WATCH: Perspectives Property Report December

I’m Mark Harris from New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty. Welcome to our final Perspectives for 2025. 

After months of recovery signs, October’s REINZ figures show a clear step up in the housing market. Rising sales, faster selling times and activity across all buyer groups are setting us up for a strong summer. And this week’s OCR cut reinforces that trajectory, feeding into the momentum already underway.

Number one: Upward momentum is clear in the market

The latest figures confirm a genuine lift in activity. It reflects what we’re seeing on the ground: more deals being done, price growth returning, and serious buyers showing up in greater numbers.

Number two: Foreign-buyer policy changes remain on the horizon.

The changes have been pushed into the first half of 2026, but offshore interest remains high. The pending changes continue to draw global attention to New Zealand’s top-tier property market.

Number three: The regions are leading the country.

Canterbury, Otago, Northland, Hawke’s Bay and others have shown meaningful uplift recently, with strong open-home attendance and competitive bidding. Lifestyle and provincial areas remain particularly active as buyers prioritise quality of life, space and value.

Number four: The high end of the market is healthy.

Recent standout sales, including 423 Gillespie Place in Acacia Bay and 72 Marine Parade in Herne Bay, show that when truly special properties come to market, serious buyers move decisively.

Two current listings in this tier include Te Arai Estate, a six-bedroom luxury lodge set on 20 acres of native forest on the Mangawhai coast, a true multi-generational retreat. And in Christchurch, 29 Garden Road in Fendalton, one of the city’s most elegant homes, with Oamaru stone, manicured grounds and beautifully refined interiors.

Number five: If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to list.

Vendor activity is rising, and coming to market early gives you a clearer runway before competition builds, while still capturing the current lift in buyer activity.

And if you’re looking for some inspiration over the break, be sure to pick up our final Property Style for the year: the 2026 Interior Edit with Shelley Ferguson, perfect poolside reading this summer.

On behalf of our entire team, thank you for your support throughout 2025. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.