Most main centres rising

Media release
8th March
Most main centres rising

The latest monthly property value index shows that nationwide residential values increased further in February. Values are up 3.2% above the previous market peak of late 2007, with a 1.7% increase over the past three months and a 6.3% increase over the past year.

Jonno Ingerson, QV.co.nz Research Director said “A few months ago the nationwide increase in values was mainly driven by Auckland and Canterbury. However, the rest of the main cities and provincial centres are now also increasing in value, although not as quickly as Auckland and Canterbury.”

“As has been the case for several months, there are a low number of properties for sale and low numbers of new listings coming to the market. This continues to constrain choice for buyers, many of who are keen to buy but cannot find a suitable property. When quality properties come onto the market they continue to sell well.”

“Across the country there is a tendency for buyers to be much more cautious in their decision making prior to purchase. They are often looking carefully at market evidence, getting building reports, and seeking valuations on the property.”

Auckland
Values across Auckland continue to increase, up 10.4% over the past year, but there is variability between areas. In the West and on the North Shore values are continuing to increase strongly. In Rodney, old Auckland City and Manukau the rate of increase in the last three months is slower than it has been for the past year in the first signs that the rate of increase may be slowing.

QV Valuer Kerry Stewart said “Overall, there remains a shortage of listings, which is continuing to put pressure on buyers. Auctions are being favoured by sellers and in some cases they are getting multiple bidders going head to head. Many of these buyers are also coming to the auctions fully prepared with all their due diligence done allowing them to put their best foot forward. We are also finding property investors are coming back into the market.”

Other main centres
Outside of Auckland, the main cities are all increasing, although some at a greater rate than others. Over the past year Hamilton is up 4.6%, Wellington 1.7%, Christchurch 7.5% and Dunedin 3.7%. Christchurch has continued to increase the most with a 2.9% increase seen over the past three months.

The only main city that is still trailing behind is Tauranga, where values have been consistently flat. This has left values in Tauranga at exactly the same as this time last year.

QV Valuer Paul Thomas said “Although subdued overall there appears to have been a good level of sales volumes and quite a few sold signs around at the moment. Sellers seem to be more realistic regarding price expectations with agents also now marketing houses without much over inflation. Houses that were previously priced too high have come back onto the market with more realistic expectations in order to sell.”

Provincial centres
Most of the main provincial centres have started increasing in value faster over the past three months. The exceptions are Rotorua, down 1.3% over the past three months and Gisborne, down 1.2%, and Whangerei which is flat. While there is variability across the country, values for the combined rural areas have been steadily increasing over the past 18 months and are up 3.2% over the past year.

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