own strategy for buying and selling property in the coming months.

The OneRoof-Valocity House Value Index shows the national average sales price rose 1.7% to $952,000, which is still down from the $1.097 million benchmark achieved at the height of the boom in February 2022. 

At its worst, values had dipped to $943,747, 17 months after the boom.

The House Value Index survey has revealed some interesting figures.

Gisborne (2.9%), Bay of Plenty (2.4%), Auckland (2.3%) and Canterbury (2.3%) are leading the turnaround in property market fortunes. 

Nelson (-1.2%) and West Coast (-1.2%) are two of four areas in NZ that are struggling to gain traction. The others are Northland (-0.5%) and Taranaki (-0.6%).

The two hottest suburbs are in Christchurch, itself up 1.8%, with Merivale up 8.1% and Fendalton increasing 7.9%. The top four is rounded out by Auckland’s Wesley (+7.7%) and Lytton West in Gisborne (+7.7%).

Listing volumes are up marginally, by 0.9%, across the country. 

Property was held tightly in areas that achieved some of the best price results: a classic tale of supply and demand. Limited supply featured in Auckland (-8.3%), Bay of Plenty (-8.7%), Gisborne (-9.9%), Hawke’s Bay (-10.6%) and  Wellington (-18.1%).

Increases in year-on-year volumes of properties for sale were led by Taranaki (+47.7%), Northland (+30%) and Southland (25.6%).

NOTE: The information in this article is general in nature and provided as a market overview only. Always consult your financial advisor or accountant for advice specific to your personal circumstances.